trench coat Archives - Kate Waterhouse

Why you can’t live without a trench coat this season

31st March, 2023

Trench coats are one of those things that are always on fashion must-have lists. And for a very good reason! A great trench is a genuine workhorse when it comes to pulling together an outfit as it can work in myriad ways. It’s an easy jacket option in winter and can be thrown on over pretty much everything. I’ve worn mine dressed up or down, with jeans, with pants, a dress… the list goes on. It’s one of those special items that are a genuine shortcut to looking polished and chic, and is an easy grab-and-go option on those days when you’re not entirely sure what to wear. Also, it layers beautifully in winter, and is a stylish lightweight option almost all year round. A bonafide staple.

When buying a trench, I think beige is always a great place to start. It’s the universally known hue associated with trench coats since forever and works beautifully with so many different colours. If you want to be a little more adventurous with colour, I’d suggest looking into a navy, khaki or camel hue as all are easy to pair back everything from denim, to black trousers, to a crisp white pant. I’ve also embraced a trench in a chocolate and sky blue hue, which goes to show just how many different iterations there are of this classic piece.

It’s a good idea to try a trench on in person as you want to ensure the length and fit works well with your frame, and it can be a little tricky to do this with online purchases. For a modern take on it, go for something that’s a more relaxed fit (you never want a trench to be totally figure hugging) and a long length silhouette that should at least sit below the knee (FYI the current trend is for a mid-calf to just above the ankle). Also you can’t go wrong with double breasted as you’ll find you’ll be wearing it open most of the time, and it just sits better.

You can find sooo many different versions of the trench these days. From the OG Burberry trench which is a definite investment splurge to chain stores like Zara which often do a great trench season after season at a reasonable price. Go with whatever suits your budget as I guarantee it’s a purchase you won’t regret making.

A few of my fave trench moments…

Shop my trench edit

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The one coat I’m investing in this season

12th April, 2021

I’m a lover of coats from way back so believe me when I say that it’s a big call for me to declare just one coat style to be high on my winter shopping list. I often dip between different coat styles, from classic to more playful printed versions but I keep gravitating towards one style and it’s one I’ve come also loved in seasons past. What is it? As you can probably guess from the above, it’s a trench coat.

It’s no surprise that trench coats make it onto lists rounding up the items every woman should have in their closet time and time again. They’re an effortless style that look chic paired with so many different things. You can wear them over a dress, dressed down with jeans and a tee, or over a suit, and the result is still exactly the same: an ensemble that looks considered and put together.

I’ve had my eye on this one by Camilla and Marc for awhile now, but I’ve seen so many beautiful options around in my travels. I think the thing with trench coats is to go for a mid-thigh to midi length, and go for one that looks a little relaxed in fit but can easily be cinched in. I’ve had many a trench coat moment over the years (as you can see below) and I’ve found you can be a little adventurous and embrace a pattern, but you can never go wrong with a simple beige or tan style, or if neutrals aren’t your thing, a navy blue or a deep green are also worthy considerations.

This winter, I think a trench is the ultimate layering piece. It’s so good as a topper over a casual outfit, and can often be the perfect finishing touch to tie an off duty look together. Or wear it thrown over a dress for the ultimate in sleek and elegant dressing in the evening. Whatever you do, go for the best quality you can afford (the better the fabric, the better the drape) and consider it a worthy investment piece for your wardrobe in the years to come.

Sleek and chic worn back with leather pants

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Why the trench coat will be your favourite style staple this season

9th March, 2020

As the temperature starts to drop in the coming weeks a coat will become a must. I’m a firm believer that a coat plays a crucial role when it comes to an outfit and should be considered as much as a dress or shoes. The right coat can pull a look together and is also one way to make a statement.

While I’m a fan of different coat styles, I’ve always found that one of the most versatile coats any woman can own is a trench coat. The shape is eternally stylish and suits virtually everyone. It’s also easily thrown on over everything from a dress to jeans and a tee or a sleek blouse and trousers.

This season you’ll find that trench coats will come in a range of shades so there’s definitely one to suit every wardrobe. I’ve always found the traditional khaki a great pick if you want just one coat that’s guaranteed to take you through the season. However if you want something a little different you could always explore a classic navy, a beautiful forest green or an on trend grey.

If you want more tips on how to style this classic staple check out the video below, and scroll down for some of my top trench coat picks.

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What I Wore: Hey, Lover

3rd August, 2019

Sometimes you have to let your outerwear do all the talking and that’s exactly the case with this coat by Lover. I am all about a statement coat and the amazing checked print on this trench is the kind of piece that doesn’t require much else—it’s strong enough to hold its own. I also love the midi length as it’s got a polished feels, whilst the flared sleeves lend a playful touch to the overall silhouette. I could easily pop this on over anything and walk out the door without missing a beat. And that’s something that I look for when it comes to anything I own—versatility is key when it comes to a making something truly wearable. Plus I just have a soft spot for a coat that’s striking and a little bit different.

There’s no point in having the rest of your outfit competing when it comes to statement pieces so I opted to keep my accessories quite minimalist. Simple and sleek is best when wearing anything that’s a little bit bold. I wore black Giuseppi Zanotti strappy heels to add a dressy touch and my fave new piece, a quilted Chanel backpack. I love the balance of wearing something that’s quite utilitarian such as a backpack paired with pieces that are a little extra such as a patterned coat and cat eye sunglasses.

Photograph by Ashleigh Larden

Shop the look:

Coat: Francoise Trench, Lover

Sunglasses: Le Skinny – Black, Poppy Lissiman

Shoes: Farrah, Giuseppe Zanotti

Bag: Gabrielle Small Backpack, Chanel

Shop the look on a budget:

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What I Wore: The trench coat

10th August, 2017

Along with a classic coat which I wrote about here I think a trench coat is a fashion staple that can work in so many different ways. It constantly features on many a fashion magazine’s round-up of key wardrobe pieces to have due to its timeless look and enduring style appeal. And no wonder—it can be paired with virtually everything and instantly adds a chic touch to even the most casual of outfits. In this instance I’ve gone for a relaxed day look by teaming it my favourite leather pants, a simple white tee and my go-to Gucci slides. I’ve made it a little more on trend by wearing the sleeves rolled up and tying the belt in the back which also gives it a more nonchalant feel. I can see this trench coat being easily popped on over a dress for the evening or with jeans and a button-down shirt for an elevated take on a casual ensemble.

Credits: T-shirt, James Perse; Jacket, Nice Martin; Leather pants, Camilla and Marc; Bag, Givenchy; Slides, Gucci

Photographer: Danielle Castano