Overview
#TrenchCoatTrend marks the resurgence of the classic trench coat from basic outerwear to fashion statement piece. Both timeless Burberry-style trenches and oversized, contemporary versions became wardrobe essentials, symbolizing effortless sophistication and transitional season dressing.
Classic Trench Origins
Historical Background:
- Invented for British WWI soldiers (Burberry, Aquascutum)
- Double-breasted design
- Belted waist
- Epaulettes and storm flap
- Waterproof gabardine fabric
- Beige/tan color (iconic)
20th Century Status:
- Film noir detectives
- Audrey Hepburn in “Breakfast at Tiffany’s”
- Corporate power dressing (1980s-90s)
- Never fully out of style, but not trending
2019 Resurgence
Why Trenches Came Back:
- Minimalism movement: Classic, timeless pieces
- Quiet luxury: Understated elegance
- Old money aesthetic: Traditional, refined
- French girl style: Effortless chic
- Transitional weather: Perfect spring/fall layer
Silhouette Variations
Classic Trench:
- Burberry-style
- Knee-length
- Fitted waist with belt
- Beige, navy, black
- Traditional details intact
Oversized Trench:
- Dropped shoulders
- Longer length (mid-calf or ankle)
- Boyfriend fit
- Slouchy, relaxed
- Often worn open (no belt)
Cropped Trench:
- Hits at waist or hip
- Boxy silhouette
- More fashion-forward
- Spring styling
Key Brands
Luxury/Investment:
- Burberry: $1,800-$3,000 (the original)
- The Row: $3,000+ (quiet luxury)
- Max Mara: $1,500+ (Italian elegance)
- Toteme: $800-1,200 (Scandi minimalism)
- Frankie Shop: $300-600 (oversized aesthetic)
Accessible:
- Everlane: $250-350 (sustainable classic)
- & Other Stories: $150-250 (stylish, affordable)
- Mango: $100-200 (trend versions)
- Zara: $80-150 (fast fashion takes)
- Banana Republic: $150-300 (classic American)
Styling Evolution
2019-2020: Classic Styling
- Belted at waist
- Over tailored pants and blouses
- Traditional, polished
2021-2022: Oversized Era
- Worn open, no belt
- Over jeans and sneakers
- Slouchy, casual-cool
- Dropped shoulders exaggerated
2023: Mix of Both
- Sometimes belted, sometimes not
- Layered over everything from dresses to sweats
- Personal style dictates
Color Trends
Classic Colors:
- Beige/camel (timeless)
- Navy (professional)
- Black (versatile)
- Khaki (military-inspired)
Contemporary Colors:
- White/cream (spring)
- Olive green (2021-2022)
- Gray (neutral option)
- Bold colors (red, electric blue) for statement
Celebrity Moments
Style Icons:
- Meghan Markle: Classic beige trench (Burberry)
- Kate Middleton: Navy trench coats
- EmRata (Emily Ratajkowski): Oversized, undone
- Jennifer Aniston: Always in classic trenches
- Victoria Beckham: Tailored, elegant versions
Old Money Aesthetic
Why Trenches Fit:
- Timeless, not trendy
- Expensive-looking even when not
- Classic Burberry = heritage
- Quiet sophistication
- “I’ve had this for years” energy
The Burberry Factor
Iconic Status:
- Check lining (instantly recognizable)
- Heritage brand (founded 1856)
- Royal Warrants
- £1,800-£2,500 investment piece
- Resale value holds
Dupes & Alternatives:
- “Burberry-inspired” everywhere
- Check lining knocked off
- Similar silhouettes at fraction of price
Trench as Investment Piece
Why Worth It:
- Wears for decades
- Classic never dates
- Versatile (seasons, occasions)
- Quality construction
- Resale value
Budget Considerations:
- Vintage Burberry often cheaper than new
- Mid-range brands offer longevity
- Cost-per-wear justifies investment
Seasonal Timing
Perfect Transitional Coat:
- Spring: Over lighter layers
- Fall: Layered with sweaters
- Not too heavy, not too light
- Waterproof for rain
Less Ideal:
- Summer (too hot)
- Deep winter (not warm enough)
TikTok Styling Videos
Popular Content:
- “How to style a trench coat”
- Classic vs oversized comparisons
- Budget trench hauls
- “Old money outfit” tutorials
- Trench + sneakers (high-low mix)
The Frankie Shop Effect
Oversized Trench Explosion:
- Frankie Shop Oversized Trench ($345) went viral
- Sold out constantly 2020-2022
- Copied by every brand
- Defined contemporary trench aesthetic
Gender-Neutral Appeal
Why It Works:
- Originally menswear-inspired
- Oversized fits everyone
- Shared wardrobes
- No gendered styling required
Trench Dress Hybrid
2021-2022 Micro-Trend:
- Trench coat as dress (no pants)
- Belted at waist
- Thigh-high boots
- Risky but editorial
Professional Styling
Office-Appropriate:
- Still acceptable corporate wear
- Elevates any outfit
- Weather-appropriate
- Classic professionalism
Unlike trendy pieces, HR can’t object.
Sustainability Angle
Buy Once, Wear Forever:
- Anti-fast-fashion
- Quality investment
- Vintage market thriving
- Repair/tailor vs replace
Material Variations
Fabric Options:
- Gabardine: Traditional, waterproof
- Cotton twill: Lighter, breathable
- Leather: Edgy, expensive
- Faux leather: Vegan option
- Vinyl/PVC: Shiny, fashion-forward
Longevity Prediction
Trench Staying Power:
- Classic version never truly out
- Oversized may cycle but won’t disappear
- Investment piece status secure
- Generational hand-me-down potential