There are few other staples as ubiquitous in the realms of women’s coats and jackets as the classic trench coat. Sported by everyone from Audrey Hepburn to Alexa Chung, our parents and grandparents owned them and yet somehow they’ve managed to avoid the fate that befalls so many other pieces and has remained a covetable, sought-after style that retains a timeless-yet-contemporary appeal. 

We love them, many of us have probably owned one - they’re about as egalitarian as a round-neck white T-shirt, but what is it exactly that cements women’s luxury trench coats in the wardrobe classic hall of fame?

1 | It’s Stood the Test of Time

A true sign that well-designed pieces never go out of fashion, the original trench coat (or mack) was invented in Scotland by Charles Macintosh and Thomas Hancock in the 1820s. It wasn’t until the First World War, though, that it started to become part of the popular sartorial lexicon; higher-ranking army officials purchased their own as part of their uniforms. The same reasons that made it so popular in the army - a lightweight fabric, water-resistant finish and comfortable fit that still allowed freedom of movement - appealed to the masses after the war.

Designer trench coats brought the style to Hollywood where they were popularised by acting royalty like Humphrey Bogart, Audrey Hepburn, and Marlene Dietrich. Decades later, it continued to prove its appeal in the 21st century on everyone from Kate Moss to the Princess of Wales.

2 | It’s Been Perfected Through the Generations

Our perfect mac come to fruition, the Forever Belted Longline Mac is crafted from pure organic cotton and is detailed with cord under the collar for a luxe finish. Staying true to the original design, it features a double-breasted front with the option to button it to the top or leave it slightly open, and is accompanied by an adjustable belt. 

Granting it a contemporary, cleaner aesthetic while ensuring a bulk-free finish, the shoulders are free from epaulettes and the length falls a little longer below your knees. The length was a key focus in this style’s design process; it was tweaked and perfected, trialled by everyone in the design team to ensure it fitted and flattered all heights. In other words, it finds the balance between a short and long trench coat and is the epitome of that elusive middle ground between the two that ensures a flattering finish and leg-lengthening effect. 

3 | It’s Lightweight and Water Repellent

Due to its cotton fabric, trench coats are an easy lightweight style that doesn’t add bulk to your look, instead creating a neatly tailored finish. Even when layered under multiple pieces in this look, our iteration still appears polished and bulk-free. 

A godsend in Britain’s unpredictable climes to wear under its more-often-than-not cloudy skies, ours is covered in a water-repellent finish that doesn’t add any stiffness or weight to the cotton canvas. Keep all the elements at bay by turning up the deep collar and buttoning the double-breasted front to the top.

4 | It Complements Polished and Pared-Back Outfitting

A versatile staple, it can be styled in a plethora of ways to produce ever-changing results. Button it to the top and cinch in your waist with the belt, or leave it open, tying the belt loosely at your back for a more relaxed finish.

Turn to it to sign off everything from occasion and office-bound outfitting to off-duty dressing. For a look that finds a home in all three settings, the style is layered over our Relaxed Feature Button Striped Shirt tucked into our Chalk Stripe Pleat Front Wide-Leg Trouser. Choose between canvas plimsolls or leather brogues to find your work-life balance. 

For a more elevated approach, our Relaxed Tapered Turn-Up Trouser forms the base of another look celebrating our trench coat. It’s paired with our Merino Cashmere Swing Vest + Snood and Houndstooth Flannel Oversized Blazer in a polished head-to-toe look completed with our kitten heel covered in a covetable snakeskin print.

5 | It Bridges Seasons 

Effortlessly bridging autumn, winter and spring, trench coats continue to prove their worth through the seasons. Happily slotting in alongside cold-weather layering, they find a home amongst dark-wash denim and navy knitwear with the same ease as soft tonals and creams. When temperatures rise, they continue the ease of warm-weather outfitting built from lightweight cotton, soft prints, pastels and bright colour and don’t detract from the silhouette of your choice of seasonal dresses throughout the year. 

In short, these lightweight, weather-resistant wardrobe classics are a true investment piece to return to season after season, year after year and even decade after decade.