West Coast Mermaid

In the Spring, my travels took me to Paris and Toronto, and I noticed many women wearing different variations of the same iconic fashion item. The trench coat. Whether in green, crème, or classic beige, it seemed like I saw one around every corner I took.

Of course you can wear a trench coat any time of the year, however it does seem to suit the spring and early-mid fall seasons. It is also very popular for the Fall 23 fashion season due to its classic tailoring that has been prevalent in the trend forecast. The coat is also associated with the quiet luxury aesthetic which has been popular with celebrity styling choices this past year.

Let’s take a quick dive into the history of the trench coat.

Dating back to the 1800s, it was originally named the “Mack” and meant as a well dressed men’s outerwear coat. Created from rubberized cotton, the water repellent garment was perfect for outdoor activities including hunting, riding, shooting, and military activities. 

Later in the mid 1800s, two different companies would create their own versions. Both coats created by Aquascutum and Burberry were very popular, however it was Burberry who won out due to their more breathable fabric.

The trench coat’s name comes from the World Wars, where trench warfare was pervasive. Worn by many military service men, it became a sign of patriotism.

Later in the 1950s, Hollywood would romanticizes the trench coat in movies. Worn by several iconic actors such as Humphrey Bogart in Casablanca and Audrey Hepburn in Breakfast at Tiffany’s. The movies transformed it from practical to a fashion statement.

Part of the reason the coats has lasted for so long as a go to is because it’s a great pull over to protect your clothes from the rain and stay warm. If you don’t have a trench coat in your closet yet, now’s the time to find one that will last as a staple item.