If a leather trench coat isn’t already at the top of your wishlist, then allow me to make a convincing case for why it should be.
Very flattering, impossibly chic and laden with cool; the leather (or faux-leather) trench might just be the hard-working wardrobe hero you’ve been searching for. Indeed, the street style set, celebrities and fashion pack alike, have all been won over.
The spring collections too, were brimming with different designer’s interpretations of the leather trench; from lime green at Marni, to oversize at Burberry.
Here’s why you should invest in a leather trench coat now, and how to wear one…
They’re super practical
There are few items of clothing as easy to throw on as a leather trench. More robust than their canvas counterparts, not only is this coat wipe-down, but it will also resist the elements and can just as seamlessly top a midi-dress as it can a pair of wide-leg trousers.
Follow the lead of London designer Rejina Pyo and layer a hardy brown iteration over trousers in a nearly-matching shade. Finish with some 70s-inspired specs and equally as retro footwear. Viola!
They’re trans-seasonal
Unlike, say, a faux fur coat (perfect for the dead of winter) or a bomber jacket (ideal for spring), the leather trench is a sartorial chameleon that can be made suitable year-round. It’s all about what you wear it with.
Take Italian brand Marni for example, which offered up a spring-suitable take on leather trench via a colourful version styled with trousers in an equally punchy shade and a cropped knit. Finish the look with loafers (dark green is a nice alternative to classic black) and you’ve got yourself a look that packs a punch.
They provide the perfect party cover-up
Looking for the perfect cover-up for impending nuptials or an upcoming birthday party? Enter, the leather trench coat. Sleek and polished without being overly dressy and super versatile, this is a wardrobe item that can be called on for pretty much any event.
Try layering one over a mini dress (see Lanvin’s spring show) and style it with walkable heels and cool clutch.
They can be re-fashioned for work
While undoubtedly suitable dancefloor attire, the leather trench coat is also a workwear saviour in disguise. Case in point is Italian designer Bottega Veneta’s spring show, where a brown trench was layered over a shirt (with the shirt collar visible over the coat collar. Love!) and paired with knee-high boots and a tote bag for the perfect chic-but-not-shouty office ensemble.
They are imbued with a sense of cool
Perhaps the most persuasive of all reasons to invest in a leather trench coat this coming season, is that they grant the wearer a little cool-girl insouciance. And let’s face it, anyone who says they don’t want that probably isn’t being entirely truthful.
Take your style cue from Burberry, where a roomy black leather trench was paired with lace tights and strappy sandals to excellent effect. Add some asymmetric silver chain earrings for maximum impact.