The Timeless Trench: Your Perfect Partner for Cashmere Layers
The trench coat. An icon of style, a wardrobe essential, and the perfect partner for the luxurious comfort of cashmere. At Wear With, we understand the enduring appeal of this classic garment, especially when paired with the unparalleled softness of our 100% pure cashmere and our love of all things Quiet Luxury.
We are eagerly looking to ditch our Winter Coats and what better way to embrace Spring than don our Trench Coats?
A History of Style and Function
Two quintessential British brands claim the Trench Coat - Aquascutum claim it as their as far back as the 1850's, with Thomas Burberry claiming they patented the gabardine fabric in 1879. Charles Mackintosh developed coats out of the rubberised cotton originally in 1824 and it became known as “the Mac”.
It was only during in World War 1 that the gabardine material coat got its final name, when it was used as an alternative to the heavy wool coats that wore the wearer down in the muddy, wet trenches, and was adapted to incorporate shoulder straps/epaulettes so the wearer could display their stripes/rank.
The Trench Coat has risen to its current iconic status with the help of some Hollywood stars over the years – Humphrey Bogart in Casablanca, Audrey Hepburn at the end of Breakfast at Tiffanys in her Burberry Trench Coat (which sold at Auction in 2017 for £68,750!!), Meryl Streep in Kramer Vs Kramer – have a look at a few more here.
Subsequently the trench coat as become a Spring Wardrobe staple, though I have to confess it does not keep me warm and as someone who is as scared of being cold as being burnt alive, I still need my cashmere sweaters and scarves as backup. I have 2 trench coats and I’ll do my best to get use out of them, one is 19 years old (single breasted cotton), one is 9 years old (camel coloured, short, trench coat fabric), neither have or will age or look out of date, and whilst they are not as worn as my other coats, they’ll definitely reach their #30wears (albeint over 30 years), for me they are accessories more than necessities.
Navigating Transitional Seasons
As seasons shift, dressing becomes a nuanced endeavor. The trench coat emerges as an ideal solution for these transitional periods. Its lightweight yet protective design makes it perfect for layering over various outfits, providing warmth without bulk. Whether paired with a cashmere rollneck during cooler months or draped over a summer dress, the trench adapts seamlessly, ensuring style and comfort year-round
The Trench Today: Versatility and Timelessness
So whilst I love the look of the Trench when I see people wearing it – with a white t shirt, vintage 501’s and converse, I will never rely on my Trench alone, I’ll always have my cashmere sweater, whether as a scarf (shrobing) or under my trench.
The Art of Shrobing with Cashmere
"Shrobing," the practice of draping a sweater over the shoulders, has re-emerged as a chic styling technique. This approach not only adds a layer of warmth but also introduces a relaxed elegance to any ensemble. WearWith's featherlight cashmere sweaters are particularly suited for shrobing. Their soft texture and refined appearance make them an effortless addition, ensuring you remain cosy and stylish, whether indoors or out.
HOW TO STYLE YOUR TRENCH COAT
Whether you're dressing for work, a weekend brunch, or a casual outing, the trench coat’s versatility makes it a staple in many stylish wardrobes. Here are a few tips for styling your trench coat:
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Classic and Elegant: Pair your trench coat with a simple black dress and ballet flats by day (Audrey Hspburn) and courts by night. This creates a polished, sophisticated look perfect for office meetings or dinner dates.
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Casual Chic: For a more laid-back outfit, throw your trench coat over a cashmere sweater and skinny jeans.
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Add loafers or white sneakers for a relaxed yet fashionable ensemble.
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Layer with Textures: For colder months, layer your trench with a cashmere scarf or wool sweater. This not only adds warmth but also enhances the texture contrast between the sleek coat and soft materials.
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Trench with Tailored Pieces: Keep it sharp by pairing your trench coat with
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Tailored trousers and a fitted blouse. This look works well for business casual settings or when you want to feel put-together without overdoing it.
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Play with Colour and Print: While beige and khaki are the traditional trench coat colors, don’t shy away from incorporating trench coats in bold hues or with patterns. A navy blue trench or a plaid print adds a fun twist while maintaining that classic silhouette.
FURTHER READING & INSPIRATION
If you'd like to read more about the history of the Trench Coat, there's a great article in the Smithsonian (linked here).
A Selection of this Season’s Trench Coats can be found here –
- https://www.vogue.com/article/best-trench-coats-for-women
- https://wardrobeicons.com/product-category/07-outerwear/trench-coat/
- https://nymag.com/strategist/article/best-trench-coats-for-women.html
- And there are some amazing style ideas here for your Trench Coat - https://www.vogue.co.uk/gallery/how-to-wear-a-trenchcoat-styling-tips
Explore WearWith's Collection
Elevate your wardrobe with timeless pieces that blend tradition and modernity. Discover our range of trench coats and cashmere essentials designed for every season.
