I dust off my trusty trench every spring — how to add timeless utility to your wardrobe

Another reliable year of grab-and-go. It’s a keeper.

Thu, 10 Apr, 2025 - 02:00

Annmarie O’Connor

Every spring I check my trusty trench coat for wear and tear. So far so good. Another reliable year of grab-and-go. It’s a keeper. So are my camel blazer and trousers—both no-nonsense and sharply cut, although neither boasts a military pedigree.

All different brands; all ages old; yet these all pair perfectly with the rest of my closet. Useful, some might say. “Where’s the fun in that?” my inner magpie might reply.

It’s helpful to have a reminder like GANNI’s spring/summer cult runway favourite – a bonded trench with iconic puff sleeves in a curved design with removable eyelet belts. It’s got the cutest cropped cousin too.

Short and sweet certainly appears to be the season mantra. The unexpected rainbow panels on the storm flap and inside the back vent of Boden’s waisted ‘Mayfair’ trench put the ‘grand’ in ‘soft’ days. Similarly Autograph at M&S offer a sharp, abbreviated blazer with a soupcon of stretch. Wear it as a top with black flares and considered gold accessories for a low-key twist.

Choose your own adventure with a trench-inspired skirt from Max Mara’s Weekend line. The vibe is precise (this season’s muse is a 4th century mathematician) but with plenty of scope for fun. Think trans-seasonal roll necks and heeled loafers now. Swap for fisherman sandals and crisp shirting come summer. It’s not too far away.

So, why not lean into a breezy jumpsuit? Try one with gold hardware like the ‘Minna’ style at Reiss. Simply roll the sleeves and cuffs, slip on sandals and a fedora. Then order a drink and call it a day off. Useful, some might say.

Bonded cotton trench coat