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Sunday, September 21, 2008

Style in the Trenches

Along with the little black dress and the crisp white button-down shirt, the trench coat is one of the most stylish and timeless designs in fashion history. As is the case with many classic items of clothing, this stylish cover-up began as a functional piece more so than a fashion trend.

The trench coat was invented in 1901 by Thomas Burberry, the founder of the Burberry fashion house and also the creator of gabardine fabric. He submitted the design to the United Kingdom War Office as an alternative to the heavy greatcoats worn by British and French soldiers in World War I. The classic trench coat is a ten-buttoned, double breasted long coat in khaki, beige, tan or black. Two notable differences from the great coat style were the additions of epaulets and D-rings and this updated design was named "trench coat" by the soldiers in the trenches.


photos courtesy commons.wikimedia.org and gettyimages.com


The trench coat continued to be a popular choice of army wear throughout World War II and many veterans kept them when they returned to their lives as civilians. The trench coat eventually became a fashionable clothing item for both men and women and even after more than 100 years, the trench coat is still synonymous with the Burberry name. Below is one of the photos from Burberry's F/W 08 campaign featuring a classic trench coat.


photo courtesy thefashionspot.com


Screen legends such as Joan Crawford, Clark Gable, Audrey Hepburn, Marlene Dietrich and Humphrey Bogart wore trench coats in various films and this also helped to popularize the trench coat among the public as they often tried to emulate this elegant and mysterious look. Below are Audrey Hepburn in Breakfast at Tiffany's and Humphrey Bogart in Casablanca.


photo courtesy http://www.myspace.com/froshy and thegoldenera.net


Numerous modifications to the colour, fabric and cut of the trench coat have been made in order to appeal to the different generations that have gone by over the years but there are many people who still opt for the classic trench simply because it never goes out of style.

Below are a few lovely trench coats that will keep you chic and warm this fall.





Knit Trench Coat
Price: US$29.99


Safari Trench Jacket
Price: US$29.80



Lucille Checkered Coat
Price: US$58.00




Trench Jacket (wasabi)
Price: US$54.00



Together® Trench Coat
Price: US$89.00



Red Houndstooth Trench Coat
Price: US$36.99
 (use code FFATTRACTION at checkout for 10% discount)
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49 comments:

  1. EeliSeptember 22, 2008 at 2:00 AM

    TRENCHES!!! I wuv them oh so much. I want to try to find a phsychedlic colour smorgasbord trench. One that would make Dame Edna scared haha. Out of your selection i really like the balloon sleeved one but absolutely adore it in colour! teehee :)

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  2. Sharon September 22, 2008 at 3:41 AM

    Hi there-hope you had a lovely weekend, my dear! Love the leopard print trench you picked out! I've a gap beige trench, I suppose I shall be wearing it sometime soon!

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  3. SongySeptember 22, 2008 at 5:53 AM

    I was reading a great trench comparison article some days ago. wish I could remember.

    cheers for the research! I finally got myself pretty well priced trench this year for the first time in my life and that was pretty fun. After reading this tho I want them in all different colours. greedy wouldn't you say??

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  4. SongySeptember 22, 2008 at 7:33 AM

    http://magazine.wsj.com/hunter/the-way-we-wear/the-trenchthe-trench/

    Here it is.

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  5. bronwynSeptember 22, 2008 at 8:55 AM

    Great roundup! The good old trench never goes out of style.

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  6. laraSeptember 22, 2008 at 9:33 AM

    I love the classy beige burberry trenchcoat I guess it will never be out of fashion...

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  7. S (formerly of Modern-Guilt)September 22, 2008 at 10:55 AM

    I found a Burberry trench at a thrift store for $15 a couple of months ago, how awesome is that? :)
    I ADORE the leopard print one you've featured...I just may be going to buy that now :P

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  8. SeekerSeptember 22, 2008 at 11:09 AM

    Oh yeah, trenches are always in, classic or maverick ;)
    Great post with great information about the history of trench.
    Also a very well done round up for so many styles.
    Congrats.

    xoxo

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  9. BombchellSeptember 22, 2008 at 1:08 PM

    there's this white burberry trench coat I fell in love with years ago. but it cost about 1200-2000 dollars.

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  10. DaisyChainSeptember 22, 2008 at 1:16 PM

    I adore trench coats. I'd wear mine everyday if I could.

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  11. DaisyChainSeptember 22, 2008 at 1:16 PM

    I adore trench coats. I'd wear mine everyday if I could.

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  12. yiqin;September 22, 2008 at 2:00 PM

    I will love to have a pretty black trenchcoat wit HUGE white polka dots!!

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  13. Cupcakes and CashmereSeptember 22, 2008 at 2:54 PM

    what fabulous options! i love that one with the ballooned sleeves, so chic with a little edge.

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  14. *Diane*September 22, 2008 at 2:59 PM

    Love trenches!
    I'm definitely budgeting to get one asap!
    I've linked you B-)

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  15. Vain and VapidSeptember 22, 2008 at 4:48 PM

    I love trenches and that new fall Burberry campaign is one my my favorites...

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  16. WinnieSeptember 22, 2008 at 7:31 PM

    I've never owned one but have always wanted a navy blue one. One of these days I will find it!

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  17. Nina (Femme Rationale)September 22, 2008 at 8:44 PM

    i have been looking for the perfect trench forever. ii have yet to find one that fits me just right. it's frustrating!

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  18. we wear thingsSeptember 22, 2008 at 9:22 PM

    i do love a good trench coat.. i just have problems finding ones that fit me perfectly..

    -issa

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  19. TriciaSeptember 22, 2008 at 10:52 PM

    i totally need a classic trench, thanks for all the sources!

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  20. La ClochardeSeptember 22, 2008 at 11:51 PM

    Yay! Trenches, one of my favourite clothing items from all time...They never dissapear, and that's great. Myabe it's because they go well with many things...you can actually look preppy or rocker depending on how you style them.
    I'm a big fan of the classic Burberry too...and also of a fab intense blue version of it from last season's collection I think.
    Loving your posts, darling, always cool.

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  21. Always In StyleSeptember 22, 2008 at 11:59 PM

    That pink trench is fabulous - what a find!

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  22. AnonymousSeptember 23, 2008 at 12:19 AM

    Great post! I've been meaning to pick up a new trench for the fall. Now I have some great options!

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  23. Dana (MODAna)September 23, 2008 at 2:22 AM

    what a find on the pink trenchcoat! I'd buy it if I were still in the US or the shipping costs weren't ridiculous

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  24. Rebecca JaneSeptember 23, 2008 at 9:12 AM

    Oh trenches - always classic!

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  25. ElizabethSeptember 23, 2008 at 10:19 AM

    This was nicely done, Danz, as are all your posts. I love all the trenches you showed, and they're all so inexpensive, a girl could afford more than one!

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  26. Susanna-Cole KingSeptember 23, 2008 at 12:14 PM

    Wow, this post was incredibly enlightening! I love trenchcoats, but I had no idea about their history or how they orginated! And I especially love all the old pictures you posted, so fun to look at :)

    Also, thanks so much for your sweet comment on my blog! :)

    xoxo,
    S-C

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  27. Couture CarrieSeptember 23, 2008 at 2:24 PM

    Awesome, D! Love the title of this post, the history of the trench, and the myriad options you have given here, especially the frilly belted ones!

    xoxox,
    CC

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  28. RoSeptember 23, 2008 at 2:39 PM

    Good finds, thanks! I especially love the balloon-sleeved one - and at such a nice price point too!

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  29. Vintage Lollipops September 23, 2008 at 4:05 PM

    Great collection you added... and I love that you employed a scene from Breakfast at Tiffany's!

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  30. UnknownSeptember 23, 2008 at 5:01 PM

    love trench coats.

    it's so interesting how styles of garment/outerwear were initially designed and created for functionality and eventually grown into common fashion pieces.

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  31. LaurenSeptember 23, 2008 at 6:01 PM

    i have a bright orange trench, but should prob invest in a classic khaki one...

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  32. SecretistaSeptember 24, 2008 at 1:24 AM

    Nothing beats a trench!

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  33. AnonymousSeptember 24, 2008 at 1:30 AM

    the first shots made me think about amazing old times ))) Thanks

    Hugs from Angel

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  34. AnonymousSeptember 24, 2008 at 6:02 AM

    I don't know if I will ever own a trenchcoat in my entire life due to the fact that I live in Hawaii. =/

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  35. SiljesfashionSeptember 24, 2008 at 12:13 PM

    Lovely! I think that leopard one must be mine. Thank you for posting all of these affordable styles!

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  36. Lil MidgetSeptember 24, 2008 at 5:41 PM

    Love trench coats!

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  37. Toni AlexisSeptember 24, 2008 at 6:15 PM

    Woot! Fall is here huh! I love trenches. The balloon and safari are my faves! Hope life is love Danz...thanks for my bday wishes!

    xoxo

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  38. FASHION CHALETSeptember 24, 2008 at 10:13 PM

    Audrey (Holly GoLightly!) definitely sold me on mine. If only it would get cooler/windier. I want to wear mine out (and in the blog, of course!)

    Thanks for your outfit comment, you are such a sweetie. Have a fantastic day tomorrow as well. All my love....

    xo/ fashion chalet

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  39. CammilaSeptember 25, 2008 at 12:24 AM

    Oh my goodness, that ballooned sleeve one is so beautiful! I have a basic little Breakfast at Tiffany's trench, but this really makes me want a wild one too!

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  40. tessaSeptember 25, 2008 at 3:45 AM

    I love the Escape Balloon Sleeved Trench Coat and the Checkered Coat.

    Great post.

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  41. Imelda Matt - The Despotic Queen of ShoesSeptember 25, 2008 at 8:18 AM

    If I'm going into the trench's then I need a leopard trench.

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  42. Blonde hair, Blue jeansSeptember 25, 2008 at 8:45 AM

    i've always wanted a leopard print trench! =)

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  43. BliciousSeptember 25, 2008 at 12:51 PM

    love the plaid!!

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  44. SydneydollSeptember 25, 2008 at 9:19 PM

    i LOVE that burberry ad with sam riley & rosie huntington-whiteley.
    LOVE IT!
    those pics have been my computer backgrounds.


    burberry trenches are timeless.

    great post!

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  45. Diana CoronadoOctober 1, 2008 at 3:11 AM

    Escape Balloon Sleeved Trench Coat is the best !!

    hugs for you !!

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  46. AlicePleasanceOctober 2, 2008 at 6:57 AM

    A classic trench is forever, I should invest some money in it!

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  47. MarianOctober 3, 2008 at 10:57 AM

    Darling I love this post and all the detail my dear! I love a great trench. I am looking a get a bright coloured one for the miserable weather here in London.To hopefully cheer me and others who see me in it out and about ;o)
    I am loving the Burberry ads madly,truly,deeply as well.
    Have a gorge wknd sweetie.
    kisses
    Marian

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  48. AnonymousNovember 17, 2008 at 5:29 AM

    I ADORE the leopard print one you've featured...I just may be going to buy that now .

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  49. lauraNovember 9, 2009 at 7:06 PM

    I lover your blog its super doper good especially the all models and i like her style's, but if you are looking for more styles like this, visit fashion stylist site. Thanks!

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I love all who take the time to comment :) What are your thoughts??