Help me understand this trench coat style

Nicole D

I have seen a few magazine ads wherein the trench is open AND belted. AM I missing something? Looks weird to me, but so did pumps and pants 20 years ago.

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12 years ago

Dressing

10 replies

Latest reply was from Suz

cinnamon fern

Veteran

It looks good to me, but couldn't work in real life - there must be a ton of fabric pinned in the back.

12 years ago

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

OH! This is a styling technique that has been around for a few years - that's all :). Creative people trying to do interesting things with clothes.

It does work irl - just lots of rushing that slips and slides if you walk fast. It actually works in warmer climates too, and can be practical. Open trenches with belts don't always hang well when unfastened. Two of mine do because they are very tailored trenches, but my roomier black trench looks awful when it hangs open.

12 years ago

Nicole D

Veteran

Thanks! When I wear my trench open I tend to tuck the belt ends in the pockets. Is it ever acceptable to tie the belt in the back? (I have not tried that with a trench but I do with a cardigan that has a belt that I don't like to close.

12 years ago

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

I'm personally not fond of the back-tied trench. I've seen it look fine, and awfully frumpy. It depends on the rest of the packaged outfit I think. Sorry to sound obtuse

12 years ago

CocoLion

(website)

Veteran

This is interesting, thanks for calling my attention to it.

12 years ago

krishnidoux

Veteran

Yes, had not thought of it either. And didn't know back tying could look frumpy. I 'm so guilty of this with trenches! I'll be more careful now.

12 years ago

Carla

Veteran

I have a black trench that I style with a wide black belt instead of the narrow cloth tie it came with. Gives some 50's flair to the trench and defines the waist.

12 years ago

L'Abeille

Veteran

I'll have to remember this when spring weather arrives and I break out my trench again.
I don't deliberately wear mine open, but I must admit I usually do a wrap and then tie the belt because I'm too lazy to do up all the buttons!
Mind you this is trench- as-essential-outerwear, not trench-as -stylish- accessory.

12 years ago

Rinoa

Active Member

Oh, I've been wondering about this too! This old Burberry ad does it as well, although I do think it might be cinched in the back in this picture - how could the coat be so open?

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12 years ago

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Interesting. I always stuff my belt in the pockets when the coat's open.

12 years ago

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