Capsule Wardrobe Pieces: 7 Classic Trench Coats to Shop

My capsule wardrobe series is coming along nicely with the latest piece to invest in: The classic trench coat. Where would the final scene in Breakfast at Tiffany’s be without Holly’s trench coat in the rain…?

As I’ve covered sunglasses, white t-shirts, midi skirts, dark wash jeans and cashmere sweaters already I thought it was about time some outerwear joined the capsule wardrobe party.

Autumn is the perfect time to invest in a classic trench, and although I say “classic”, styles do vary enormously. But I’ve found seven trench coats of different lengths, proportions and colours for you to shop that will suit all shapes, sizes and budgets – I just didn’t realise that there would be so many variations on such a classic style.

As I always say it’s personality that should come first when it comes to buying something to suit your personal style, so take a look at the various trench coats from the following (shown in ascending price order) depending on what suits you best:

There are only a few more pieces I’ll be covering in this series… There are many that I could do but I’m going to cap it at about eight in total – so just two more to go!

ARE YOU THE CLASSIC TRENCH COAT TYPE – AND IF SO WHAT LENGTH AND COLOUR, AND DO YOU GO FOR A LOT OF DETAILS OR CLEAN LINES? TELL ME IN THE COMMENTS!

Best value unstructured trench

1. Jack By BB Dakota Wellington Coat (also available in plum)

I love the soft look of unstructured trench coats: What’s great about this one is that it’s washable (hand wash cold) and a cotton blend. With side pockets, waist tie and back storm flap it has all the classic styling details and has great proportions (rule of thirds, etc.) to create a long-legged silhouette.

 

Best value structured trench

2. Warehouse Clean Belted Trench Coat (also available in navy and black)

If you like the look of a clean style trench, this structured style has no front buttons and looks great done up – I especially love the rounded collars. The cuffs are adjustable and I like the detailing on the shoulders and front storm flap. Really great value for money.

 

Most classic stone colour trench

3. London Fog Double Breasted Trench Coat (regular & petite, also available in black)

The most Breakfast at Tiffany’s of all the trenches in this list, this London Fog coat is the classic stone colour and style we all associate with Audrey Hepburn’s Holly Golightly. All the classic details are here: Button-down storm flap, epaulets, buttoned back vent, button-tab cuffs (everything buttoned, in other words – though strangely, hers didn’t have any buttons and was quite plain). This one is lined and can be machine washed cold.

 

Prettiest alternative colour trench

4. Eliza J Water Repellent Gabardine Trench Coat (also available in black|)

I had to include this one for its perfect soft grey colour, which is quite unusual for a trench coat. The stitched belt is a nice touch, as are the small buttons. Perfect if you want a shorter, smart trench coat with less fussy detailing, plus it’s water-repellant.

 

Classic dark navy trench

5. Hobbs Saskia Trench

This was the smartest dark trench coat I could find – I have a (patterned) Hobbs trench coat myself and the quality is superb. I like the military-style of this one with its smart collar and bold horn-effect double-breasted buttons, though it has a feminine fit to it with that nipped-in waist.

 

Traditional style camel trench

6. Jaeger Classic Trench Coat

A much warmer camel colour than the other trench coats, this is a great longline classic with lovely buckles and button details. It’s got great customer reviews and is obviously one of Jaeger’s core pieces that’s just a beautifully-designed classic.

 

Most stylish short trench

7. Ted Baker London Flared Skirt Trench Coat

This Ted Baker trench may be the most expensive here but it sure does look expensive. The styling is gorgeous – so is the creamy colour – and I’ve shown it unbuttoned as well as buttoned because it looks great both ways. Although it lacks some classic details like epaulets and button-tab cuffs it makes up for it with simple clean lines and perfect proportions.