You stock up on your favorite tees. You have plenty of white button-downs. You own your preferred jeans in multiple washes. But when it comes to a trench, you only need one (a black leather moto jacket is the same in that regard).
There’s a reason that it has stuck around for so long, even a century after its time in the trenches during World War I: It exudes a level of utilitarian cool (thanks to its epaulettes and double-breasted buttons), its water-resistant cotton gabardine material is the perfect weight for awkward in-between temps, and its shape-shifting silhouette (a hybrid of structure and fluidity) gives it the versatility to be worn countless ways.
To that end, we present three new trench-centric styling ideas that go beyond the expected tee-and-jeans combo. Put an athleisure spin on yours with sporty separates, or drag it down off the shoulders to expose a knit layer underneath—just like the Balenciaga runway. Give your classic womens trench coat new life with our brilliant outfits, below.
1. GIVE IT A SPORTY STREAK
Seamlessly transition from working out to running errands with a few fashion swaps: a minimalist army green trench, a hands-free purse, and fresh kicks.
Shop the look:
- Topshop hoodie, $45; topshop.com.
- Etoile Isabel Marant trench coat, $615; net-a-porter.com.
- Tory Sport leggings, $125; torysport.com.
- Mansur Gavriel crossbody bag, $595;
- bergdorfgoodman.com. Veja shoes, $130; garmentory.com.
2. DRAG IT OFF THE SHOULDER
Take a cue from the Balenciaga runway and turn your trench into an off-the-shoulder jacket, dragged down to create an open neckline that you can add to with statement drop earrings and a sleek turtleneck sweater.
Shop the look:
- Uniqlo turtleneck, $20; uniqlo.com.
- Faris earrings, $198; farisfaris.com.
- Zara trench coat, $169; zara.com.
- AMO jeans, $255; modaoperandi.com.
- Madewell clutch, $50; madewell.com.
- Tory Burch booties, $395; toryburch.com.
[ Also Read: How to Choose the Best Coat for Your Body Shape ]
3. SWAP THE BELT
Up the edge by trading the trench’s belt for a black leather one—a new way to break up matching checked separates.
Shop the look:
- Theory top, $345; theory.com.
- Vilanyas trench coat, $65; vilanya.com.
- Theory pants, $365; theory.com.
- H&M belt, $13; hm.com.
- Creatures of Comfort bag, $380; creaturesofcomfort.us.
- VC John Camuto booties, $225; vincecamuto.com.
source: instyle.com
