AGELESS STYLE
WARDROBE STAPLES FOR EVERYONE BY FASHION DIRECTOR SHELLY VELLA
Immortalised in cinema by the likes of Audrey Hepburn in Breakfast at Tiffany’s and Marilyn Monroe in Let’s Make Love, the trench coat has come a long way from the garment originally developed in the First World War to replace the greatcoat in the trenches. For me, it’s a wardrobe icon, a must-have that works with everything. If slightly oversized, like this one from Mango, you can wear it over layers as you transition from winter into spring.
Keep things simple with a complementary colour palette; shades of beige and pale olive work on every skin tone and always look stylish.
A utilitarian trouser is a key piece this spring – if the multi-pocketed versions on offer are de trop for you, try a more tailored style such as these by Albaray.
A soft beige mid-heel court looks great teamed with bright and monochrome pieces and is a fail-safe ‘smarten-up’ buy for your wardrobe.
DO
Invest in a fitted thermal gilet to layer under your trench.
This classic trench has been updated with a bolder padded shoulder, nodding to the oversized, mannish trend in tailoring.
Invest well and always look for a good lining and finish – a better-made coat will last longer.
Tired of aching shoulders from an over-packed cross-body bag? Opt for a style that fits just the essentials – phone, bank card, lippy – such as this fashion editor’s favourite by Smythson.
FOR
SIMILAR
Try Principles’s beige trench coat, €115, debenhams.com, and marksandspencer.com’s cotton ankle-grazer trousers, €42.
DON’T
Forget that eco-friendly dry-cleaning will prolong the life of your coat – it’s gentler on the fabric. Using a strong wooden hanger will help to keep its shape.