Fashion Through The Ages: A Return To The 80s Soft Trench

We saw them all over the runway for spring 2016: soft, flowey, and slightly oversized belted overcoats reminiscent of the 80s. Do you remember these robe-like, slouchy midi coats? I immediately thought of  Cybill Shepherd in Moonlighting or the oversized jackets on Miami Vice. The best part about these slouchy coats is that they hide what you are wearing underneath and give you a professional look in a flash (as long as what you have on your feet and ankles look chic!).

TODAY’S TRENCH TREND

The trend today is similar to the 80s only now the shoulder pads are removed (thankfully), the silhouette is narrower and the fabrics are more functional and won’t wrinkle. You may find one in your mother’s closet (if not in your own) or purchase a vintage coat from the 80s. However, if you get a vintage coat you will need to remove the shoulder pads and size down! The “big coats” from that era were really huge. Or make it easy and pick up one of the new trendy trenches for spring!

YES! I LOOK FORWARD TO #GROWINGYOUNGER

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HOW TO STYLE THE SOFT TRENCH

 

 

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SMYTHE Wrap Trench $795 and BB Dakota Knox Trench, $155

What’s the best way to style a trench? Keep in mind the eye will be drawn to your feet and ankles at the hemline, so it’s preferable to keep your pants cropped and slim and wear simple and modern shoes or boots like the models pictured above.

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Harris Wharf London Belted Wool-felt Coat in Tan or Blue, $725

Here are two other easy ways to style a long soft trench. Wear wider leg pants and go classic 90s style with a flat loafer, or go full-on 70s style with long flare jeans and platforms. Again you will notice both looks (below the hem) are not busy but very clean and elongating. You can experiment with your soft trench with cropped wide leg pants, too, but be careful because this can get tricky if the proportions are off. Beware of looking dumpy!

Shop my selections below and get your 80s revisited soft trench today. It’s a quick and easy way to update your look with a little blast from the past.

Carol.sig

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Photos: Moonlighting Poster; Spring 2016 RTW NYMag

Image Layout: Fountain Of 30

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