6 Reasons to Love a Trench Coat

3. Span the seasons

When the weather is changeable, a trench coat makes the perfect topper and ideal travel companion. If it’s chilly, I sometimes layer a lightweight one over a faux-fur vest and belt it tightly. On a spring day, I might leave it unbuttoned and tie the belt casually in back. In summer, I pack the navy linen one for beach weekends. A well-made, waterproof trench will take you through all 12 months of the year.

4. Can be worn so many ways

Belted at the middle, a trench works with almost any underpinning — wide-leg trousers, slim capris, flared jeans, joggers, a pencil skirt or a full pleated one — because it defines your waist. In contrast, a boxy coat isn’t as versatile; it’s difficult to get the correct proportion with various skirt lengths, pants widths and shoes.

(Left to right) Cos Double-Breasted Trench Coat in Navy; Old Navy Double-Breasted Tie-Belt Trench Coat for Women in In the Navy; Loft Double Breasted Trench Coat in Desert Dune

COS; Old Navy; LOFT

Worn over a monochromatic base, such as a black turtleneck and slim trousers, a classic trench — like the Cos Double-Breasted Trench Coat in Navy ($285, cos.com/en_usd/) — is oh-so-chic. Old Navy’s Double-Breasted Tie-Belt Trench Coat for Women in In the Navy ($90, oldnavy.com) or Loft’s Double Breasted Trench Coat in Desert Dune ($126, loft.com) pulls the whole look together in a slightly jet-set, Jackie O way. The coat pairs well with boots, pointy-toed heels or flats, loafers or sneakers. (Oversize sunglasses optional!)

(Left to right) Lane Bryant Faux-Leather Trench Coat in Maritime Blue; MarkhorLive Womens Luna Genuine Lambskin Leather Long Trench Coat in Black; Elie Tahari Vegan Leather Trench in Saddle

Lane Bryant; MarkhorLive; Elie Tahari

In leather, such as Elie Tahari’s Vegan Leather Trench in Saddle ($255, elietahari.com), MarkhorLive’s Womens Luna Genuine Lambskin Leather Long Trench Coat in Black ($230, markhorlive.com) or Lane Bryant’s Faux-Leather Trench Coat in Maritime Blue ($220, lanebryant.com), a trench can cop you a cool, ’70s Shaft-like vibe — think Pam Grier! — and looks fantastic with wide-leg jeans, stacked-heel boots or platforms.

(Left to right) Kohl’s Women’s Fleet Street Zebra-Print Long Trench Coat; J.Crew Collection Trench Coat in Laminated Linen in Indigo; LBV Metallic Vegan Leather Trench Coat in Gold

Kohl's; J.Crew; LBV

A trench in a wild color or print, such as J.Crew’s Collection Trench Coat in Laminated Linen in Indigo ($398, jcrew.com), LBV’s Metallic Vegan Leather Trench Coat in Gold ($198, lbv.com) or Kohl’s Women’s Fleet Street Zebra-Print Long Trench Coat ($107, kohls.com), can jazz up most of your basics, effortlessly. You can be all business by wearing a trench over a sheath dress and heels or totally rock ’n’ roll by pairing it with black leather pants. Honestly, you can even wear it over your pajamas when walking the dog.

5. Come in all sizes — and for any budget!

Like the famously figure-friendly wrap dress, the trench’s secret weapon is that it’s adjustable. Belt it as tightly or as loosely as you want. And as with all clothing purchases, buy the best you can afford, whether you shop at Burberry or Amazon. When you factor in the cost per wear, you won’t regret it.

6. Work beautifully for day and evening

(Left to right) Trina Turk South Trench Coat in Moonstone; Forever 21 Satin Double-Breasted Trench Coat in Gray; Lattelier Double-Breasted Trench Coat in Burgundy

Trina Turk; Forever 21; Lattelier

I have had my black satin trench for over 25 years. When I was a fashion magazine editor, I had to attend a lot of galas. Now that I’m retired, I still wear it to formal weddings and parties. It was worth every penny! Here are three current satin favorites: a blush beauty from Trina Turk, the South Trench Coat in Moonstone ($490, trinaturk.com), Lattelier’s Double-Breasted Trenchcoat in Burgundy ($279, lattelierstore.com), which is bold and beautiful; and a steal from Forever 21, the Satin Double-Breasted Trench Coat in Gray ($55, forever21.com).  

But you can wear your daytime trench in the evening too. I love how they look over cocktail dresses, evening separates or even a gown. It’s similar, in a way, to a tuxedo jacket — as if a dashing man was chivalrous enough to lend you his coat when you caught a chill. (Maybe I’ve watched too many old movies?) Wear it tossed over your shoulders, with red lipstick — and abandon.

So now we have come to the end of this fashion love story. May you and your new trench coat live happily ever after — and may you always celebrate your age and style.