One of the first posts that I wrote for this blog (11 long years ago) was about trench coats. Whether your style is casual or professional, a trench makes a chic addition to your wardrobe. Here are some classic trenches in a selection of price points.
Corner Office
AllSaints Chiara Trench ($458)
Cubicle Farm
Front Desk
Plus-Size
Universal Standard Tirsa Trenchcoat ($160)
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Have a big day ahead? Major hearing? Big trial? The presentation of your life? Gonna be at a conference with that ex? Whatever it happens to be, these are the fashion weapons that get me to the confidence level that I need to be at.
Without question, the most worn item in my wardrobe is a black-and-white striped tee. I wear it in winter under sweaters, in spring with white jeans, in summer with black shorts. I’ve been wearing the same one for years (it’s the best). But they don’t make it anymore. So here are some options for replacement.
When I started this blog, influencers still re-wore clothes. There were no haul videos filled with the latest from Shein before it winds up in a beach in Ghana poisoning the planet. There were no sponsored campaigns delivering fresh wardrobes each month. The content machine doesn’t like reruns.
Have a big day ahead? Major hearing? Big trial? The presentation of your life? Gonna be at a conference with that ex? Whatever it happens to be, these are the fashion weapons that get me to the confidence level that I need to be at.
Without question, the most worn item in my wardrobe is a black-and-white striped tee. I wear it in winter under sweaters, in spring with white jeans, in summer with black shorts. I’ve been wearing the same one for years (it’s the best). But they don’t make it anymore. So here are some options for replacement.
When I started this blog, influencers still re-wore clothes. There were no haul videos filled with the latest from Shein before it winds up in a beach in Ghana poisoning the planet. There were no sponsored campaigns delivering fresh wardrobes each month. The content machine doesn’t like reruns.
When I was young, my Mother used to bring me along when she would go shopping for fabric. As a result, I spent a lot of time, killing time, flipping through pattern books. So when I spotted this dress, I was instantly transported to the pattern table at a Jo-Ann Fabrics.
Thoughts on the Burberry trench as a splurge gift to celebrate a milestone? Do you own one and if not, which would you buy?
I do own one. It didn’t wear as well as I was hoping. Maybe because my dry cleaner isn’t the best. But my best advice is to go to a store and try on a bunch. I thought I’d want a classic stone trench, I ended up in navy with black leather accents.
Hi ! I thought this was great advice – totally took you up on it many years ago. My trench was from London Fog, w/ very cute buttons.
Does anyone else think a trench may not actually work for them?
I get called Harriet the Spy when I wear it. Not sure if it’s b/c of my build, or what. I thought it was fairly tailored and not massive (I’m 5’2, and somewhat petite).
Yes, trenches are not for me either. I don’t think I would get that response (ha!) but most belted coats and menswear inspired looks don’t seem to work for me. I love the look of them on others, but sadly one of those looks I just can’t seem to pull off.
I have an unbelted style, a little bit of an A line, that I think looks better on me than belted versions. Also, I have a long torso and built-in waistlines often don’t hit me at the right spot. Maybe a variation on the style would work for you, too.
I’ve been scouring your blog and others for trench coat recommendations. After 9 years in DC weather, my Chinese laundry trench coat has seen better days, but I’m struggling to find something that doesn’t make me feel so dwarfed/drowning/boxy coat cut. Any recommendations for more petite/short side? 5’4″, would love something hooded.
London Fog makes a petite trench with a hood.
I like the unbelted look – I agree, as a petite-ish person (5’3″) I end up getting very overwhelmed by belted, long coats. It ends up looking like I’m wearing a bathrobe. Somehow, unbelting it makes it look more intentional and chic.