The Essentials: Trenchcoats for Everyone
Mar 23, 2017
One of my favorite things about the early days of spring is that it presents plenty of opportunities to wear my favorite trenchcoat. There’s just something about putting it on, this feeling like my look is complete. Structured, chic, with a nice mix of masculinity and feminine sophistication, the trenchcoat is the only reason to like the chilly weather of March.
To style your trench, take a page out of the blogger handbook. You can push up the sleeves, and leave it open for a casual look. Drape it over your shoulders for a bit of glamour. Or belt it snugly to show off the structure. You can even master the perfect way to tie the belt. But let’s not get ahead of ourselves, before we style a trench, we have to find the perfect one. Here are the ten best trenchcoats in different size types and price points.
London Fog Double Breasted Trench ($158, also in petite and plus)
This is one of my favorites. In my opinion, it’s the best trenchcoat for the money.
Michael Kors Hooded Trench Coat ($149)
Banana Republic Classic Trench ($198)
Burberry Sandringham Trench ($2,795)
Belted Elvi Plus Size Trench ($239)
Ted Baker Macintosh Trench Coat ($465)
Calvin Klein Water-Resistant Belted Trench ($99)
Club Monaco Ellayne Trench Coat ($298)
Michael Kors Plus Size Drape Trench ($179)
Hi Belle! I recently bought a vintage Burberry trenchcoat and I love it, except the sleeves are too big. Would having them altered ruin the look of the coat? Thanks!
Several lovely choices. Though I cannot understand why designers insist on making the majority of trench coats with no hood. I’m not sure I’d ever buy another trench coat without one.
I disagree, I hate wearing hoods so much! A nice compromise is trenches that come with removable hoods – I can get behind that.
Detachable hoods are fine, if you know it isn’t going to rain that day. But I don’t understand the purpose of a “raincoat” without a hood — then you just own a jacket. Perhaps it’s my city commuter life talking. (I hate carrying umbrellas, and I even more so hate how dangerous they can be on crowded streets.)
Agreed! I live in Seattle, where it’s pretty much always raining a little, but not enough to use an umbrella without looking insane. All my hoodless jackets are headed to Poshmark!
I live in DC and commute by public transportation. I hate carrying umbrellas back and forth every day just in case I get caught in a rain shower. And, as I said above, I even more so hate worrying my eye will get poked out by an umbrella on a busy sidewalk. Not to mention that hoods are much more functional in misty rain than umbrellas are. I have some raincoats without hoods, but I almost never wear them because they aren’t as functional. Nowadays, if I see a raincoat that doesn’t have a hood (detachable is fine), I keep looking. (Which is unfortunate, because so many of them are otherwise so attractive!)
I’ve had the BR Classic Trench going on 8 years, it’s held up remarkably well and remains one of my favorite spring transition pieces. But – it has started to fade a bit. Has anyone had any success re-dyeing a trench coat?
Just purchased the BR Classic Trench (Petite) during the last Friends & Family sale – very pleased with the quality, especially for ~$97!
The Lands End trench is FANTASTIC, and it comes in multiple colors. I have the emerald green trench, and I’m looking to pick up the classic khaki trench this spring. Also comes in plus sizes.
I bought the BR classic trench in the beige a couple of years ago and I love it. It even has a removable liner. A few weeks ago I bought the blush coloured trench, and I love it just as much! You can’t go wrong for the price. I got both mine for 40% off.
Great post! I have a Coach trench coat that I love. However, I realized that sometime in the past month, the belt fell off! Does anyone have any suggestions for replacing a trench coat belt?
A tailor could probably make you a replacement belt. Or you could buy a cheaper coat at a consignment shop and try to match up a belt colorwise.
I just got a gorgeous trench from Brooks Brothers. It has a removable lining, so it’s good for both chilly days and less chilly days. Highly recommend!
This is timely, and I am thrilled about your endorsement of the London Fog…because that very one has been in my cart since Sunday. Perhaps that’s a sign for me to pull the trigger.
For practicality’s sake, though, I’m considering one with a detachable hood and/or liner (though hood is more important than liner). As much as I want it to be stylish, I want my hair to be as protected as my clothes.
I loooooove my London Fog trench so much. I’ve had it for nearly 7 years and it’s still going strong. The best part is the removable flannel lining!
Anyone know of a nice beltless trenchcoat that comes with a removable lining?