he inaugural entry into what is to be a recurring series of concise (bi)weekly posts that highlight (and further divulge upon) one coveted standout item — from timeless investment worthy wardrobe staples and sensibly merited trendy considerations through genteel lifestyle accoutrements — that are capable of immediately elevating your style to the next tier, entertaining your artistic spirit, easing your life's burden, or properly accentuating your daily routine.
To that account the weekly “Vested Indulgence” (or rather “sartorial wish-list/style pick” if you prefer) is my answer to all those who have asked for more frequent inspirational styling features delivered in a more digestibly succinct anecdotal manner as opposed to the typical (very in-depth/insightful) long-form narrative content that monk + eero is known for and that many of you have become accustomed to perusing (and hopefully enjoying) on what has been a less consistent basis. |
And the premiere “Vested Indulgence”?
The Burberry (Kensington) Trench Coat
The one (if but only one was to be owned) coat every modern gentleman of style and substance should own whose timeless fashionability and transitional merits are something in which I've gone into great (extensive) detail over on many previous occasions, the trench coat is (as such) something that one could imagine that I have surely fully touched upon and said all that can be said about it… and yet I regularly find myself returning to its reassuring (and sartorially charming) confines at every imaginable opportunity (in both a journalistic and daily styling capacity).
But pray tell why?
Perhaps because there is an endearingly sophisticated “je ne sais qui" about its eminently versatile, diplomatically approachable (yet nonetheless subtle statement making) timeless silhouette that innately appeals to my baser sartorial penchant for classically tailored formality or that speaks to the preconceived lifestyle notions that I’ve come to culturally associate it with in no small part due to an upbringing filled with films and literature that have forevermore immortally romanticized the wearing of one (i.e. inspired by the likes of Mr. Humphrey Bogart in Casablanca and the various incarnations of Mr. 007 through many a journalist and everyday gentleman alike that fall in the middle ground).
Or, perhaps it is because I firmly believe that there is no other (outerwear) garment in existence that seamlessly blends luxurious heritage craftsmanship and classic English tailoring with irreproachable technical functionality in the same seemingly effortless and elegant (yet hardy) manner or that can actively challenge its position as the perfect high-low transitional outerwear article of choice for any and all occasions or seasons (whether day or night; formal or casual).
The Burberry (Kensington) Trench Coat
The one (if but only one was to be owned) coat every modern gentleman of style and substance should own whose timeless fashionability and transitional merits are something in which I've gone into great (extensive) detail over on many previous occasions, the trench coat is (as such) something that one could imagine that I have surely fully touched upon and said all that can be said about it… and yet I regularly find myself returning to its reassuring (and sartorially charming) confines at every imaginable opportunity (in both a journalistic and daily styling capacity).
But pray tell why?
Perhaps because there is an endearingly sophisticated “je ne sais qui" about its eminently versatile, diplomatically approachable (yet nonetheless subtle statement making) timeless silhouette that innately appeals to my baser sartorial penchant for classically tailored formality or that speaks to the preconceived lifestyle notions that I’ve come to culturally associate it with in no small part due to an upbringing filled with films and literature that have forevermore immortally romanticized the wearing of one (i.e. inspired by the likes of Mr. Humphrey Bogart in Casablanca and the various incarnations of Mr. 007 through many a journalist and everyday gentleman alike that fall in the middle ground).
Or, perhaps it is because I firmly believe that there is no other (outerwear) garment in existence that seamlessly blends luxurious heritage craftsmanship and classic English tailoring with irreproachable technical functionality in the same seemingly effortless and elegant (yet hardy) manner or that can actively challenge its position as the perfect high-low transitional outerwear article of choice for any and all occasions or seasons (whether day or night; formal or casual).
Personal predictions and style anecdotes aside, it is without a doubt a heroic garment (having emerged from the trenches of WWI) that is quintessentially British in both its iconic heritage and renowned craftsmanship — being to this day still proudly constructed in (Castleford) England from only the finest natural fibres and materials available on the market.
Markedly renowned as one of those rare fashion garments that has managed to transcendent time itself in becoming synonymously (and reflectively) tied to the prevailing core identity of an entire nation — being deeply woven into the very fabric of British history and its accompanying pop culture ad infinitum — the Burberry trench is a technically faithful garment through-and-through that has managed to cross borders and oceans alike in due course of becoming not only a timeless evergreen style staple and indisputable member of the permanent fashion hall of fame but also the outerwear backbone of many modern gent’s wardrobes from Tokyo to New York.
Markedly renowned as one of those rare fashion garments that has managed to transcendent time itself in becoming synonymously (and reflectively) tied to the prevailing core identity of an entire nation — being deeply woven into the very fabric of British history and its accompanying pop culture ad infinitum — the Burberry trench is a technically faithful garment through-and-through that has managed to cross borders and oceans alike in due course of becoming not only a timeless evergreen style staple and indisputable member of the permanent fashion hall of fame but also the outerwear backbone of many modern gent’s wardrobes from Tokyo to New York.
From its deeply ingrained military uniformity roots (from which it earned its “ trench coat” moniker) and subsequent lives as a polar expeditionary gear and British Mod lifestyle pillar right through to its modern day essential luxury staple status, it has been put through the elemental grinder (from damp, wet, and drab British weather through Arctic polar fronts) and all manner of cultural caprices and shifting fashionable paradigms for well over a century and emerged on every occasion relatively unscathed, proving time-and-again to being both a profoundly resilient and enduringly relevant sartorial beacon of stylish fortitude that knows its strengths and has always played to them.
Ever stylish, dependable and practical in its elegantly discreet application (keeping you warm and dry in the most bone chilling/rainiest of conditions), the Burberry trench remains (more-or-less) the same as it always has been, having retained nearly all the classic (protective and militaristic) stalwart styling hallmarks that first defined it:
Military-inspired epaulettes (once used to display ones rank), storm-flapped shoulders (to keep the rain from penetrating the of the coat), signature checked lining (for trademark styling), and a D-ring belted waist (oriniginally for attaching equipment) that is further accentuated by belted wrist cuffs and and a stand up storm collar (to name the prominent few).
Ever stylish, dependable and practical in its elegantly discreet application (keeping you warm and dry in the most bone chilling/rainiest of conditions), the Burberry trench remains (more-or-less) the same as it always has been, having retained nearly all the classic (protective and militaristic) stalwart styling hallmarks that first defined it:
Military-inspired epaulettes (once used to display ones rank), storm-flapped shoulders (to keep the rain from penetrating the of the coat), signature checked lining (for trademark styling), and a D-ring belted waist (oriniginally for attaching equipment) that is further accentuated by belted wrist cuffs and and a stand up storm collar (to name the prominent few).
Simply essential world round in geographical locales beset with unpredictable weather conditions and four-season climates whilst endearingly functioning as a distinguishing mark of a truly well-dressed (classical) gentleman, my pick amongst Burberry's four heritage styles (i.e. fits) is its classically slim Kensington trench — which is highlighted above and fashioned below in a classically rich and duplicitously versatile neutral honey hue that can be paired with any shade or piece in your wardrobe.
Arriving in the brand’s classically sensible (i.e. not true modern) slim fit, it was expressly tailored to be worn over tailoring (i.e. with a tapered, but not to thin waist) AND to allow for a touch of additional seasonal layering if need be — which is a bonus for those of us that must contend with harsh falls and frigid winters (which in this case would entail investing in one with a proper lining for insulating purposes).
Often imitated but never truly duplicated and considered to be by many the epitome of transitional outerwear resplendence, Burberry’s magnum opus (i.e. gift to humanity) is a jack-of-all-trades essential that you can comfortably wear to any sort of engagement from Monday (to the office) through Sunday (to a leisurely brunch) and with most any and everything in your wardrobe that tickles your considered (or whimsical) sartorial fancy.
Ergo, it is by all accounts both a titan of permanent fashion and an essential wardrobe pillar that no style-conscious gentleman should be without: an intelligent investment in timeless style that will persist in sartorial relevance as well as acceptable form and peerless function until your proverbial end of days.
Truly an heirloom quality “coat for all occasions and seasons” indeed!
Get yours today and/or simply proceed to scrolling down for a touch of proper styling inspiration…
Arriving in the brand’s classically sensible (i.e. not true modern) slim fit, it was expressly tailored to be worn over tailoring (i.e. with a tapered, but not to thin waist) AND to allow for a touch of additional seasonal layering if need be — which is a bonus for those of us that must contend with harsh falls and frigid winters (which in this case would entail investing in one with a proper lining for insulating purposes).
Often imitated but never truly duplicated and considered to be by many the epitome of transitional outerwear resplendence, Burberry’s magnum opus (i.e. gift to humanity) is a jack-of-all-trades essential that you can comfortably wear to any sort of engagement from Monday (to the office) through Sunday (to a leisurely brunch) and with most any and everything in your wardrobe that tickles your considered (or whimsical) sartorial fancy.
Ergo, it is by all accounts both a titan of permanent fashion and an essential wardrobe pillar that no style-conscious gentleman should be without: an intelligent investment in timeless style that will persist in sartorial relevance as well as acceptable form and peerless function until your proverbial end of days.
Truly an heirloom quality “coat for all occasions and seasons” indeed!
Get yours today and/or simply proceed to scrolling down for a touch of proper styling inspiration…
Uniqlo 100% Cashmere Camel Turtle-Neck Sweater. £89.90. || Zara Kiltie Monk-strap Shoes. (sold out)
|
IN THE MARKET FOR A STYLISH TRENCH BUT WITH A MORE SENSIBLE (OR POSSIBLY GRANDIOSE?) BUDGET TO PLAY WITH?
Well then any one of the following alternatives will assuredly set you upon the right path…
Share your thoughts…
Are you the proud owner of a trench? If so, how do you prefer to wear yours? If not, what is holding you back?
Chime in below (or via social media) to share your opinions or to open a discussion…
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE:
Chime in below (or via social media) to share your opinions or to open a discussion…
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE:
- Transitional Outerwear: 4 Timeless Jackets Fit For A Gent
-
Equestrian Elegance: A Gentleman's Style Guide
- The Legends of Fall: 6 Iconic Essentials Fit For The Season
- Paddington Bear: A Study In British Heritage Style
RSS Feed
