How to Style the Ever-Versatile Trench Coat

In association with Isabella's Wardrobe, Glasgow

Much as I try to deny it, summer is fading fast and, as fall looms ever-larger, my thoughts inevitably turn to autumn/winter wear... Any fashionista will tell you A/W is the serious section of the sartorial calendar, but with temperatures still clinging to the low 20s Celcius, reaching for the winter woollies and parkas is still horribly premature. 

Enter that most "fashun" of fashion terms: the transitional (or trans-seasonal) piece. Just as it says on the tin, these are clever, light-layering options that will literally take you across the seasons, from summer to autumn, or even winter to spring. And if there's one trans-seasonal piece to buy now, it's a trench coat.

In the Trenches

This Burberry trench, in rich raspberry pink, will brighten even the dreichest (non-Scots please read: dreariest) of wet Wednesdays. Here are 3 ways to style this versatile piece... but believe me, there are lots more besides.

Look 1: Dress it up!

This trench is super-light with a white airtex lining. The funky pink makes it fun and dressy enough for a smart lunch or informal dinner, and by layering over a lighter pink, and keeping accessories fresh in white to echo the buttons and buckles, a late-summer downpour needn't mean date-night disaster!

~ CLICK TO SHOP ~

Look 2: Casual Friday

Boyfriend jeans, Converse and a long-sleeved t-shirt... what could be comfier for a weekend of errand-running or brunching with friends? I've picked out the pink in my Converse, belt and earrings, but a plain, white sneaker would look equally fresh. There's not much more to say about this - it's a styling no-brainer! Rainbows optional, of course!

Look 3: Smartie Pants!

A smart look for the office or a city stroll will lend itself perfectly to the addition of a lightweight trench coat when there's a chance of a shower. Here, I'm getting ready for one of A/W18's biggest trends - double-coating! Having tried it last winter, the important thing is to ensure that the coat underneath has narrow sleeves and the one on top, generously cut ones!

Maybe you want to dip your toe into this trend.  Here's the ideal way to try it - a chic, short jacket beneath a loose, lightweight trench. Clearly I'm playing with layers, stripes and colour in this look. You needn't go quite so bold, if it's not your thing. The point is, a lightweight, brightly-coloured Mac will work beautifully with monochrome - one of the easiest colour ways to style.

~ Style Notes ~

~ It's a Cinch ~

The key to wearing a belted coat is to ensure the waist is tightly (but comfortably) cinched, and the resultant gathering, distributed towards the back. I can't emphasise this enough - unless you have literally no hips, the gathers will add bulk where you might not want it, however, when the gathering is pulled towards the back, it will skim your butt neatly and avoid adding bulk to your hips.

~ All Buttoned Up ~

While it's a rare occasion that I'd be bothered to button a raincoat all the way up, I felt it important to show all the features of the coat and so here it is - the fully buttoned-up effect! I actually like it better than I thought I would, in fact, I'd almost wear it this way as a shirt dress - the fabric is light enough for it!

So there you have it - one Mac, styled three ways. All that remains is to vote for your favourite look in the comments!

Thanks

Nx