The Timelessly Stylish Trench Coat

The trench coat is the one wardrobe staple for guys and girls that has timeless style and defies seasonal trends. Invented back in 1914 by Burberry, practical, simple and effortlessly sophisticated, the trench coat allows you to add an instant element of chic to seasonal pieces, works beautifully when teamed with vibrant accessories in addition to smartening up a casual look.

The trench coat is the one must-have cover up that has been seen on all the catwalks and easily transcends from autumn/winter through to spring/summer. Tie up the trench to create a beautiful silhouette and emphasise curves or wear undone and loose for a more laid style.

For 2010 the trench coat in addition to being prominent in all its classic glory, has also been reinvented and we can now see candy coloured trench coats in striking pink and blue tones in addition to edgier leather trench coats which create an effective contrast to a feminine ensemble. Shorter trench coats with cropped sleeves are also perfect for spring/summer and still create that sophisticated edge to a casual look.

Our featured HYPEED members show an array of ways to work the trench coat ranging from Rainbow & Fairydust’s contemporary candy pink and super feminine trench with exaggerated shoulders and bow detailing at the back, to Carmen T’s classic trench used to compliment a summery and high trend outfit. Read on to see how our featured HYPEED members incorporate theirs into their everyday look.

Rainy days have never been so stylish!

The Timessly Stylish Trench Coat

A super chic and feminine candy pink tone works perfectly when teamed with summer inspired colours including white and blue. The exaggerated collar, ruched shoulders and the bow at the back of the coat injects a polished but flirty and sassy finish to the trench coat trend.

Our cover girl Clare, a.k.a Rainbows & Fairydust has creatively demonstrated how the trench coat has been revamped and reinvented with a pop of colour for spring/summer 2010.

Team with bold accessories for a statement finish...

The bow detailing adds a super feminine touch!

The perfect and practical spring wardrobe staple, Shonwer shows how a shorter version of the trench coat can instantly smarten up a casual ensemble and looks fantastic when teamed with a combination of current and vintage pieces...

"... I love the trench, because it’s suitable with all styles; whatever you put on, trench results perfect! In fact for the outfit, I wore the beige Sisley Trench with skinny Cheap Monday Jeans and Baldini Lace Up Shoes with a touch of Vintage thanks to the sunglasses and the watch. The rain contributed to valorize the trench’s role."

Fashionista Andy T. wears her classic trench coat to compliment and add a polished finish to current high trend pieces including floral print trousers, laced wedges and statement accessories.

The iconic label Burberry is the fashion house responsible for inventing the trench coat back in 1914 and nearly 100 years on, it is still an item that can be worn season after season regardless of the current trend. A must-have for every wardrobe!  

“I love the idea of trench coats, it might be because they remind me of one of my favourite fashion houses - Burberry or maybe because it is such a versatile item that can be dressed up or down. I think that the trench coat will be an essential item in everyone's wardrobe this spring.”

Nathalie a.k.a Accessory Pirate demonstrates how every outfit and statement accessory; classic or trend inspired, works when teamed with the trench coat.

"Trench+Hat+LBD = The Perfect Recipe! I stumbled over this hat in H&M and was absolutely thrilled. Their accessory range is becoming better and better and their hat department made my heart beat louder. I like wearing it with a classic trench, as both pieces really go together perfectly. But then, what does not go perfectly with a trench??"

Roll up the sleeves of the trench coat to create a casual edge to the classic look...

Wear the trench undone and loosely tied with oversized sunglasses, a chic mini, socks and killer heels for an ultra contemporary summery look!

Carmen T. shows how the trench coat is ideal outerwear in the sunshine.

The trench coat creates a beautifully feminine silhouette.

Shawna shows how her chic vintage cream trench coat with black detailing is the ultimate versatile wardrobe staple:

"I feel that trench coats can be extremely handy in a persons wardrobe they can be dressed up and down and can be pretty much worn with anything."

The Fashion Cloud' s use of the trench coat adds that perfect finishing touch to a simple ensemble of skinny jeans, a black top, heels and an oversized bag.

Chic and effortlessly stylish.

The nude tone of the classic trench works to enhance those colourful statement accessories and also compliments The Fashion Cloud's beautiful fiery red hair!

Rach Speed creates an impact with an olive green leather trench coat.

The edgy look is kept beautifully feminine with the pink floral print summer dress, tie dye effect blue and white heels and free flowing hair.

Why not go for something a little unique?

The statement leather trench coat is perfectly contrasted with a feminine floral print dress and heels.

 Evita N. wears her trench coat in all her classy glory.

"I might want to title it Sherlock Girls!"

Emilie Higle shows how the Burberry black trench coat adds just the right finishing touch to a classic look and looks incredible teamed with the Balenciaga bag.

The perfect go-to coat that defines the essence of chic.

The classic Burberry trench coat instantly smartens the high waisted shorts. This look would definitely be a fun work-wear option!

Farah a.k.a Degaine demonstrates how the cropped version of the trench coat injects a smart but effortlessly sophisticated finish to a weekend ensemble.

Wearing the collar up also creates a sense of volume and adds shape to the coat.

The nude and classic tone of the cropped trench coat allow you to experiment with vibrant accessories. There really isn't a better coat to team with skinny jeans and wedge heels!

Living the Vogue  uses her trench coat as a chic canvas on which to add a selection of vibrant tones.

The floral print of the scarf, sea-blue tote bag and rolled up light blue jeans are then provided with that polished wow factor with the addition of the classic trench coat...

...by throwing on a trench coat and wearing it undone you instantly add a sophisticated touch to a casual, everyday look. The colours of this ensemble are further enhanced against the cream tone of the trench coat.

Thank you to all participants

Rainbows&Fairydust - UK
Shonwer - Italy
Andy T. - Netherlands
Accessorypirate - UK
Carem T - Spain
Shawna - USA
FashionCloud - UK
Rack Speed - Canada
Evita N. - Indonesia
Emilie Higle - France
Degaine - Canada
Living The Vogue - USA