It is a truth universally acknowledged that every woman needs a great trench coat – especially in this strange in-between time when it’s still too warm for your proper winter coat but you need something over your summery dress. Other transitional jackets swing in and out of fashion – right now, it’s the car coat that style insiders are excited about – but a good neutral trench coat, with proper lapels and a longer length, will forever be stylish.
Enduring trench coat icons? Audrey Hepburn in Breakfast At Tiffany’s, of course. Kristin Scott Thomas in that Burberry ad. And the Royal Family, too.
Case in point? Queen Camilla, who, when visiting Liverpool, brought out one of her favourite timeless pieces: a classic beige trench coat, worn over a Fiona Clare black-and-white shirtdress. It’s an effortlessly chic look.
This is far from the first time the Queen has made an appearance in a trench. She’s brought out trench coats for all sorts of occasions over the years, proving this really is a staple that you can buy once and wear for ever.
And other members of the Royal Family know this truth, too. Kate, Princess of Wales, is a noted trench fan, too. Just like Camilla, she tends to bring hers out for the tricky transitional seasons of spring and autumn; especially when it’s raining.
The Royal Family appear to prefer a beige Burberry trench, although they do sometimes dabble in different designers and colours (the Princess of Wales wore a rather lovely burgundy trench coat by Karen Millen a few years back). Don’t panic if that’s out of your price range, though. M&S has us all covered with an equally chic trench for just £80.
Just like Queen Camilla’s, this trench has all the features you’re after for a timeless feel. Broad lapels, epaulettes, storm flaps, double-breasted buttons, a tie-waist and an easy-to-style beige tone – although it also comes in khaki, if you prefer. And, of course, there are pockets.
Wear it over a dress like the Royals, either loose, shrobed or buttoned to the top. Or use it to instantly smarten up a simple top and jeans. A trench coat like this is genuinely failsafe.
