Shopping For A Trench Coat

That's it. I'm done. You can't pay me to wear my puffer coat anymore. (JK you absolutely can. I accept cash and etransfers.)

These days, I'm focused on hunting down the ideal trench coat. I've long been enamored by their old time-y feel and how they usually pull together any look in a really polished way. A good trench is also an incredibly multipurpose garment that can serve as a rain jacket, a windbreaker, a layering piece, even a dress. Versatility!

My last one (a traditional double-breasted, belted taupe number, with quilted stitching at the elbows and shoulders) went missing in Paris -- which felt very poetic in the moment, but sucked so bad later that night when the weather got colder. That was six years ago. For some reason, I'm still waiting to replace it.

These are the latest contenders :)

Classic

 

Banana Republic (left), perfect if you're looking for the dictionary definition of a trench coat. Nice quality, safe styling. Plus, all Banana Republic merch routinely goes on a 40% off promo ;) 

Club Monaco (right), my favorite. I'm obsessed with the slim shape, the color, the metal hardware. Moderately less enthused by the four hundred dollar price tag.

Open Front (no buttons)

 

Aritzia (left), going button-free isn't super useful when it's cold and rainy, right? I suppose the upside is that you can have fun playing around with different belts?

Zara (right), same deal re: practicality. Love the color as an alternative to beige (but still very neutral).

Something Special

 

Zara (left), big fan of a puff sleeve! Bonus points for the epaulettes. Sadly, in personal practice, anything that voluminous tends to swallow my 5'3" frame whole.

H&M (right), cuuute cinched waist, interesting front overlap/closure detail. I'd find a way to give that boring sleeve opening needs some love.

What's YOUR outerwear-of-choice for when the snow is gone?