Wardrobe 101: The Trench Coat

Once worn as a style moniker for the weather conscious, the trench coat is no longer just for keeping out of the rain. They can serve as statement piece for the casual chic or evening glamour looks.

The origins of the trench coat date back to the early 1900s when French and British soldiers wore them during the First World War. Burberry and Acquascutum both claim they created the coat (Acquascutum maintains they invented it in 1850), a derivation of the heavy serge greatcoats warn by military personnel.

The trench coat has evolved into a classic wardrobe item, a status symbol of sorts because while they are ready available, not everyone has one. Burberry is known for their classic trench but London Fog and other designers have created their own versions as well, expanding on styles, fabric, and color. Magazine's like Harper's Bazaar and InStyle have hailed the trench coat as a mandatory outerwear piece for the "complete" wardrobe.

Simply put, the trench coat is a must-have for every Chocolate Fashionista.
(Photos: Trench coats by London Fog.)