Trends: Trenchcoats Are In for 2010

Calvin Klein

Forget about your ordinary khaki trench coat, spring 2010 is bringing a rainbow of styles and colors perfect for every wardrobe.

 

Anne Klein

Matthew Ames

Zac Posen

Nautica

Photos courtesy of WWD.com

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Wardrobe 101: The Trench Coat

Once worn as a style moniker for the weather conscious, the trench coat is no longer just for keeping out of the rain. They can serve as statement piece for the casual chic or evening glamour looks.

The origins of the trench coat date back to the early 1900s when French and British soldiers wore them during the First World War. Burberry and Acquascutum both claim they created the coat (Acquascutum maintains they invented it in 1850), a derivation of the heavy serge greatcoats warn by military personnel.

The trench coat has evolved into a classic wardrobe item, a status symbol of sorts because while they are ready available, not everyone has one. Burberry is known for their classic trench but London Fog and other designers have created their own versions as well, expanding on styles, fabric, and color. Magazine's like Harper's Bazaar and InStyle have hailed the trench coat as a mandatory outerwear piece for the "complete" wardrobe.

Simply put, the trench coat is a must-have for every Chocolate Fashionista.
(Photos: Trench coats by London Fog.) 

Style Tips: The Basic Trench Coat

Sessilee Lopez in Jean Paul Gaultier

Refined and classic, the trench coat is an essential part of a woman's wardrobe. Due to it's versatile fabric, it can be worn in fall or spring. Many designers have taken to creating a more updated version of the classic trench by using fabrics such as sateen and taffeta, or even shortened the sleeves to create a more casual look. Ultimately the trench coat is a must-have for your fall wardrobe.