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by Alexandra Escobar
Samantha Jones (Sex and the City) is on the hunt to prove that she is right, that Richard is cheating on her. Like every good woman on a secret mission she does it with style, wearing a beautiful trench coat and a Raquel Welch wig. Girls you know what episode I am talking about. The point of this is not about the cheating or the wig, which was adorable, but the coat. The cinematic, must have, perfect for any season essential to every woman’s wardrobe: the trench coat.
The trench coat has been in the fashion world for so long that its past is as complex as its ability to transform a complete outfit. This beautiful and classy essential began as a garment for military personnel. The trench coat was developed as an alternative to the heavy serge coats worn by British soldiers. Thomas Burberry - yes, Burberry – submitted the design for an army officer’s raincoat to the United Kingdom War office in 1901, and thus the trench coat popped its lovely presence into the fashion scene. With time it was modified and adjusted to what we now consider the modern trench coat.
Click the images to shop these looks: Calvin Klein, $99.99; Black Rivet, $72; Calvin Klein, $80; Hessnatur, $298
Even though it was originally designed as a men’s essential which is still used today, it eventually became a versatile garment for women as well. The classic cut and beige color is most popular, but can be found in many different cuts and colors which makes it a fun piece that can be reused every year. One of my favorites is a vintage Navy Blue with gold buttons I found in a small store on Haight-Ashbury, San Francisco.
Click these images to shop these looks: Modcloth, $102.99; Modcloth, $199.99; Jack B.B. Dakota, $69.50; Modcloth, $179.99
Living in San Francisco I appreciate its versatility in adapting to the weather. In one day you could have too windy, too warm, too foggy, too sunny, back to cold, and then perhaps a cool evening. And that’s all in one day! Ladies in San Francisco appreciate the trenchcoat because it can be worn with dresses, skirts, pants, or even shorts, and it makes every outfit seem well put together. One of the best outfits I have seen recently was a girl with red flats, bermuda shorts, white tank top, gold necklace and a wonderful beige trench coat. I thought that was the perfect outfit for San Francisco because she looked wonderful for the warm weather but was prepared for the cool evening.
This wonderful piece has so much character that it can be used anytime, anywhere, for any occasion, and by any sex. So find your preferred color, length, and detailing, hold onto for as long as you can, and remember this is something that doesn’t go out of style. In the famous words of Humphrey Bogart, “Here’s looking at you, kid.” Always remember that the clothes don’t make the statement, YOU make the statement.
About Alex
Alexandra Escobar is a San Francisco-based Colombian, who enjoys the latest in fashion, art, and cultural events. She also travels most of the year thus allowing her to see constant style differences, which she loves to share with others. Photo taken in San Francisco.
