How To Wear A Trench Coat The French Way

How To Wear A Trench Coat The French Way

One of the most iconic coats in a French woman’s closet is the trench coat. A trench coat is a must-have French wardrobe essential. This is one French fashion clique that’s true. However, exactly how can you attain French girl style with a trench coat?

For years, the trench has been associated with chic, Parisian style, and for good reason. A trench coat is a great outerwear piece to add to your wardrobe if you are looking for something classic, versatile, and easy to wear. Trench coats are one piece of clothing that’s part of a typical French wardrobe.

You can easily go for a casual look by wearing jeans and sneakers on the weekend. Want to dress up your trench? Then wear it with a dress or skirt and sandals.

One of my favorite ways to wear a trench is with jeans, a sweater, and flats. It’s incredibly easy, comfortable, and looks classic no matter where you go. A way I like to dress my trench (I sized down 2), for spring is with dark denim, an eyelet top, heeled sandals, and a market bag.

Wear Your Trench The French Way

There are also a few French styling tips when wearing a trench coat to ensure you are wearing it like a French girl. You can either tie the buckle in front or behind and leave it hanging or knot the belt instead of buckling it in front. Keep your outfit simple and neutral and you will be looking French in no time.

History Of The Trench Coat

The trench coat did not magically just appear on French women one day. It was originally made for the military back in the 1800s to use as a rain jacket and was made from rubberized cotton.

When Were Trench Coats Invented?

When the first WW1 approached, there was a need for a lightweight and breathable type of coat, so a man by the name of “Thomas Burberry” invented “gabardine” a breathable, waterproof fabric. And, as they say, the rest is fashion history.

The Burberry Trench was born and the whole world became fascinated with this classic coat. Eventually, it made its way into mainstream society and has been a Parisian staple ever since.

What Kind Of Trench To Buy

There are so many different options of trench coats to buy and various price ranges. Of course, the most iconic trench is the Burberry but obviously, that’s not within everyone’s price range. There are a few things to think about when choosing a trench coat.

Also, think about the length you want for your trench coat. You can go with a longer one which is a bit more dressy or a shorter version which is more casual. Most French women tend to go with a longer version.

What Color Of Trench Coat Should I Buy

For colors, you can go with a basic beige or lighter version to keep it classic and neutral. I also love a black and navy trench coat as well which looks very elegant and a bit chicer in my opinion.

If you are wanting to stay on the trendier side of things you could go with a green or pink coat to give a little color to your outfit.

When Do You Wear A Trench Coat

The trench coat is the perfect transition coat to wear between seasons because they are so versatile and will go with anything in your closet. There are so many trench coat outfits you can create for each season.

It’s such a basic way to update an outfit and you will see French women wearing them mostly during Spring and Fall. I know this is the time I reach for my trench coat the most.

How To Wear A Trench Coat The French Way

1. Various Shades of Beige in Various Lengths

2. With Either All White or All Black

3. With Stripes Of Course

Where To Buy A Trench Coat

Retailers know the importance of a good trench coat and there are so many options these days with various price points. You can always go with the most prestigious of trench coats which is Burberry. If that’s a little out of your price range, some of my favorites are places like Sézane, Mango, and J.Crew.

Make sure you check the quality of the trench coat before you purchase because you want one that will last for years. This Scott Trench from Sézane is gorgeous and the quality is outstanding. The material is a bit thicker than several trench coats I own but you can tell it’s well-made.

The trench is fully lined and the length is just perfect. I sized up one, so I can wear sweaters underneath, and the fit is exactly how it should be. This coat sells out every season so if you have been thinking about it, don’t wait or it will be gone.

Here are the season’s hottest trench coats in various price ranges.

1. MANGO Classic Trench
2. J.Crew Double Breasted Trench
3. COS Hooded Trench
4. Sandro Navy Pleated Trench
5. Everlane Modern Trench
6. Favorite Daughter Tie Waist Trench
7. GAP Icon Trench
8. MANGO Double Breasted
9. Sézane Scott Trench
10. Reformation Kensington Trench
11. Sézane Clyde Trench
12. J.Crew Factory Trench

Now, you can see how versatile a trench coat can be and how many ways you can wear one. The next question is what are you waiting for? Channel your inner French woman with a classic trench coat.

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