So Summer is finally here…but I’m not sure the weather got the memo! Is it just me or when you think of the British summer do you envisage hot, sunny days sipping Pimm’s by the seaside? Strawberries and cream in the garden with Wimbledon on in the background? Sadly more recently it’s been a case of humid and sticky, thunderstorms and occasional unexpected downpours – not what I had ordered! Thank goodness for the classic British outerwear staple of the trench coat for these grey, rainy days!
This iconic design has been around since the days of WWI (when army officers used this clever water repellent material to keep themselves dry whilst out at battle…hence the name) and is still a wardrobe must-have today. A trench is the perfect, lightweight coat for this unpredictable in-between weather that our fine country seems to suffer from! It’s versatile enough to be a casual throw-on over jeans and a t-shirt on the weekend, but can also easily become part of a classic work wardrobe when put with a pair of tailored trousers.
As if this stylish jacket wasn’t versatile enough, this season Jack Wills have taken the well-known features of the trench and re-imagined them in a variety of shapes and colour-ways. From the classic stone Ambrose or navy Duncombe trench to the Dollyhill swing (also available in powder blue and rose pink) they have created a range that retains the traditional features such as the large collar, storm flaps and double-breasted buttons but also added a contemporary edge. I opted for the shorter swing style jacket as I felt at 5ft 2″ (I’m petite rather than short thank you…) it would flatter my vertically challenged frame. I also loved the tied cuffs and box pleat detail at the back.
This swing/trench hybrid certainly is versatile! I took inspiration from Jack Will’s handy How To Style a Trench Coat Guide and soon found this classic jacket layered perfectly over of a range of outfits. To top it off it is super comfy, lightweight and just the right thickness that I could pop a cardigan or jumper underneath if needed. I think this will be a classic addition to my (ever-growing…anyone who knows me will testify!) collection of coats as a staple wardrobe addition that I will revisit season after season.
If you’ve been inspired to invest in this contemporary classic then head over to Jack Wills and check out their full range of beautiful women’s trench coats – I’m eyeing up the navy version of the Duncombe which is currently on sale…just don’t tell The Canadian!
The Blonde x
*This is a collaborative post with the lovely Jack Wills but as always all opinions are my own and I only feature products or events that are fitting and in keeping with the tone and content of my blog or Instagram page.