In The Trenches
Spring time can make you think of many things. Blossoms on the trees, birds chirping, and warm sunny days, but in the fashion world, spring can mean only one thing - trench coats! A trench is a must-have for every woman and is on everyone's list of basics. A good trench, like a good jacket, can anchor an outfit and is a timeless item. In this issue, I will give you tips on how to select the best trench coat for both your lifestyle and body type.
Length
Just as with a winter coat, you need to assess your lifestyle. Are you a working woman, traveling and always on the go, a stay at home mom, or a young professional? If your life is a bit more casual, then I would suggest a shorter style. Something that hits at mid-thigh or shorter is best. I would suggest a trench in a fun color that will pop against a casual wardrobe.
This trench from Nordstrom is the perfect length, emphasizes the waist, has a detachable hood and comes in petite and plus sizes. This is in a great color and would look great with jeans, city shorts or a skirt.
Style
If your life is a bit more formal, then a ¾ length style would work best. Never let the length dip too far below the knee - it should hit just above, at or right below the knee. Longer, and it enters into dowdy. If you are petite, opt for a style that's above the knee.
I love this trench from Nordstrom. It's the perfect length and would work with a suit, a dress or even jeans. Since it's a neutral, it will go with anything - a navy suit, brown, black et cetera.
This trench will also work on every body type and any size. Why? First of all, it nips in and emphasizes the waist, which is always slimming. Second, the buttons and lapels are all very streamlined. They're not overwhelming and the size and placement, (instead of double-breasted), is universally flattering. Lastly, it doesn't have any bulky pockets - none at the bust line (bad if you have a large bust or are broad up top - Apple body type), and no large pockets at the hips (bad if you carry your weight on the bottom half - Pear body type). The two pockets are cut on the seam line and actually disappear if you don't have your hands in the pockets.
Color and Pattern
Aside from length and style, trench coats come in a variety of colors and patterns. Opting for a coat in a color is great because it's the first thing people see, it makes a good impression, and everyone looks better in color.
However, don't totally rule out a pattern either. A patterned coat can be just as versatile since most of us wear solids (especially on the bottom half as you won't see a pattern top underneath a coat), and a pattern can keep the eye moving. If you keep the eye moving, you prevent it from focusing in on one point. A pattern can camouflage lots of problem areas. A pattern is also a bit more fashion forward.
Here's one from Bloomingdale's that is still a neutral, yet has a pattern in a good size that would work well on most women. It's not too small or too big. It has a fun lapel and could be worn with jeans or in a professional setting as well.
Classic Style
You can never go wrong with a classic trench like this one from Banana Republic, however, don't choose double-breasted if you have a large bust as this will only make it bigger. Pick a trench that you like, that you naturally gravitate towards, but just make sure it's knee length (above, at or just below the knee), and one that 
emphasizes the waist. It doesn't have to tie at the waist, but should be tailored and have a shape - not a box.
This trench, on the left, is one I see a lot and something to get away from. It's too boxy and does nothing for the body. It makes this model look bigger. It doesn't have any shape and is a bit dated.
Trendy Pieces and the Satin Trench
Trend wise, I have see lots of anoraks. The main feature is that they have a drawstring waist. They are also usually waterproof and have a hood. There are some cute styles out there like this one from Nordstrom, however, I would focus on a classic trench first. Then, add in a trendier piece or two. 
This style is more casual and when it doubt, a classic trench will always look modern and stylish with a dress, jeans, a skirt, city shorts, et cetera. An anorak is an addition, not a must-have.
A few words of caution: Beware of the satin trench. I say this because it always looks great on the Oprah makeover shows, but satin trenches are very dressy, therefore, pretty limited. And, remember, satin is shiny, so it makes you look bigger.
A trench coat is the perfect transition coat for spring and fall. It's an easy go-to item that will stand the test of time and will always look great. Now is the perfect time to shop around and to see this coat in action, here's a web site dedicated to the Art of the Trench, by Burberry, Click Here A great inspiration!
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