Return of the mac: The timeless trend that’s been given a high-fashion makeover
It promises to be the hardest working item in your wardrobe
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.At this time of year, when the rain just keeps on coming, remaining vaguely put together can be a task. Enter, the trench coat.
Synonymous with wet weather dressing, ever since its first iteration surfaced in the 1850s, the mac has remained a cornerstone of any well-edited wardrobe.
A rarity in fashion’s ever-changing cycle of trends, the timeless design has endured and it’s not going anywhere fast but, neither is the debate concerning its inception.
British brands Aquascutum and Burberry both stake a claim to designing the original trench but, while the former dons the shoulders of former Prime Ministers, with a folly of modern-day A-list celebrity wearers, Burberry has moved with the times.
Trench coats never really go out of fashion and, for the most part it has remained true to its heritage in classic brûlée-coloured gabardine but, this season, they’ve been given a renewed lease of life.
For its originator Burberry, the trench came in a variety of iterations from classic to models that spelt sex appeal. Take it unbelted in khaki green, cropped with a playful waterfall front or with larger-than-life leopard print mutton sleeves – here, exaggeration was a recurring theme.
Celine went for blue, buttery leather and wide lapels, Lanvin opted for a high shine black patent maxi, while Balenciaga hit upon strict architectural shapes, cinched in at the waist and worn off the shoulder. This was the trench coat, but not as we’ve seen it before.
Though there are as many variations of the trench as there are a LBD, its old-style elegance and warm tobacco hues make it this season’s easiest trend.
But, for additional high-fashion drama, take cue from the runway and order it a size up. Whether you choose to opt for oversized epaulettes, whooping lapels or super-long sleeves, it almost doesn’t matter what you wear underneath.
For autumn/winter, the trench promises to do all the talking.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments