How to Style a Trench Coat for Every Occasion
Menswear Style Guide
I know you came here to find out how to style a Trench Coat. But first. Its history. Because it’s important to know every detail about what you’re wearing so you can fascinate people at the pub when they compliment you on it.
Once you have learned about your Trench Coat’s colourful past, then you have earned the right to learn how to style it.
What is a trench coat?
The traditional Trench design was double-breasted, tailored to the waist, and flared to a below-the-knee hemline. Now, you may think that these design points were to show off your tiny waist, flatter your shapely calves and make you feel like Humphrey Bogart or Inspector Gadget.
In fact, the Trench Coat was designed for Army officers in WW1.
The waist-cinching belt? That was equipped with D-rings for hooking accessories. The cute caped back allowed rain to drip off soldiers’ backs. And that cool Trenchy flap on the shoulder provided ventilation. The pockets were deep and those tiny little wrist belts were used to tighten the cuffs to keep extra warm. And the buttons at the neck? They helped protect the wearer from poison gas. Those were some powerful buttons.
These days, with fewer poisonous gases around, the Trench can come in a variety of different styles. With flaps, without flaps. Long or short. And with less need to camouflage, it comes in a variety of different colours too.
Ready to move on to find out how to style a Trench Coat? I WILL be quizzing you later btw..
What to wear a trench coat with?
Easy. Literally anything. Actually I take that back. You cannot wear a Trench Coat with shorts, because you might look like a flasher. And you will look like a flasher. Here’s what you can wear it with.
A suit. The classic choice. You cannot go wrong. A three piece-suit, tailored trousers and a shirt, maybe paired with a chunky knit jumper. Leading us smoothly onto…
Knitwear. A knit sweater, a roll neck, a knitted shirt or sweater vest. The combination of textures will make you feel like a delicious burrito bowl.
A Hoodie. That’s right. Not only will it keep you cosy - add a baseball cap, some smart trainers and you will look like your dad owns a massive television network and you have a hugely dysfunctional family.
How should a trench coat fit?
You should be able to easily fit your Trench over a wool jumper or a suit jacket and still be able to bend your arms and button it up.
It should be loose, but not so loose that when you run for the bus on a windy day you accidentally take off. Weeeeeh!
When to wear a trench coat?
If you’re asking about seasons? Any season.
If you’re asking about event-type situations? Any event-type situation.
The Trench is incredibly versatile and elevates any outfit (apart from shorts, see above).
Can you wear a trench coat in the winter?
You can indeed! Just because it’s cold doesn’t mean you have to wear the fashion equivalent of a sleeping bag. You could either try a wool Men’s Overcoat or layer up your cotton Sherlock Short Trench, which has the added bonus of being water-resistant.
Can you wear a trench coat in the summer?
Absolutely. The Sherlock Trench Coat is made from light, breathable material. Wear it with a crisp pastel t-shirt or a light shirt, paired with some linen trousers. And If it gets too hot, then I have a secret for you… you can take it off! And if it rains, and it will, you can watch as everyone runs inside crying ‘So much for summer!’. You can stay put, laughing in the rain like some sort of deranged supervillian.
Casual Trench Coat Looks
Your Trench isn’t fussy. You can take it out for a smart dinner, a farmer’s market, the ‘warehouse district’ and even Bekonscot Model Village. It draws the line at gender-reveal parties though.
Here’s how to get that casual Trench Coat look.
Weekend Outfits
It’s the weekend! Chuck your shirts and t-shirts in the wash, and get out your… shirts and t-shirts. Unless you work in the 1950s, your workwear is probably pretty similar to your weekend wear. But if you want to add some weekend magic, pair your Trench Coat with a pastel coloured tee, a cool sweater, and maybe even a cap.
Street Style Inspiration
Just because you own an incredibly stylish and quality new coat, it doesn’t mean you are a GROWN UP! Pair your Trench with a hoodie, jeans and a pair of pristine creps. Yes, I said creps. I am also very street.
Business Casual with a Trench Coat
You’ve got a meeting. You are very senior and important. But there will be GEN Z colleagues there. They will be wearing giant pendulums and accessorising with pieces of fruit. Don’t let them intimidate you. Wear your Trench with some light tailored trousers, a crisp t-shirt or shirt, and a pair of boxfresh trainers. And make sure you say ‘slay’ a lot.
Office Styles
If you work in an ‘office’ office in which wearing trainers and a t-shirt will give you a nickname like ‘Casual Dan’ or ‘Sloppy Steve’ until you eventually quit - then pair your Trench with tailored trousers, a crisp classic shirt, and a well-fitted jacket. And if you’re feeling crazy - a quality knit.
Formal Trench Coat Outfits
Although The Trench Coat can be worn almost anywhere, and with almost anything - its origins lie with senior military figures, French detectives and problematic film stars from the 1950s. Slide it over a three-piece suit and it will feel like coming home.
Special Occasions
Wedding? Boss’s party? National Eat a Red Apple Day? A Trench Coat elevates any outfit, is perfect over a suit and won’t make you sweat like you’ve just asked the bride’s sister if she’s pregnant (she is not).
Evening Events
Evening wedding? Boss’s dinner party? National Bow Tie Day? A Trench Coat is perfect paired with tailored trousers, a shirt and a chunky knit. Add a hat (flat cap or brimmed) and picture this - you’re stalking down a dark smokey street, the streetlights are glowing through the light drizzle that mists the air. You get to a dark wooden door, knock 3.75 times. The door creaks open. You slowly look up, tilt your hat and say in a gruff voice, ‘WASSUUUP DAWG LET’S GET YO BIRTHDAY ON!’. And so it begins.
