Well, we’re back from our wonderful trip to London. I am already missing the fall temperatures and the sidewalks covered in golden leaves. Since September is truly the start of Autumn, especially in Europe, I knew I would need a wardrobe that would work with the cooler temperatures. England is also notoriously damp, which is why it was the birthplace of the trench coat. Thomas Burberry was the original creator and even today, Burberry still has the most recognizable and aspirational trench coats on the market.

While I would have loved to roam around London in a Burberry trench coat, I just couldn’t justify the price. Realistically the cost of one Burberry trench coat was enough to pay for our time in the English countryside, and then some. So instead in the months leading up to our trip I dedicated my time to finding the perfect trench coat.

Fortunately there is no shortage of great trench coat options. The challenge is finding the one that will fit your needs the most. I bought and returned several different styles ultimately landing on this one from Everlane. I had a few criteria in mind when shopping for the perfect trench coat. The first being the fabric would have to be all-weather. I was surprised at how many trench coats were not really suitable for rain. Isn’t that the point? So be sure to look for a material that is made to be water-resistant.

There are several different lengths and styles available for a trench coat. Since I was looking for an all-weather option that would be able to keep me as dry as possible, I knew I wanted a longer coat. There are also shorter options that are great if you just need a light-weight coat but don’t need the full protection from the rain.

Another factor to consider when shopping for the perfect trench coat is the overall style. A trench coat is one of the most classic pieces that you will have in your closet. So if you are making an investment think long-term when it comes to your style. I knew I wanted a more classic silhouette and color. I wanted minimal detail, a classic shape and a tailored look. Some of the trendier styles are a bit more oversized which I love but would look dated eventually.

Lastly, it is always important to consider your budget. If you’re like me, I didn’t want to spend thousands of dollars on a trench coat. I purchased (and returned) a few that were under $100 but the quality wasn’t what I wanted for a piece of clothing that I would be wearing often. I wanted to be in $100-$350 range. This is usually my comfort level for an investment piece. Know what you are comfortable spending and narrow your search to fit your budget. I’ve rounded up a few within the $100-$350 price range below.

Since a trench coat is such a wardrobe staple, it’s important to think about how you are going to use it. Try to avoid the impulse buys since this is one of the most functional items of clothing you will buy. I hope these tips help you find the perfect trench coat for you. It’s definitely a must-have for everyone! xo Bryn

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