Six ways to style a trench coat

Trench coats for spring… groundbreaking. But who cares if I’m being basic and obvious? Trench coats are the perfect outerwear at this time of year and there’s so much choice this season that I feel the need to revisit this perennial classic. Plus it’s an excuse for a few photos of excellent film stars wearing them. Babs AND Rob for starters…

First up, I must tell you: don’t get put off by the belt. No one ever really belts their trench coat these days, it’s just a feature that you need to work with. Ideally, simply tie the belt in a knot around the back. It gives your coat a little more shape, gets it out of the way and makes you look good from the back (not something I hear myself saying that often). I tend to buy my coats on the larger side so they are suitable for layering. Wear now with your chunky sweaters or layer over a denim jacket. Wear later with less underneath. Easy.

There is definitely a style out there for everyone. I know I say that every week, but it’s particularly true here. You don’t need to spend a fortune on a trench either. I know Burberry is pure goals, and it’s the ultimate, but the high street really does have a great range this year. I have one trench that I got in the sale from M&S back in 2016. It’s olive green from the Alexa Chung range, and I think I got it for the grand total of £28! But it’s kind of knee length, so I think the time may have come to add a longer length one to my wardrobe. In which case, once again, this post is as much for me as it is for you.

I’m still searching for the perfect pair of vintage-style, knee-length ruched boots à la Meryl in ‘Kramer v Kramer’, by the way. They are the holy grail of boots, but I can’t find the right pair with heels that aren’t too high, round toes, and wide enough to stuff my calves into. The quest goes on, but in the meantime let’s have a look at some trench-coat-based outfits to inspire our sartorial choices this week.

A BIT OF MERYL

I’m thinking a denim midi-skirt, knee boots, a 70s-style shirt and the most vintage Gucci bag possible without it actually being from Gucci. A Liberty neckerchief would be the perfect accessory to top it all off. Denim skirts seem to be having a moment again this year. I used to make my own denim skirts by unpicking the leg inseam of an old pair of jeans and then sewing the back two seams together. Might have to bust out the sewing machine again. I’ll leave the bedazzler, though. Rhinestones are not currently making such a comeback.

1. Joanie Velma dagger collar cream blouse

2. La Redoute horsebit tan handbag

3. Liberty London peacock garden silk twill scarf

4. Mango midi denim skirt

5. Boden block heel suede knee boots

6. Weekday Evelyn relaxed lyocell trench coat

WITH CLASSIC KHAKI CHINOS

Love a classic pair of khakis with a trench. Or with anything, actually. Khaki is one of those hues that goes with so many other colours, which makes it an excellent outfit base from which to build on. I might have to do a whole blog on that soon. Also, if at this point you’re thinking ‘Why am I reading this? I don’t even like trench coats’, don’t panic, as next week I will do ‘spring jackets that aren’t trench coats’ just for you. Humour me for this week, please.

1. H&M oversized striped shirt

2. A. Kjaerbede green Billy sunglasses

3. H&M windproof double breasted trench coat

4. COS pleated barrel leg chinos

5. Hopeful London Soho embossed leather tote bag

6. Arket leather penny loafers

THE NEW NEUTRALS

Birkenstocks are not going anywhere this year, in particular the suede Boston clogs that I’ve seen people literally queuing round the block to buy from the Birkenstock shop on Carnaby Street. Time was people queued to get into clubs like the Milk Bar, bravely hoping all the way that the stern lady on the door would look you up and down and briskly usher you in, instead of giving you a side eye and whispering ‘Not tonight, love’. These days we are queuing to buy orthopaedic shoes. How times have changed. To be fair, I’d take comfortable shoes over trendy nightclubs any day of the week now. Side note: If you are tall and looking for a long trench then this one from Aligne could be a winner for you.

1. Ganni Smiley T Shirt

2. Arket Alpaca blend jumper

3. H&M wide leg cargo trousers

4. BB + DD Smiley stripe tote bag

5. Aligne Gilda maxi trench coat

6. Birkenstock Boston suede clogs

CLASSIC WITH A POP OF RED

Another classic – some may say boring – look. I am not one of those ‘some people’ as I think a Breton jumper, jeans and a trench is timeless and, therefore, will always be cool. For a bit of interest, add a couple of red accents. Red and khaki go particularly well together.

1. & Other Stories boxy stripe jumper

2. Monica Vinader diamond friendship bracelet (use code KATEMD25 for 25% off)

3. The Outnet Ganni cotton blend trench coat

4. Raey ‘Dad’ boyfriend organic cotton jeans (size down!)

5. Ganni animal print straw basket bag

6. John Lewis Henrietta T bar Mary Jane flats

ALL BLACK (AND GREEN)

Wide-leg trousers, black sweatshirt, trainers and a trench? Yes please, and thank you, that will do me nicely. I think of all the trenches featured this week, this one from Hush is probably my favourite. Nicely unstructured, perfect colour and good fabric, something you can just throw over pretty much any outfit. You need to think of a trench coat less as a ‘trench’ and more as a lightweight coat that you can wear in the spring and summer. Does that make sense?

1. Rotate Sunday iris crew neck sweatshirt

2. Monica Vinader mini huggie onyx hoops (use code KATEMD25 for 25% off)

3. Hush Iona belted trench coat

4. COS wide leg tailored trousers

5. Becksondergaard green woven shoulder bag

6. Veja Rio Branco green trainers

WHITE JEANS, BECAUSE IT’S OFFICIALLY SPRING

March 1st is the official (calendar) start of spring. Not that you’d know it this past week. It’s been bloody freezing, and that tan I worked so hard on during our holiday is but a fleeting memory. But we know that better days are coming, and when it comes to better days you’re allowed to bust out those white or (as I prefer) cream jeans or trousers to wear with your trench. Just don’t wear them when walking the dog or around small, grubby children. You have been warned.