Your Tan Trench Coat Is Holding You Back

I'm gonna hold your hand while I say this.

Courtesy of Sézane.

Today’s newsletter is devoted to a hard truth, tied to one of fashion’s tiniest dressing windows: trench coat season.

Every spring, the women of New York City and places of similar climate get just a few weeks to relish in trench coat weather — and boy, do they make ‘em count. A quick stroll through Soho or the West Village looks like every woman in her 20s-40s is headed to an Inspector Clouseau lookalike contest. If the blue Patagonia vest is the unofficial uniform of the Midtown Finance Bro, the tan trench is the Downtown Fashion Person equivalent.

It goes without saying that I am definitely one of these women, although my trench of choice is actually more of a car coat style that I snagged from Anine Bing a few years back. And while nothing brings me more joy than seeing women shed their winter heavies and delight in the triumph that trench coast season is, I can’t help but feel like we’re limiting ourselves when it comes to springtime outerwear.

I’m gonna hold your hand when I say this, ladies: We can do better.

Me in my tan trench. I am EXACTLY like the other girls!

It’s time to expand beyond the tan trench. Classic and timeless as it is, I need to see some variety! Perhaps a trench in a more exciting color, pattern, or texture. Or a shorter coat that allows you to show off more of your outfit. Remember when you never left the house without a blazer? I urge you to recall a time when a trench didn’t feel like the only viable option, and try to return to that mindset as the weather warms up and layering season winds down.

Even those of us with the most singular sense of style can fall prey to the cop-out that is a simple trench, and while I’ll certainly still be donning mine on occasion, I’m making a point to opt for other outerwear when I know I’ll be surrounded by peers who might also be Team Trench.

Feel the same? Below, some lightweight jacket fodder for your consideration.

Courtesy of Sea; J. Crew; Avec Les Filles; Sézane.

If barn jackets have made their way onto your radar, consider the Sea Clyde Lighthouse Jacket ($585), with contrasting corduroy cuffs and sweet embroidered details. For a more crisp approach, J. Crew’s Canvas Barn Jacket ($198) in Ivory should do the trick.

The Avec Les Filles Double-Breasted Belted Blazer ($158) has a trench-like look chopped to blazer length, and the blue gingham really screams spring. If you’re not ready to let go of length, let the Sézane Clyde Trench Coat ($350) in olive green be your new ol’ reliable.

Courtesy of Reformation; Banana Republic; The Frankie Shop.

Two Reformation jackets live rent-free in my mind this season: the Veda Celine Jacket ($698) in buttery yellow, and the Irene Linen Jacket ($268) in a green-on-green check print.

The Banana Republic Wrap Blazer ($200, was $250) makes a great case for wrap-closure coats and blazers, while The Frankie Shop’s Astra Bomber Jacket ($250) has exactly the proper proportions for maximum cool-girl slouch.

Courtesy of Everlane; Eloquii; Madewell.

Blazers in heavy-duty materials add a textural touch to spring layering, and Everlane’s The Denim Chore Blazer ($178) stands out. If a more classic denim jacket better suits your needs, opt for one cut with a slimmer silhouette, like the Eloquii Hourglass Denim Jacket ($120).

Madewell is nailing the spring outerwear game, and the Double-Faced Rounded-Sleeve Jacket ($120, was $198) is the ideal pop of cherry red for any wardrobe. Slightly more practical, the Cinched Utility Jacket ($198) is The One for those of you that delight in exclaiming, “Thanks, it has pockets!”.

Courtesy of Ganni; Vince; Tory Burch.

Has a classic Barbour never thrilled you? What about the new Ganni x Barbour Waxed Duffel Coat ($725)? Perhaps Vince’s Gardener's Check Cotton Oversized Bomber Jacket ($548) is more your speed — did I mention the matching pencil skirt?

A little logomania never killed nobody, and the Tory Burch Denim Cargo Barn Jacket ($698) feels like a fine example. Let me end with a final Vince fave, the Italian Cotton Twill Zip-Front Jacket ($548) in the prettiest of pale blues.

Was this enough to break you from your tan trench trance? Let me know.

x BG