Audrey Hepburn crying in the rain in Breakfast at Tiffanyβs, Humphrey Bogart performing the worldβs most romantic airport drop-off in Casablanca, and a buttoned-up Meryl Streep in Kramer vs. Kramer β the world of cinema is filled with moments where trench coats deserve a co-star credit.
Classic coat cover-ups from the big screen are easy to recall, but taking a deeper dive into your viewing history will offer the greatest inspiration for the coming season. As designers crop, twist and add unexpected zips to this cool-weather stalwart itβs time to binge-watch scenes with an indie approach to the trench.
Zara cropped trench jacket, $139. Viktoria & Woods βDeluxeβ pants, $390. Gucci βBamboo Divaβ bag, $7650.Credit: Jedd Cooney
Go short β like Elle Fanning in A Complete Unknown
As Sylvie Russo, a character based on singer Bob Dylanβs one-time girlfriend Suze Rotolo, Elle Fanning is a pin-up of utilitarian rather than swinging β60s style in the biopic A Complete Unknown. The clean lines of her car coat, a stripped-back take on the trench, make it an effortless addition to any wardrobe.
The shorter length showcases pants or skirts and offers greater mobility, and the absence of a belt or storm flap prevents anything extraneous from blowing in the wind.
Frame trench coat, $1200. Camilla and Marc βBlaiseβ shirt, $350, and βSelitaβ leather pants, $1500. Todβs shoes, $1670.Credit: Jedd Cooney
Go bold β like Daryl Hannah in Kill Bill
When it comes to assassins for hire, Daryl Hannah as Elle Driver in Kill Bill is often overlooked in favour of Jodie Comer in Killing Eve, or Keira Knightley in Black Doves. Letβs rectify this immediately by recalling her tromp lβoeil car coat with a roughly illustrated belt, buttons and pockets printed on.
Weekend Max Mara jacket, $1030, and shorts, $615. Viktoria & Woods βGraduateβ cardigan, $350. Zara boots, $389.Credit: Jedd Cooney
If youβre not confident enough to break out a Sharpie, increase your coatβs appeal by teaming it with a bold print blouse, statement lining or blood-red leather pants.
Take the uniform approach β like Brenda Blethyn in Vera
Fashion was not television detective Vera Stanhopeβs strong suit but paying close attention to Brenda Blethynβs onscreen wardrobe can save you from committing the greatest fashion crime β not wearing your trench enough.
Weekend Max Mara jacket, $1030, and shorts, $615. Viktoria & Woods βGraduateβ cardigan, $350. Zara boots, $389.Credit: Jedd Cooney
For 14 seasons, Vera relied on a double-breasted trench coat to protect her from the elements, murderers and spilt cups of tea. Like Vera, get maximum wear out of your jacket and treat it like a uniform.
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The neutral palette of trench styles makes them the perfect anchor for any ensemble. Invest in a coat versatile enough to grace the local park, a boardroom or a crime scene.
Keep it clean β like Miranda Priestly in The Devil Wears Prada
A cerulean-blue trench coat would stop you from having to worry about the special care they require. Like the trench coat worn by Meryl Streepβs icy magazine editor Miranda Priestly in The Devil Wears Prada, cleanliness is essential.
Even if your coat is cotton rather than the cashmere of Priestlyβs version, putty and beige can easily become grubby.
Check the care instructions before treating stains directly with a dedicated brush or by turning the coat inside out and placing it in a mesh bag for machine washing.
Fashion editor: Penny McCarthy; Hair: Brad Mullins using Oribe; Make-up: Nicole Thompson using Nars at Mecca Beauty.
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