Classically Curvy: From the Trenches of War to the Runway: Trench Coats and Their Place Among the Classics in Fashion.

Hey Ladies!

We're talking about another must-have classic today: The trench coat. I mean really, it doesn't get much more classic than this.

I'll try to keep this bit brief, but I have a history lesson for you today. If you'd like to skip the history lesson (seriously it's so interesting though!) you can just scroll down to see how I style my curves in a classic trench coat.

Do you know where trench coats got their name? Cause I sure didn't, and honestly I never gave it much thought until recently. This whole tale begins over a hundred years ago, before World War I.

Most people, when thinking of a classic trench, think of Burberry. However, there is a disagreement in history over who it was exactly that created this iconic look. Aquascutum claims that their coat design was done in the 1850's but Thomas Burberry invented gabardine, a waterproof and interwoven fabric, in 1879 and submitted the design to the British Army office in 1901. The stationary, field war of the 1800's was long gone, and new, deadly weapons changed war to guerrilla tactics (hide and attack), and blending into your surroundings. Hence, khaki was born to disguise those wearing it. The color of these new coats by Thomas Burberry would match the new khaki color used by the army.

Originally the British military used "greatcoats", which were inflexible and burdensome, and not suitable for trench warfare. They would often cake with mud and waste, forcing the soldiers to cut the bottoms off, or throw away their coats. While the regular enlisted solider was restricted to wearing the not so awesome and ironically named "greatcoat", officers were able to purchase higher quality coats from outside sources (think Burberry and Aquascutum). These coats were waterproof, breathable, and flexible. They also had a very distinguished look.

Officers originally came from the elite classes of society. They could purchase their own coats if they chose to do so. They were not Army issued. The coats served two purposes. They allowed the officers to be highly mobile and allowed them to stand out; they looked distinguished and were able to keep their elite appearance. However, this was not always a good thing. Being distinguishable in war, especially being an officer, put a target on them. Due to officers being killed so often, the military began drafting officers from regular class citizens. So they adopted the trench coat, and appeared higher class. They were called "temporary" gentlemen by the higher class. When the war was over, these officers wanted to keep the appearance of gentlemen, so they kept and wore their coats. Once America entered the war, American soldiers found the coat appealing as well. So American military adopted the trench coat, and the trend moved Stateside.

Businesses, in order to make money during the time of war, began attaching the term "trench" to everything. During the Great War, to own or wear something "trench" was a way to show your patriotism. This is were the term "Trench Coat" was born.

People were enamored with the way officers looked (dashing, dreamy, handsome). After the war, the idea of a fresh faced new officer wearing a trench coat gave way to the war worn, "world weary" solider coming home wearing his trench coat, and became a romantic symbol for women everywhere.

Trench coats really took off in the fashion world during the interwar period (between WWI and WWII) Hollywood picked up the trench coat trend and just like today, celebrity influence was heavy and all of a sudden, a classic in fashion was born. After WWII, a plethora of war movies were made, again romanticizing the trench coat.

Women adopted the trend during war time because they felt their regular dresses were just too flashy, and unpatriotic. They thought the best way to show patriotism was to "fall in line with their solider boys" by sporting trench coats as well.

So, over a hundred years later, trench coats are considered a fashion staple and wardrobe must have, an eternal classic.

Being a lover of the classics in fashion, as you know if you've been following me for any length of time, a trench coat, was simply a must have for my wardrobe. Now, being a curvy girl with quite a large bust, I had a difficult time finding a trench coat that fit properly. They are typically double breasted and don't allow much room in the chest area. I had tried several brands and was always left disappointed; they were either too tight in the chest, but fit through the body and arms well, or fit well in the chest but swallowed up my figure everywhere else. So I was on the hunt for quite some time before I found the perfect trench. And as luck would have it, over the years I have acquired several that I absolutely adore.

Look Number One

This trench coat is your classic, khaki, double breasted, belted trench coat. It's by Calvin Klein and was originally one hundred sixty dollars but I got it for half that at TJ Maxx! I couldn't love it more and it is so sophisticated and elegant. It's the quintessential trench coat.

I paired this classic trench with my Burberry scarf and Burberry "Canterbury" shoulder bag in Nova Check. I found this beautiful bag several years ago when a friend of mine was making a purchase at Burberry and I accompanied her to the store. A few short months later I received this bag as a birthday present from my parents. I know I will have it forever, because it too, is a classic. I wore my Chanel ballerinas, which if you'd like you can read about here. I also wore my beloved Chanel bow sunglasses. Sadly the white bow version is no longer available.

For this blustery day in the city, a scarf was absolutely necessary.

Look Number Two

If it's not a windy, chilly day, just lose the scarf for a simpler look. I wore a classic white button up shirt under a beige v neck sweater from Zara with black skinny jeans and my Chanel flats.

Details

Look Number Three

A trench with a feminine flare. This navy blue trench coat by Dorothy Perkins is one of my most favorite pieces in my wardrobe. I purchased this trench after Kate Middleton was seen in her Ted Baker "Jinian" trench. I was later able to score the actual Ted Baker trench but I must say, I love this Dorothy Perkins version even more. It's much more flattering on my curves. Oh and if you follow me, you know how much I love navy blue. It flares out at the waist and really flatters your figure.

I wore my favorite hat. A black wool "Cloche" hat, a classic from the 1920's. Black suede pumps by Nine West and a black scarf from Kenneth Cole are the icing on this classic cake.

If you're ever in the York, PA area, check out the "Take Five Espresso Bar" in the Central Market. They do awesome coffee.

Neckline details

Look Number Four

This is a more casual look. I know boat shoes are all the rage in recent years. I wasn't sold on the look outside of nautical life until I saw Kate Middleton sporting these particular boat shoes by Sebago, these are their "Bala" shoe. I was on the wait list for what seemed like forever to own a pair. I can assure you, they were worth the wait. Each pair is hand made and they fit like a glove. They are unbelievably soft and literally go with anything. I've had them for years now and they still look new. I'm super grateful to my favorite Duchess for introducing me to the brand.

A navy and white buffalo check scarf from J Crew is a comfy and classic accessory to tie it all together.

I love this city so much.

If it's a cold or windy day, tie your scarf up in a knot and keep warm.

Look Number Five

Trench coats can also double as a dress coat. Especially one cut like this one. The flare gives it that extra something.

This large velvet bow clutch is another Duchess inspired piece. She carried a similar clutch by Mascaro, this one however, is by Juicy Couture.

Look Number Six

Oh this one is so fun, and one of my absolute favorites! I typically reach for this pink trench from the Gap more in spring time, just because it's so bright and cheery. It is perfect for me though, because I love pink so much. It's definitely a more casual look. I mean you could definitely dress this one up for a night on the town. For this look, I've got that weekend errand day vibe going on. Every time I wear this trench I get so many compliments on it. Would you believe this beauty cost me less than twenty dollars at the Gap outlet! I'm telling you ladies, there are so many amazing deals out there, you just have to be patient and wait for the right things to come along.

When you aren't wearing your trench belted and buttoned, tie the belt around your back for a classy but functional look. This way you won't be dragging your belt on the ground if it happens to slip through the loops.

This striped shirt from J Crew is so pretty, alternating navy and cobalt blue stripes is a fun twist on the traditional Brenton top.

Look Number Seven

Gold stripes and navy blue create the perfect classy, autumnal, nautical look. Wearing your trench open, just gives it a more casual (but still elegant and put together) look.

This metallic gold striped shirt from J Crew was a little intimidating to me at first, but I love it so much these days. It is perfect for fall. I love stripes. I used to be scared of them, you know the whole thing about how horizontal stripes make you look wider? Well I say forget about that! I have so many striped shirts and I love them all.

My heels here are the navy blue LK Bennett "Art" Court shoes, as seen on the Duchess of Cambridge (as I said, she's my greatest style influence).

Look Number Eight

Last, but certainly not least is my Burberry "Littleton" trench, made famous and named for the Duchess of Cambridge, aka Kate Middleton. She first wore this coat prior to her and Prince William's marriage. It was love at first sight for me. As mentioned in a previous blog post, and above, she is my greatest fashion inspiration and the ultimate style icon for me personally, but I'm not alone in that. Minutes after she was seen wearing this coat, it sold out nearly everywhere, read about it here. My husband surprised me with it for my birthday shortly after. I swear he must have used wizardry to find it, but I couldn't have been more grateful. It spends most of it's life in the garment bag, but I bring it out for very special occasions during the cooler months.

The ruffle hem is my favorite part!

If you take inspiration from any of these looks, or just want to say hello, tag me on Instagram @Classicallycurvy or Twitter @Classicallycurv. I'd love to see your looks and be inspired by you too!

Thanks so much for reading!

Love,

Kate

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