THT- Some History of the Trench Coat and How I Styled It for Fall - Elegantly Dressed and Stylish
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THT- Some History of the Trench Coat and How I Styled It for Fall

 

Has the trench coat ever gone out of fashion? I am sharing a look with a trench coat I bought secondhand, today on the blog.

History of the Trench Coat

The trench coat is over 100 years old, iconic for the First World War, a war spent in trenches across Europe. They were actually conceptualized in 1823, when Charles Macintosh developed these rubberized cotton trench coats that would repel water but would also keep in sweat. Used by civilians and military, they were called “Macks”. Later, other clothiers would work with more breathable fabrics to create a water repellent jacket that would be more suitable.

Thomas Burberry, 21 years old, worked as a draper, and created a gaberdine fabric that was breathable and weatherproof. I would love a Burberry raincoat!

“It was to deal with these conditions (of the trenches) that the trench coat was designed. “This was really the modernizing of military dress. It was becoming utilitarian, functional, camouflaged … it’s a very modern approach to warfare,” says Tynan”, a military historian.

The trench coat was designed for British Military officers. Soldiers in the trenches needed something that was lighter and more breathable.

The trench coat was developed as an alternative to the heavy serge greatcoats worn by British and French soldiers in the First World War. Invention of the trench coat is claimed by two British luxury clothing manufacturers, Burberry and Aquascutum, with Aquascutum’s claim dating back to the 1850s.”

Photo credit * Lifestyle Asia

* photo credit Smithsonian

I know its early, but Santa if you hear me… ( wink;-))

The Kensington Long cotton-gabardine trench coat  *Burberry   *netaporter

How I Styled It

The fabric is a polymide, which is a type of nylon but is a bit stronger. It has some give but is heavier than nylon.  This isn’t a light trench coat, like a cotton/nylon blend, so it has a little less breathability. Bought on Poshmark (my favorite secondhand on-line store), I scored this Mango (Penelope Cruz and her sister’s collection) trench for $55 plus shipping. It is beautifully lined, and the length is great for both jeans and dresses. I did want the traditional double-breasted style.

My outfit underneath was a leopard pencil skirt (ages old) from Ann Taylor and a rust blouse. I love the look of a neck scarf with a trench, which seems so elegant, wearing my favorite Mango snakeskin silk scarf.  The low heel of my knit Vivaia pumps were just perfect with this ensemble.

The trench coat adds a classy look to any style. I also love the look with trousers and jeans. (You will be seeing me in skirts and dresses for a bit, unless I can wear a looser trouser due to PN). Do look for a well-made lining, as some of the trenches out there do not have any.

And boy is it showing in stores- it may be trending, but I consider this a staple, classic piece that will stand the test of time.

October Already

Well, I am not going to say I am not dissapointed. This was the first day we would have been in Rome.- October 4th. We were able to get airline credit for our tickets, so  if we hope to go, it has to be within the year. I am hoping that with continual treatment, I will be able to go before June 2023. We’ll see..

Are you a fan of the classic trench coat?  Let me know in the comments I would love to hear from you? 

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28 Comments
  • Laura Bambrick
    Posted at 21:18h, 05 October Reply

    I’ve wanted a Burberry trench for ages! They are the epitome of a timeless piece! Your trench is gorgeous!

  • Emma Peach
    Posted at 12:18h, 05 October Reply

    Fabulous classic trench coat! I’m sorry you had to postpone your trip to Rome, I really hope you get to go soon.

    Emma xxx
    http://www.style-splash.com

  • Gail
    Posted at 02:19h, 05 October Reply

    Fascinating! I’ve never thought about the origins of the trench coat, and didn’t realise there was rivalry between Burberry and Aquascutum. I’d love a Burberry trench too. Yours looks very expensive!

  • Anna
    Posted at 00:15h, 05 October Reply

    Love this chic sophisticated look, Jess. I can picture you walking the streets of Paris wearing this trench 🙂 Anna
    https://lookingfabulousat50.blogspot.com/

  • jodie
    Posted at 23:59h, 04 October Reply

    Crossing fingers you do get to make it in the upcoming summer. I can’t imagine how disappointed you are.
    I never knew that history about the coat, and you always look so fabulous.
    XOXO
    Jodie
    http://www.jtouchofstyle.com

  • Cheryl Shops
    Posted at 20:10h, 04 October Reply

    Trench coats are classic for a reason—they always look so polished and timeless. Love how you styled yours with a ladylike bag and shoes!
    Cheryl Shops | http://www.cherylshops.net

  • Di
    Posted at 17:01h, 04 October Reply

    That is a beautiful classic trench coat, and what a great second hand find! I love the light color, too. Your outfit underneath is so perfect for fall-and fall colors are perfect on you! Thanks for the link up and have a good week. So sorry you are not in Italy, but hopefully your trip will happen soon.

  • Alexandra
    Posted at 14:35h, 04 October Reply

    Super cute shoes!!

  • Maureen
    Posted at 14:25h, 04 October Reply

    What a fabulous find! This coat looks amazing and such a classic. You just can’t go wrong with this coat and love how you styled it.

    Maureen | http://www.littlemisscasual.com

  • Shauna
    Posted at 13:51h, 04 October Reply

    Trenchcoats are so great this time of year. I love the cream color of yours. It goes with everything I bet!

    Shauna

    http://www.lipglossandlace.net

  • Lizzie
    Posted at 13:39h, 04 October Reply

    Wow that trench coat is gorgeous!! I actually didn’t know much about the history so this was very interesting!

    Lizzie
    http://www.lizzieinlace.com

  • Midlife and Beyond
    Posted at 12:12h, 04 October Reply

    Jess, this classic trench is so your style, love it on you. I own two and did have four but I wore the other two so much that they literally fell to pieces. enjoy the rest of your week and thank you for hosting. xx

  • Nancy
    Posted at 11:56h, 04 October Reply

    Oh gosh, I would also love to have a Burberry one. But yours is looking pretty good too!

  • Cheryl Tucker
    Posted at 11:09h, 04 October Reply

    I have been wanting a trench coat for a long time but just haven’t found the right one. I agree , your choice would be an awesome Christmas Gift! I really love they way you styled your coat. I always love all your looks! Stay well!
    Peace!
    Cheryl

  • Shelbee on the Edge
    Posted at 09:21h, 04 October Reply

    Jess, your trench coat is gorgeous! I love the color and it really is an amazing second hand find. Your outfit underneath is really pretty, too. I really like these colors on you and the subtle print mix is so good. This was really interesting to read about the history of the trench coat. I hope you get your Burberry trench one day soon! And I hope you get to Rome before your airline credit expires. I think I have airline credit that is about to expire and I might just have to call it a loss. I think it is only like $120 though. I would spend way more than that if I decided to use it now anyway!

    Shelbee

  • Michelle
    Posted at 08:47h, 04 October Reply

    First, I’m sorry you are not in Rome. That just sucks.

    I enjoyed reading about the history of the trench coat. And what a great score on Poshmark! It’s a beautiful coat and goes wonderfully with your outfit in Fall colors.

    Michelle
    https://mybijoulifeonline.com

  • Carol
    Posted at 08:36h, 04 October Reply

    Years ago, I had a London Fog trench coat that I wore for years. I’ve been thinking that I need to replace it – it’s a versatile classic. Thanks for sharing the history.
    Carol
    http://www.scribblingboomer.com

  • Jill
    Posted at 07:53h, 04 October Reply

    One thing I don’t have is a traditional trench coat. It’s such a classic staple! Love your pretty snakeprint scarf with it!

    Jill – Doused in Pink

  • Mica Away From The Blue
    Posted at 07:11h, 04 October Reply

    That trench coat looks beautiful on you! i love how you accessorised it and I think they are always a classic!

    Sorry to hear you couldn’t go on your trip though! it’s nice you could get some credit for it.

    Hope you are having a good day 🙂

  • Rosemary Davis
    Posted at 06:50h, 04 October Reply

    Thanks for sharing the history of the trench coat. I have always been a fan of the trench coat because it is such a classic.

    Rosemary
    http://www.DistinctlySouthernStyle.com

  • Kellyann Rohr
    Posted at 06:48h, 04 October Reply

    I hope you get to Italy by June and sure hope you feel better very soon.
    I love a trench coat and can’t wait to wear mine. I don’t get to wear it too often because it’s just not cool enough but I love the look so much I’ll do it any way!
    xo,
    Kellyann

  • Lisa DImeo
    Posted at 06:46h, 04 October Reply

    You fashioned that coat perfect. I love trench coats. They are perfect for cold or rain.
    Lisa

  • Jennifer
    Posted at 06:08h, 04 October Reply

    I love that trench!

    Jennifer
    Curated by Jennifer

  • Laurie
    Posted at 04:00h, 04 October Reply

    I’m with you on the love of trench coats Jess. I hope you get you Christmas wish! xx

  • Katie
    Posted at 02:11h, 04 October Reply

    The trench coat is such a classic staple! Love how you styled yours!

    Katie
    http://www.hellokatiegirlblog.com/

  • Rena
    Posted at 01:45h, 04 October Reply

    Jess, the trench coat certainly has an interesting history. It seems to be a classic that is never not in style and you’ve styled yours fabulously.

    Rena
    http://www.finewhateverblog.com

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