Tan trench coats are Modern Classics that we see every season. They aren’t everyone’s cup of tea because most silhouettes are belted at the waist and the fronts are double-breasted. That said, most trench coats are styled with their belts left untied or tied at the back these days, and single-breasted silhouettes do exist. Furthermore, although shades of tan are the iconic neutral for trench coats, neutrals like olive, black, cinnamon, navy, and brown work well too.

I love trench coats, and tan works well with my complexion. I like them knee-lengh, classic, and a little heavier for extra warmth. Since I’m on foot a lot, they MUST have a hood, and be made of water-repellent fabric. Otherwise I don’t see the point of wearing one in rainy Seattle. Last year I bought a perfect tan trench coat from J.Crew. It became an instant wardrobe workhorse. It looks polished, chic, does not crease, and is very versatile. Most importantly, it’s a practical raincoat too. I got the first one you see in the collection, and highly recommend it if you’re looking for something similar. The hood is detachable.

On to outfit ideas that showcase the versatility of a classic trench coat. I’ve added some short, beltless trench coats in case those are appealing. Looks are very neutral. Feel free to add non-neutrals, and wear a trench coat in a neutral that’s more to your taste.

1. Sporty Luxe

This look showcases trends and classics, and remixes dressy with casual items. A classic and dressy shirt is tucked into dressy, on-trend slouchy grey trousers. The trousers are sported at a fashion-forward and floor-sweeping, puddle length. The separates are topped with a classic and dressy belted tan trench coat, which is worn open. On-trend, sporty, and casual white sneakers and classic baseball cap finish off the look.

2. Layered and Loose

A pair of black wide leg pants is paired with a tucked white tee. A light blue shirt is layered over the tee, and left unbuttoned to showcase the tee. A short tan trench coat is layered over the lot, and left unbuttoned to showcase the layers. The long blue shirt is left untucked so that it peeks out from under the trench coat. Black loafers, bag, and belt add dressy polish to the outfit.

3. Casual Column of Black

Wearing a column of black under a tan trench coat is visually punchy and easy to pull together. Here, a pair of pleated wide leg black jeans is paired with a black hoodie. Classic black pumps add a dressy touch. A short tan trench coat tops the lot. The hood is pulled out for comfort, and visually creates outfit interest. Feel free to wear a long trench coat, and sub the black for chocolate or navy. Add a bag to match.

4. Dressed-Up Denim

Last, a column of denim is created by combining a classic tucked denim shirt with a pair of trendy dark denim longer shorts. A dressy black belt and dainty ankle-strap pumps complete the look before a tan trench coat goes over the lot in a nonchalant, untied way. Add a bag, eyewear, jewellery and watch as desired.

Former fashion editor and sustainable style expert Hannah Rochell recently started a new website, Slowette, and accompanying Instagram account, where she reports on slow fashion and shares sustainability tips.

For February she chose movement as a theme, with articles like “How to Hire Your Clothes for an Activity Holiday,” and “Why Loungewear Is the New Activewear (and How It Takes the Pressure Off Your Workout)“.

The January issue was all about circular fashion, where she explains what it actually means, and shares 11 circular fashion brands that she loves.

Fab Links from Our Members

This article on “geek chic” caught L’Abeille’s eye: “It’s particularly top of mind for me because I have been glasses shopping, and I only feel like myself in “nerd glasses”.”

Aquamarine, who has always dreamed of going to Vienna, enjoyed “What Does One Wear to a Ball?“

“Chaotic culling” is editing your wardrobe based on feelings and instinct. Olive Green adds: “I have been doing something like this. Rather than talk myself into what a garment can or should do, it hits the donation basket. Immediately. Trusting my emotions has, indeed, been the opposite of chaotic.”

“Inclusive representation in the fashion industry still has a very long way to go,” says nuancedream after reading this article by model and body advocate Paloma Elsesser.

After seeing Sienna Miller’s Vogue cover, April muses that Anna Wintour has mellowed since the 2009 documentary The September Issue, in which she was critical of the actresses’ teeth.

Runcarla wanted to share this post addressing the perennial topic of good foundation pieces.

Suz is loving the 2022 season of the Articles of Interest podcast about the evolution of preppy style.

Jaime shares Anna Sui’s enthusiasm for vintage clothing: “There’s a whole new generation that appreciates the craftsmanship and the rarity of it all. That stuff is like treasures, and with regular retail, everybody’s got the same stuff.”

Crossbody bags are a comfy and effective hands-free option. They can be small or large, dressy or casual, and in any colour or pattern. Wear them higher or lower on the side of the hip to find a comfortable sweet spot and get on with your day. 

Crossbody bags can be visually flattering. The diagonal strap across the body adds some structure and an interesting line to most outfits, especially when the strap is broad and makes a statement. A chain strap adds a dressy touch.

Crossbody bags can be kind to your neck and shoulders. And they don’t slip off your shoulder like other bags. Keep them lightweight so that they don’t aggravate your body. If they aren’t for you, backpacks are also a good hands-free option.

Columns of colour are quite popular with our Outfit Bloggers at the moment, so today I’m sharing four examples of Angie’s Outfit Formula. Should you be in the mood to sport this look too, here are two dressy and two casual outfits for your inspiration. 

Janie masterfully mixes pattern and texture in this dressy trouser look. She’s created a column of black with a cosy black turtleneck and eye-catching, texture-rich quilted pants. The cropped trousers reveal refined, pointy-toe stiletto boots that continue the long lean line of black right down to the footwear. The boots also bookend our blogger’s sharp hairdo. Janie adds colour and tons of visual interest with a one-of-a-kind paisley print kimono coat. The black piping ties the entire look together nicely. A textured bag with gold hardware, gold earrings and bangle, and dark raspberry lippy are the polished finishing touches.

Samantha uses dark wash jeans and an ink blouse to create a column of dark blue. Tucking the top into the on-trend, full-length wide leg jeans lengthens the leg line from the hips upward. The subtle vertical striped self-pattern on the blouse also draws the eye up and down, while the cheerful floral embroidery lightens up the dark blue. The thin pale gold belt picks up the gold in the embroidery. White sneakers add polished crispness and bookend our blogger’s blonde hair. A large paisley print tote doesn’t match the floral pattern on the blouse but has a similar botanic vibe.

This is a fab example of Angie’s Utility Chic Outfit Formula. Veronica dresses up slim stretchy pants with a tailored utility jacket in a matching shade of tan. The tie belt accentuates the waistline and adds structure. She’s tucked the trousers into refined tall, lace-up boots that fit snugly on the calf and ankle, and give the outfit an equestrian Ralph Lauren vibe. The neutral brown complements the palette, and is repeated in a slightly lighter structured satchel that amps up the dressy factor. So does the cream coat that works well with the tan and browns. A silk scarf with rose and burgundy accents, and statement wide-brim hat complete this dressy neutral look.

Velvet cargo joggers in rich burgundy are unexpected and make a playful statement. Diane has paired them with a button-down shirt in a burgundy that has a brownish tint to it to create a column of colour with a slight tonal variation. The sneakers match the shirt and provide extra visual cohesion. Combining the burgundies with mustard is genius and makes the rich colours and textures pop even more. The peacoat’s cut-away hemline adds geometric sharpness. The shoulder tabs add subtle structure, while the black buttons match Diane’s bouncy curls. Rosy lipstick and mauve nail polish are the subtle finishing touch.

Let us know in the comments what you think of these column-of-colour outfits, and do share if you’ve been in the mood to sport this outfit formula.