Few garments survive a century without becoming a costume. The trench coat has done it by staying quietly practical: it keeps off the rain, layers over almost anything and looks better the more it is worn.
This season, the best ones are a little longer and a little looser than before, in stone, olive or a deep navy. Belt it for a sharper shape, or leave it open over knitwear for something more relaxed.
Three ways to wear it:
- Over a white T-shirt, straight jeans and loafers, for every weekday.
- With a grey knit and wide trousers, for the office.
- Over a slip dress and boots, for evenings when the weather cannot decide.
Buy the best one you can afford, and plan to keep it for a decade.
