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The trench coat dates back to the First World War, when British and French army soldiers needed lighter, more durable outerwear on the front lines. Two legendary British fashion houses, Burberry and Aquascutum, have laid claim to its invention; the former developed the coat’s signature gabardine fabric in 1879. Despite its utilitarian beginnings, the trench, especially in Britain, has over decades morphed into a wardrobe staple and a signifier of chic style. Though it is the epitome of a timeless garment, the coat managed to make more than one standout street style cameo at London Fashion Week this season, looking wholly modern all the while.
The trench was spotted on showgoers in a range of silhouettes, colors, and textures. There were oversize coats with big balloon sleeves, some made of red PVC, and others cut from minimal black leather. And yes, there was one classic Burberry trench, lined with the brand’s storied check pattern. This time however, it was worn with a mini and platform boots, not a pair of Wellies or military attire. That’s the magic of the trench: it can be dressed up or dressed down, and span any era.
Here, five ways to wear a traditional trench with a touch of cool.
