HOW TO WEAR A TRENCH COAT

THE TRENCH is one of the oldest trends around. First created for soldiers (hence the name) by Sir Thomas Burberry back in 1912, it soon shed it's military connotations and became the coolest coat to own for both men and women.

Kate Moss's nonchalance, Gisele Bundchen's nudity or Alexa Chung's cute factor - which trench style suits you?

It's not hard to pinpoint why the trench is so popular.

Naughty, nice, sexy, smart or subtle, this belted beige number can look so different depending on what it is worn with - or just who is wearing it.

Bad girl Kate Moss always manages to make her Burberry trench match her nonchalant persona with black shades and dishevelled hair while Alexa Chung looks cute and casual with the addition of a hoodie and flats.

But the trench has also become somewhat of a sexy symbol in past decades.

Who can forget the Burberry Body fragrance advertorial shot in 2011? Rosie Huntington Whiteley heads to her pretend boyfriend's office, rips off her trench to reveal racy underneath and performs a lap dance for him. Gisele Buchanan also posed naked underneath one in a campaign for London Fog in 2009.

Priyanka Chopra wore this dramatic trench dress by Ralph Lauren to Anna Wintour's annual Met Ball

Actress Priyanka Chopra showed us that a trench needn't be boring when she headed to Anna Wintour's Annual Met Ball last year in this extravagant design by Ralph Lauren- complete with a gothic collar, off-the-shoulder neckline, thigh-skimming slit and dramatic train.

But you don't have to own a designer trench to get this iconic look loved by celebrities.

We've found four totally different styles on the high street to show just how versatile this coat can be.

But don't worry, you only have to buy one to make this staple work wonders.

On a date

Don't swamp yourself with a full-length trench on your hot date. This classic coat can be playful too - the short silhouette and frilled trims on this Jane Norman version feel so flirtatious. Amp up the '60s look with a shift dress and Mary Janes.

In the cold

The trench coat is often seen to be Spring appropriate only but it can be worn in colder climes as long as you build on it. Cover yourself up entirely but don't let layers conceal your style - an asymmetric hemline will showcase bright knee high boots perfectly while a chunky turtleneck jumper will keep things cosy. Stick to an autumnal, tonal palette to avoid the outfit looking too busy.

To work

In short. Keep it sleek. To avoid looking too much like Melanie Griffith (Dakota Johnson’s mum btw!) in the '80s film Working Girl, opt for a simplified trench. This River Island version swaps buttons and buckles for a wrap silhouette and self-tying belt. Underpin it with cigarette pants and point-toe pumps - workwear foundations that will never go out of style - and keep a billowy blouse on rotation.

On the Weekend

A trench coat completes an off-duty look because you can throw it on over everything and still look chic - why do you think so many celebs are spotted running to and from Starbucks in one? Keep things classic with a breton top and true-blue jeans. Simply swap from trainers to heels for an instant day-to-night transformation.

Source: The Sun