In terms of outerwear silhouettes, the trench is a timeless classic that will almost certainly always be a mainstay in the category. Recent iterations of the coat, however, have seen it take on new forms, with modernized structuring that has completely turned our perception of the style on its head. Many designers have created their own versions of the trench, but as more and more retailers introduce their own versions of the contemporary trench, it is becoming increasingly popular to experiment with the look on the high street. Everything from oversized lapels to alternative fastenings and adjustable shaping can be incorporated into designs, each of which gives a new meaning to the well-known style, moving it further away from its utilitarian origins and reviving it for the next generation of consumers.


The trench coat is an outerwear silhouette that is a firm wardrobe staple that will continue to return season after season, albeit with fresh updates and new twists. The coat style is a timeless piece that appeals to both an older and a younger buyer group, each of whom has their own interpretation of the look. The traditional trench coat is a style that is frequently seen on the high street, serving as a versatile outerwear option for every occasion. Due to the fact that it has been the preferred outerwear for decades, this style of trench is unlikely to become less popular. As a result of Gen Z’s ongoing renovation of past styles and search for new ways to incorporate the look into their own personal style, the contemporary trench trend is likely to continue. This new version of the trend has given the style a more modernized makeover, making it more appealing to the younger generation and providing an alternative, fashion-forward option to experiment with.

As was to be expected, Burberry did not stray too far from the trench, which has a significant place in the British brand’s history. While the coat was featured in the brand’s most recent AW22 collection, which featured heavy gold embellishments, it was also featured in the brand’s pre-fall collection, which was created in collaboration with Brazilian model Lea T. The coat was also featured in the brand’s pre-fall collection, which featured heavy gold embellishments. It was through deconstruction and the combination of contrasting materials that she created a patchwork look with layered elements for her interpretation of the trench. Fashion house Fendi embraced the trend in its menswear collection as well, presenting oversized, cape-like trenches paired with sharp tailoring. Y/Project has taken a more unconventional approach, presenting a collection of discombobulated coat styles, some of which feature mismatched cuttings and others which feature various exaggerated details. Heavy gathering was used to distort the traditional silhouette of the leather looks for the brand’s AW22 collection, further enhancing the contemporary feel.


The trench is essentially a standalone outerwear piece that can be the statement in itself or can align with other stand-out pieces to bring an outfit together. A simple look for casual daywear can include pairing the coat with denim jeans, a sweatshirt and sneakers or low-heeled ankle boots, for a simple outfit that puts an emphasis purely on the coat itself. An elevated version of the casual look could involve the use of a leather skirt and loose fitted shirt, complete with tights and knee high boots. The trench coat can additionally function as a formalwear piece, with the potential to pair perfectly with fitted two-piece suit combos and tailored garments. In a more alternative route, the trench can also often be used as a standalone item. If the style comes with a belt option and is quite lightweight, fasten the garment up and tie the belt in a neat bow to create an alternative to the dress.
The trench coat is a classic silhouette that will always hold a place in fashion. It is a seasonless style which gives the wearer the ability to either layer up or sport a breezy outerwear piece, making it a great investment item to add to just about any shopper’s wardrobe. Its current modernisation comes down to younger generations looking to twist up classic trends into ones that fit their contemporary fashion outlook, which means, when approaching the trench, there is more to play with.
Source: Fashion United
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