{eternally chic: the classic trench coat}

One of my favourite things about Spring is running out the door in a light trench — whether paired with a favourite pair of jeans or a cocktail dress, it is one item that always makes me feel hopelessly stylish and effortlessly put together . . .

{top: françoise hardy; above: kate moss}

In 1879, a young former draper’s assistant, Thomas Burberry, invented gabardine, a comfortable yet durable tightly-woven, water-resistant fabric. This fabric was a stunning success, with orders flooding in, and the first major client being the British Army.

Using his own designs for officers’ coats made 13 years earlier for the War Office, Burberry added shoulder straps and metal rings to his gabardine coat, and the trench coat was created. Today the Burberry trench coat remains one of fashion’s most coveted pieces.

{above: jackie, audrey, kate}

Lightweight, weather resistant and eternally chic, the classic trench is as stylish today as it was when Audrey Hepburn wore one in Breakfast At Tiffany’s.

{united bamboo trench with current / elliott 70’s style bell-bottoms in distressed denim at la garçonne}

{cotton A.P.C. trench paired with paul smith striped shirt and just cavalli wide-legged jeans from harrods for an elegantly cool british look}

{a gryphon trench paired with acne skinnies and a proenza schouler striped tee for a perfect parisian vibe}

{images: 1 – françoise hardy via ms. muse; 2 – kate moss by ellen von unwerth; 3 – magnolias by alicia bock; 4 – via popartpistol; 6 – glamour uk august 2008; 7 – closet couture in vogue us may 2009}