Leather Trench Coats: Timeless Cool

Leather trench coats have been a staple in the fashion industry for decades, but their popularity has seen a recent resurgence, with celebrities such as Kendall Jenner, Bella Hadid, and Irina Shayk sporting the look. With its roots in military attire, the trench coat has evolved into a versatile and stylish piece that can be dressed up or down. While some may argue that trench coats rarely look good outside of movies, others believe that the key to pulling off this look is tailoring and context. Whether paired with jeans and sneakers or a power suit, a leather trench coat can add a touch of sleek minimalism and modern cool to any outfit.

Celebrities wearing leather trench coats

Leather trench coats have been a wardrobe staple for celebrities for almost two centuries, with the classic coat first designed in the 1820s. While the traditional trench is made from cotton or gabardine, leather trenches have become increasingly popular among celebrities in recent years.

Hailey Bieber, Shania Twain, and Miranda Kerr have all been spotted rocking leather trench coats, each putting their unique twist on this classic piece. Hailey paired her longline open leather trench with a sports bra and flared leggings, creating a casual yet edgy look. Shania Twain complemented her pink hair with a black turtleneck, leather trench, and knee-high boots, while Miranda Kerr opted for a softer vibe with a deep brown trench over a mini skirt, tights, and a black turtleneck.

Other celebrities who have embraced the leather trench coat trend include Lori Harvey, Kylie Jenner, Kendall Jenner, Anya Taylor-Joy, Nicola Peltz-Beckham, and Kim Kardashian. Some celebrities opt for the severe Matrix-style leather trench, while others put a feminine twist on the look. Colorful trenches have also gained popularity, with celebrities like Kylie Minogue and Kim Kardashian paving the way for brightly hued trenches.

The leather trench coat has become the jacket of the season, with celebrities styling it in various ways, from casual off-duty looks to formalwear. With its staying power and versatility, the leather trench coat is a classic piece that adds a touch of edge to any celebrity wardrobe.

How to style a leather trench coat

Leather trench coats are a versatile piece of outerwear that can instantly make you look stylish. Here are some tips on how to style a leather trench coat:

Choose the Right Colour

When choosing a colour for your leather trench coat, consider either a classic or a bold option. Classic colours include blacks, browns, tans, and creams, as they go with everything. If you want to add a pop of colour to your wardrobe, go for a dark red, burgundy, or dark blue trench coat.

Pair it with Jeans and Heels

Take the leather trench trend up a notch by incorporating colour-blocked pieces into your outfit. For instance, pair a vibrant red trench coat with an on-trend bold orange sweater and simple denim jeans. Play with geometric accessories in the same colour family, such as a vintage pair of denim and a bold, chunky sweater. You can also opt for a neutral brown trench coat with cowboy boots and dark denim jeans for a chic, rustic look.

Style it with a Midi Skirt and Sneakers

For a foolproof everyday look, pair a sleek leather trench coat with simple sneakers and a workwear staple like a check pencil skirt. You can also opt for a patent leather trench or one with a furry collar to add a unique twist.

Go Full-On Leather

For an eye-catching ensemble, go for a head-to-toe leather look. Pair a leather trench coat with leather pants and utilitarian boots. This combination will definitely make a statement and keep you warm on chilly days.

Monochrome with Mixed Textures

Try a monochrome ensemble in a bright colour, such as green. Layer a simple slip skirt and a workwear vest under a trench coat in the same colour palette. Echo the texture throughout your outfit by adding another croc-embossed accessory, such as a neutral calf-high boot.

Statement Pants

While a leather trench coat is a statement piece on its own, you can create an even bigger impact by pairing it with brightly coloured or patterned pants. Look for high-waisted pants to elongate your silhouette.

Wide-Flare Denim

Play with the slim proportions of a leather trench coat by pairing it with wide-cuff jeans. A neutral-coloured trench coat will complement this look perfectly.

Printed Tights

Break down the structured look of a leather trench coat by pairing it with printed tights. This combination will add a cool and contemporary twist to your winter wardrobe.

Office Attire

You can definitely wear a leather trench coat to the office. Opt for a black belted trench coat, paired with a black sweater, a black knit scarf, black wide-leg pants, and black suede ankle boots for an elegant and stylish look.

Casual Chic

For a casual and slightly boyish look, pair a black and white print tee with light blue skinny ankle jeans. Layer a long black leather trench coat over these pieces, and finish the look with white sneakers.

Dress it Up

Leather trench coats can also be dressed up for a more formal occasion. Pair a black belted trench coat with a black sweater, a black mini skirt, and black suede ankle boots. Add a black leather clutch bag to complete the look.

Leather trench coats as an investment piece

Leather trench coats are a timeless staple in the fashion world. With their sleek and edgy look, they are a perfect blend of modern cool and minimalism. They are a versatile piece that can be dressed up or down, making them a worthy investment for your wardrobe. Here's why:

Timeless and Versatile

Leather trench coats have been around since the 90s, and their popularity continues. The classic trench coat silhouette, combined with the edgy finish of leather, creates a refined and versatile look. It can be paired with various outfits, from casual jeans and sweaters to more polished dresses and trousers. The coat's roomy structure and long-line design also make it a flattering choice for different body types.

High-Quality and Durable

When investing in a leather trench coat, it is essential to consider the quality of the leather. Opt for premium quality leather, such as Napa leather, to ensure durability. Genuine leather is insulating, helping to keep you warm during cold weather. Additionally, look for coats with deep pockets, a detachable hood, and a belt to add functionality and versatility to your look.

Style and Statement

Leather trench coats offer a wide range of colours and styles to make a statement. While black, brown, and dark blue are classic choices, vibrant shades like red or pink can be excellent alternatives. You can also choose a colour that complements your existing wardrobe. For a more feminine feel, opt for a cropped waist-cinching style, or go for a full-length floor-grazing silhouette for a dramatic effect.

Practicality and Comfort

Leather trench coats are not just about style; they are also highly practical. They can be worn in cool, windy weather and provide warmth and insulation. Some brands offer winterized versions, such as fur- and shearling-lined options, perfect for throwing over a dress or pairing with trousers and a sweater. The belted design of trench coats also allows for a cinching effect, flattering your waistline and providing an extra layer of warmth.

Longevity and Value

Like a timeless designer handbag, leather trench coats are investment pieces that pay for themselves. They are built to last and will remain a staple in your wardrobe for years to come. With their ability to elevate any outfit, leather trench coats offer excellent value and can be styled in multiple ways to create fresh looks.

In conclusion, leather trench coats are a worthwhile investment piece. They offer timeless style, versatility, and functionality, all while providing a sleek and edgy look. By investing in a high-quality leather trench coat and caring for it properly, you will have a staple piece that you can turn to season after season, making it a valuable addition to your wardrobe.

Leather trench coats in popular culture

Leather trench coats have been a staple in popular culture, especially in films and television shows.

In the sci-fi series Firefly, the rebellious Independent Faction of the Unification War wore brown trench coats in combat and became known as the Browncoats. In the TV series The X-Files, Fox Mulder and Dana Scully are known for frequently wearing trench coats. In the NBC series Heroes, Peter Petrelli and the villain Sylar wore trench coats in the first season, with Sylar in black and Peter in white, following the traditional good and evil motif.

In films, leather trench coats are often worn by gun-toting heroes to conceal large amounts of guns without drawing suspicion. Humphrey Bogart's character Rick Blaine in Casablanca and Peter Sellers' Inspector Clouseau in the Pink Panther films are classic examples of the trench coat's popularity in Hollywood. Other notable characters who wore trench coats include the Replicant Roy Batty in Blade Runner, Eric Draven in The Crow, and Kevin Smith's Silent Bob.

Leather trench coats are also prevalent in comic books and graphic novels. John Constantine, the main protagonist of the Hellblazer series, wears a trench coat as an integral part of his image. Marvel Comics thief Fantomex wore a white trench coat as part of his costume. Jean Grey and Emma Frost of the X-Men comics wore leather trench coats, and Gambit from the X-Men usually wears a brown trench coat over his armour.

In manga and anime, trench coats are also a common feature. Vash the Stampede from Trigun wears a custom-made red trench coat, and Legato Bluesummers, one of the villains, wears a white trench coat. In the anime Hellsing, Alucard, Alexander Anderson, and The Captain, the top fighters of their respective organizations, all wear trench coats.

Trench coats have also made their way into music and video games. Rick Astley wears a trench coat in his "Never Gonna Give You Up" music video, and Nullsleep, a Chiptune artist, is known for wearing trench coats while performing on stage. In the video game Resident Evil, Albert Wesker, the central villain, wears a black trench coat.

History of the trench coat

The trench coat has a long and varied history, dating back over 150 years. It was originally developed even earlier than World War I, but it was during that conflict that the classic garment took the shape and style that we recognise today.

The origins of the trench coat are often debated, but it is always regarded as a symbol of quintessential British smartwear. In the early 19th century, Charles Macintosh crafted coats from rubberised cotton for the British military. Named after their inventor, these coats were known as 'macs'. While they were revolutionary because they were waterproof, they lacked breathability and had a distinctive smell due to keeping sweat in. They were even known to melt in the sun.

From this, other clothiers developed new waterproof fabrics that addressed the need for greater ventilation. In 1853, John Emary patented a new waterproof fabric that was much more breathable and later renamed his company 'Aquascutum' (Latin for "water shield"). A few years later, in 1856, Thomas Burberry created gabardine fabric, a waterproof and breathable twill fabric that coated individual fibre strands rather than the whole fabric.

The classic trench coat’s design developed from the needs of soldiers during WWI. Soldiers had previously worn long wool overcoats, which could be itchy, ill-fitting, and heavy. The trench coat offered a silhouette that was shorter, lighter, and waterproof. The design details were functional: the storm flap on the shoulder enabled ventilation, while at the back a small cape allowed water to roll off, and deep pockets and D-rings on the belt were used for attaching tools.

Initially, only British officers owned and wore trench coats, which distinguished them from the rank and file. Because military officers at the time came from the aristocracy, the trench coat also denoted class differences. However, due to the devastation wrought by the war, a need arose to promote working-class infantrymen to officer roles. For these men of humble birth, known as "temporary gentlemen", the trench coat quickly became a symbol of status and class.

After the war, trench coats took civilian culture by storm. The coats, already being mass-produced to serve the war effort, appealed to everyday customers for the same reasons they appealed to servicemen: they were functional, comfortable, sophisticated, and looked good. Hollywood further boosted the garment's popularity, with cool characters like Humphrey Bogart immortalising the look in films such as Casablanca and The Maltese Falcon.

Today, the trench coat continues to be a fashion staple and an iconic garment. It has evolved to suit contemporary tastes and lifestyles while retaining its classic charm. Designers have incorporated sustainable materials, updated cuts, and innovative features like detachable hoods and removable linings.

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