Master A French Classic – The Trench Coat

Baby pink blossom, with an Eiffel Tower backdrop. Parisian café terraces bathed in ever brightening sunlight. Yes, the photos that have been popping up in my Instagram feed lately have been sending a clear message.

Spring is on the way – at least in Paris.

And while the ever appropriate Parisians won’t be looking to pack away their heavy winter coats quite yet, it won’t be long before classic trench coats begin to reappear on the streets of Paris.

The trench coat is a staple in Paris almost all year round and French women know how to wear their trench coats with class and flair.

Now while I’m of the belief that throwing a trench over just about any ensemble will take it to the next level, there are a few little tricks you can employ to make sure you wear your own trench coat as well as any Parisian.

Master A French Classic – The Trench Coat

1. Stick with a neutral colour. While it’s tempting to choose a standout colour (like the gorgeous pink leather Longchamp number pictured above), Parisians tend to wear either beige or black trench coats. Adaptable enough to wear with both casual and dressy outfits, a trench in a classic tone will result in the maximum return on investment.
2. Tie your trench coat rather than buckling it. It results in a relaxed look, that isn’t too formal and also allows provides a flattering silhouette, regardless of what is being worn underneath the coat.
3. Go for a mid length trench coat, rather than anything that is too short or too long. Walking the middle path in terms of length offers utmost versatility if you are looking to wear your trench year round.
4. Don’t worry too much about brand, but do buy a quality coat that will stand the test of time. Check the buttons and the seams before purchasing and try to go for a heavy duty fabric wherever possible.

Are you a fan of the trench coat? Do you have any tips for wearing them well? If so, I’d love for you to share them in the comments section below.

And until next time – au revoir.

P.S. This advice is equally as appropriate for those of in the southern hemisphere – with crisp autumn mornings on the way, we too should be getting ready to dust off our trench coats. Or invest in one, if we haven’t already.