The trench coat hasn't become an iconic piece for fall and winter without suiting most silhouettes and styles.
You can't go wrong with the trench coat.
But the devil is in the details, so here are some points to watch out for when making a purchase:
- The color: Born in the trenches, he was born khaki. And this color has never completely lost its military connotation. We therefore suggest leaving it to the younger ones who find them in surplus stores.
At the other end of the spectrum, we can find the trench coat reinterpreted in a variety of colors. To stick with the basics: beige and camel, a must-have in every wardrobe. Black and navy blue can be tried and reveal some pleasant surprises, but we'll note that the trench coat is an easy way to wear something light without being too daring compared to a coat or jacket.
- The material: Even if it is gabardine that truly established the identity card of the trench coat, today the equation "Trench = gabardine" is not an absolute truth. Wool, leather, and even silk can be the raw material for very beautiful trench coats. Currently, we find at Le beau Gustave a Burberry in leather and a superb vintage Sulka trench coat in silk .
- The shape: Raglan isn't very popular at the moment, and yet, the shoulder pad will give you a more square structure, not necessarily useful if you yourself have the build of a wardrobe.
- Length: For protection against the elements, a trench coat normally falls to the calves. However, be sure to maintain a slim silhouette. No one wins with a lampshade silhouette, there's the belt - which we'll see just below - but it's best to start with a length that suits you.
Passing above the knee, we leave the edges of the trench coat , certainly, but why not if we are well protected at the level of the legs.
- The belt: Final touch, we are fully authorized to play with it. The basic version - pin in the holes, remainder of the belt in the loops is not a fault, despite its somewhat military cachet. But it can happily be challenged: do not necessarily use the pin, and make a knot with the part that remains after knotting, tie the belt in the back - quite practical to also avoid losing it if the knot is strong -, slip the 2 ends into the pockets, replace the belt with a natural or burgundy leather belt.... 80 years ago, Humphrey Bogart himself introduced a little fantasy in the matter.
There are quite a few tutorials on the subject on the Internet, although they are often reserved for women.
- And under your trench coat? Whatever you want!!! This is the third miracle of the trench coat : not only does it transcend eras, it suits everyone (if you choose it well), but it also looks just as good with a jacket as with a sweater or a shirt – perhaps warmed up with a small sleeveless piece of knitwear. The Trench Coat is the basic that forms the basis of your wardrobe.
Beautiful, protective, and versatile, such a treasure is worth its price. When you find this highly durable piece secondhand, you can consider yourself one step closer to the Holy Grail of the perfect closet.
But the most beautiful things sometimes tire, and Le Beau Gustave often has friends who deposit their trench coats. You have a good chance of finding what you're looking for.
Thanks to Wikipedia, Vogue and commeuncamion for their information.
