In Search of a Great Trench

The first time I understood the power of the trench coat was when I saw the movie Sea of Love. You remember it: the steamy, hot-hot scene with Al Pacino and Ellen Barkin.  Then, along came Diane Lane and she really raised the the trench coat bar when she appeared with Richard Gere in Unfaithful. Gorgeous woman have donned trench coats forever.  Think Greta Garbo, Audrey Hepburn, Charlotte Rampling. 

It seems like trench coat styles keep getting reinvented, from the classic, tried-and-true version of a Burberry, to something much more trendy and uninhibited, like the ones from Ann Taylor Loft or Boden. Just as predictable as the weather, the colors may vary from a basic beige, utilitarian coat to ones bursting with color, pattern and detail.  The current  fashion trend for trenches is more sedate with lots of neutrals and hints of femininity like ruffles, a bow and silky fabrics.

A cropped trench with ruffles. Anne Taylor Loft

The front of that cropped fabulous Ann Taylor Loft trench. Isn't the ruffled collar fabulous?

Trench coats originally were designed to protect the troops from the cold and wet elements in World War I – you know, when they were in the trenches.  The war is over, the troops look a little different and the trench lives on.

The allure of what’s under the trench – or what isn’t – still keeps us curious.  Why just the other day, a friend of mine was lamenting what to do for her anniversary and I chimed in, “Honey, greet your husband at the front door in nothin’ but a trench.”

Enough of the fantasy.  Let’s face it, trench coats can be quite practical.  Here’s why:

• They are timeless, with vintage coats in high demand.
• They are versatile enough to throw on over your pj’s to drive your kids to school.
• They are a must when traveling to Europe and are absolutely perfect for Nashville weather.
• They will adjust to your weight gains or losses and still give you a sexy allure.
• Finally, perhaps if I wear one long enough, I too, may look like Ellen and Diane (back to fantasy).

There are lots of great trenches out there and many can be found for just over a $100.  This classic from Burberry is a bit more pricey, but I know many of us have a soft spot for Burberry outerwear.

Burberry Classic Trench $1195.

Here are some of my favorites:

Since Burberry is the company credited with creating the classic, iconic trench, perhaps I should be happier to pay big bucks.  But, the Calvin Klein trench from Nordstroms for just $128 looks mighty tempting.

Calvin Klein Trench from Nordstrom

If you have the classic beige trench in your closet, then consider this one from Boden.  Indigo is a huge color trend.  Stronger this year than usual with denim being found incorporated into everything.  This trench will keep you on trend, but is classic enough to give you years of wear:

At $138, this Boden trench will make you smile each time you wear it. Plus, Boden is having a 15% sale right now. Just google Boden coupon to redeem.

It is amazing that you can even find a great trench at Victoria’s Secret. Victoria’s Secret continues to amaze me, from classic white shirts to sexy lingerie, they have it all.

The trench below is classic yet so sultry with its zippers and rounded collar. It doesn’t hurt either that the model is 5’11″ and gorgeous.

Trench from Victoria's Secret on sale for $89

My vote says buy yourself a trench and don’t even wait for the rain to wear it.

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