Springing Forward: The Trench Coat

March is here, technically it is spring and the shops are full of new season stock…but it is still freezing outside and bare ankles feel a distant dream (for me at least). However, it is a good time to take stock and review your wardrobe before you hit the shops so you can shop mindfully and with purpose: identify the gaps as well as looking at what worked well in autumn/winter to ensure you have it covered for the new season ahead.

One of the big things I am always asked about in spring is about layers to take you through this transition – because for most people it is firmly all about the coat for a good while yet. So if you only have dark winter coats – be they puffas/wool – then think about bringing in a bit of lightness or brightness to help put some spring into your wardrobe without compromising on warmth: there is nothing more wintry than a dark coat.

Or …. consider the trench which is the spring cousin to your winter wool coat. For ideas on how to wear yours, then head to my Instagram to see my latest reel with lots of outfit inspiration. I also did another little reel back in the autumn which you can see here

If you are concerned about not being warm enough, then invest in one of these to layer under your trench and indeed your wool coats for that much needed blanket effect. (You can’t see the jacket underneath thanks to the clever little tabs which allow you to pin back the neckline – rocket science it isn’t, but still nonetheless, a great feature).

Ultra Light Down Compact Jacket Uniqlo £49.90  

 

 

And now to the trenches themselves… A longer length, below the knee makes this classic style modern and easier to wear with dresses and skirts as well as trousers and denim (but if you do want a shorter one then Hobbs Saskia £199 is a good bet):

Classic Cotton Trench Coat £189 Massimo Dutti

I often think the deeper camel colour works better so there is more contrast between your skin colour. If you do want to keep it light, however, it does also come in a light beige.

 

 

Mid Season Long Trench Coat £145 La Redoute

This is a bit shorter so if you are petite and feel drowned by the longer styles, then this is a good one to try.

 

 

Double Breasted Trench £79.99 Mango 

This comes in a couple of colours which are a bit cooler than the warmer beiges of a traditional trench.

 

 

Oversize Trench Coat with Pockets £89 Zara

As the name suggests, this is a more voluminous style so not for you if you are after a neater fit.

 

 

Stone Puff Sleeve Trench Coat £49.99 New Look

This is a good one if you are on a budget and also comes in Petite

 

Camel isn’t everyone’s colour so if you find it a bit insipid and that you are getting lost as skin and trench become one, then try a different colour:

Classic Woven Trench £128 Karen Millen

 

 

Trench Coat with Belt £199 Massimo Dutti

 

 

Cotton Classic Trench £69.99 Mango

This is a nice, lighter sage green but does also come in a more traditional light neutral.

 

 

Double Breasted Trench Coat with recycled polyester £55 M&S

This comes in sand and black.

 

 

The traditional, stiff double breasted style will not work for every shape, so if you find this unflattering, try a softer, more fluid style such as this which comes in three different colours – chocolate, mint green, ecru:

Fluid Belt Trench £69.99 Mango

 

 

Tencel Blend Belted LonglineTrench Coat £175 Selected Femme at M&S

The fabric on this trench makes it much more fluid than a traditional cotton style.

 

 

So even if a trench is not your thing, try and inject a bit of lightness into your wardrobe and feel the spring in your step.

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