my post about trench coats...

I’m sure you’ve all heard of those girls - whether real or fictionalized – who can never have too many of the same thing…shoes, handbags, earrings, etc. While I can’t really relate to such fashion obsessions, there is this one item that I am constantly coveting: the trench coat. Perhaps my love for them stems from the fact that the weather in Michigan is so unpredictable. It could also be their classic design and comfortable fit. No matter how gross I feel, when I put on a trench I instantly feel put together. When I pair a trench coat with some nude nylons and low-heels, I easily complete my “signature look.”

The trench coat made its first appearance on the battlefields of World War I. Worn primarily as military gear until the end of the Second World War, the trench coat became fashionable around the middle of the century and has been so ever since. Female style icons such as Audrey Hepburn in Breakfast at Tiffany’s popularized the trench coat as chic outerwear, and fashion houses such as Burberry have cemented the trench coat in the canon of quintessential fashion – making it so that that every woman can pull off a classically cosmopolitan style.  The trench continues to be a favorite of flashers and fashion lovers alike.

I probably own at least a dozen trench coats, and my collection is always growing.  I rely on second hand stores to facilitate my love of trench coats. As I’m sure you know by now, I invariably prefer vintage coats to new ones. However, all personal aesthetic preferences aside, a vintage tag usually means higher quality. Further, since the trench coat is one of those rare clothing items that will never really go out of style, you can wear one from virtually any decade without looking overly retro or costume-y. For example, compare a classic tan trench to a polyester llama trim jacket – which do you think is more practical? 

I get really excited whenever I find a trench coat that fits well since most tend to be too large on me. The other day I was utterly delighted after unwittingly finding this adorable trench coat at Value World. My friend, who was naturally concerned with my monetary well being, told me that I really didn’t really need another one. While she may have a point, I feel that no two trench coats are ever alike and each one lends a unique twist to a classic style. I have compiled a list of my favorite ones in order to prove that you don’t need to pay a lot of money to infinitely enhance any fall or winter wardrobe.    

     $7 at Goodwill. I bought this one in Hibbing, Minnesota. It is conveniently waterproof, and the tag says “Made in Yugoslavia” – which automatically makes it cooler than any other garment in the room.

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     Also $7 at the Hibbing Goodwill. For some reason, this trench coat reminds me of something Catherine Deneuve would wear in Belle de Jour. It fits me perfectly and the classic French tailoring and white piping detail makes me feel very sophisticated, no matter how disheveled I actually am. Good for anytime I want to look “fashionable” – whether I’m riding my bike or heading off to somewhere really high-end.

       

     $5.80 at the Ann Arbor Value World– this jacket’s material reminds me of a space-age eggshell. It’s very sleek and modern, but with a dingy feel to it– sort of like how I imagine New York City was in the early 80s – and has effortlessly stylish feel to it that comes across without trying too hard. It also has a zipper instead of buttons. I took several inches off the bottom and made the shoulders slightly less accentuated so it would look more timeless.

      

     $11.80 at Value World. I love this trench coat because it makes me feel like a 1970s spy. Proof that you can sport a leather trench coat without looking like someone out of The Matrix. Good to wear to a smoky bar, or somewhere else where you want to appear rougher than you really are. It also has a hood which makes it well suited for rainy weather. Also, its grungy feel perfectly compliments any hungover or un-showered look (whether intentional or not).

        

    $6.80 at Value World. This one is my aforementioned purchase; so obviously it is currently my favorite trench coat. It has a hood (which I love…) and the inside and piping is a maroon shade that peaks out around the cuffs and collar. Its stylish puff sleeves make the coat look very sweet and demure. Also a plus: it was made in Romania...