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THE ULTIMATE TRENCH COAT STYLING GUIDE

How to buy less, choose well and style your new favourite trench so you'll always love it.

08.01.2020

By Naomi Barling

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Photography I DANIEL Archer

styling I naomi barling

The trench coat may be a longstanding wardrobe staple, but the word ‘basic’ is out of place here. This season, oversized and printed styles have had a moment, while Riccardo Tisci presented classics-with-a-twist at Burberry. Let BURO. be your guide to how to style your trench this season – and invest in an option that will last.

THE TRENCH COAT

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BURO. STYLING TIPS OF THE SEASON.

1

The trench is going to hang on your coat rack for years to come, so investing in one that suits your everyday needs is wise. Colour is always key. If you’re a maximalist, then a printed option will just add to those layers of contrasting prints. An oversized option is ideal for all those who don’t mind going a bit MOD and love their tailoring; the combo is the holy grail of androgynous dressing. A slightly more fitted option will work over all your work outfits - just tie the belt to add some shape. Just remember, don’t get side-tracked by what styles are trending, this piece needs to fit your wardrobe for seasons to come.

2

Thanks to their unrivalled versatility, the trench coat has long been regarded as a trans-seasonal staple, so designers have been savvy in attempting to combine the need for everyday practicality with avant-guard detail. Look to The Row for voluminous silhouettes and serious investment pieces, Staud for souped-up prints and Burberry for deconstructed pieces. If you want to take the adventurous route, Rains has PVC high gloss trenches ideal for the after-party look, or to simply jazz up a casual day look.

3

Style your trench by layering with a roll neck and a full tailored suit to beat the cold. Tie a printed option over a tonal outfit or clash with a printed dress for maximum impact. If you want to tone the look down, play with textures and tonal print instead. Mix a PVC trench with a chunky knit, some masculine pants and if you’re going for the beige game, pair with some snakeskin boots.

How are you wearing your trench this season?

“Trench coats are not just practical for the rain but also a no brainer when it comes to lazy and practical dressing. This season, its classic beige and oversized to throw over all my tailoring and winter dresses. Currently to beat the cold I have been layering dresses over trousers and a second skin roll neck. I then wear with a blazer and my trench to top it off. Layering always adds some personality, and if I am still chilly a blanket scarf can sort that out.”

NAOMI BARLING, BURO. FASHION EDITOR