Into the Trenches

The invention of the Trench Coat is claimed by both Burberry and Aquascutum, with Thomas Burberry claiming to have submitted the design as an Army Officer's coat in 1901 and Aquascutum's claim dating back as far as 1850. Regardless of who was primarily responsible, the Trench has been a fashion staple ever since and even more so since Christopher Bailey became creative director of Burberry and brought the coat up to date with edgy embellishments like studs and leather sleeves. The Trench can be worn with little regulation, as demonstrated in the various looks below, but I think it works particularly well as part of a simple preppy day-look, over a classic button-down shirt with jeans and brogues.

A model wears a Trench in the Burberry Prorsum SS 2011 show