Valentino Belted Macintosh Trench

Michigan’s mercurial weather can be dreadful – especially for college students during the school year. As we travel across campus, we encounter bouts of snow, rain and sunshine – all in the period of one day. Because we face conditions that can’t be defined as winter or spring, one of our biggest challenges each morning is choosing our outer apparel. So what should we wear?

We personally vote for the trench coat as the best option. It is the perfect compromise between a bulky puffed coat (such as the U of M favorite: The North Face Metropolis Parka) and a short flimsy rain jacket. Also, it is far more chic than either of the above two alternatives. A trench coat is definitely a staple item for the closet.

This writer recently fell in love with the 2012 Valentino Belted Macintosh Trench. Not only is it the perfect beige color, its beautiful hem is quite unlike that of any other trench coat we have ever seen. The scalloped border is highlighted by its embroidered flower designs and cutouts.

If you are searching for a more classical trench, Burberry offers many beautifully designed and well-crafted coats. One of the featured coats this season is a honey-colored trench. Leather details accentuate the sleeves and bring an edge to its otherwise conservative appearance. If you prefer a darker color, such as black, another option is one of Burberry’s sleek short trench coats. Love accessorizing? Don’t forget to adorn the Burberry trench coat with one of the brand’s iconic checked scarves!

Of course if you are wary of the high prices of Valentino or Burberry, there are many more affordable and equally fabulous selections. French Connection’s Imperial Lux Trench Coat features a very sophisticated bow-tied belt. The Ellen Tracy Asymmetrical Trench Coat is irresistible as well. It is inexpensive and its silhouette defining features are great for any body type.

Trenches are incredibly versatile – they complement skinny jeans, skirts, and dresses! Although they can be more expensive than other coats, cost should not be an unsurpassable deterrence. Because they offer timeless appeal, trench coats are a great investment – the style (and you) will continue to impress for many years!

Pictures courtesy of Burberryand Nordstrom.