Well its’ definitely April and we’re most definitely having April showers. It’s the time of the year where it’s not quite cold enough to wear a coat but is the perfect weather for a trench coat. The invention of trench despite looking so chic and Parisian is actually claimed by two luxury British clothing manufacturers: Acuascutum and of course Burberry. The name itself comes from it’s origins as a light waterproof coat used by British troops in the trenches during WW1… Well that’s the history done, what does a trench coat mean to us today?
As a Personal Stylist I class the ‘Trench’ as a must have staple in every woman’s wardrobe and whilst doing a wardrobe consultation, I always ask if my client owns one. More often than not they do, but generally I can’t say I’m overly impressed with their choice. A trench coat should look crisp and sharp and should fit like a glove but because so many of them are in a cotton fabric, they often look shapeless and creased as if it’s been put in the wash and left out to dry!
SS18 has totally revitalised the Trench, giving the generally classic item a facelift. This season you’ll be able to buy a trench coat in every colour with lots of added detailing, feathers, zips, belts, prints, in every fabric from cotton to plastic! But as this such a staple item, something you’ll want to wear a lot of I insist you buy one in yourseason’s statement colour, be in hot pink or even electric blue, don’t waste your money on a trench coat just because you like the colour buy it because it’s one of yourmost flattering colours; that way when you make your grand entrance people will do a double take simply because you look fantastic not because the colour is over powering you!
Even if you want to go for classic colour, work out with your colour analyst what your right neutral is, is it beige, stone or camel? – With so much fabric against you, the right nude will make a big impact…
Then there’s the question, should you buy double or single breasted, should you belt it to emphasise a well defined waist or buy one in more of a duster coat style? My advice would be to book a session with one of my Style ME stylists who will not only educate you on why you should buy the style she recommends but will find you one in the stores that’s perfect for your budget, one that compliments you so well you really won’t want to take it off!