Question:
I've been thinking of purchasing a trench coat, haven't decided on the material.
Either the classic water resistant + warming lining type or a wool one of some sort, or vintage mid century army issued one off ebay or thrift. Anywho, what would you think if you saw a 20 year old wearing one? The outfit would be unremarkable. Raw Jeans. Black boots. A sweater and or dress shirt underneath in most cases.
I'm of asian descent so black wouldn't be too much of a stretch. Also considering a wool version. What I'm worried about is looking costumy, which isn't the effect I'm going for.
I can go in 2 directions, classic burberry or something more, uh, streetwear-y like nom de guerre. My research is limited as of now pending further thought.
Answer:
I would consider a few other options before you buy a belted trench. It would look out of place on a 20-year-old, I think, especially with casualwear. Plus, if you're wearing jeans, it's usually best to avoid full-lengh coats. If you gotta have a trench, a single-breasted unbelted would be far less 'costumy' as you put it. I would just feel a little too conspicuous in a trench at our age.
Better choices might be a Barbour, G9 Barracuda, Mac-style car coat, safari jacket- stuff along those lines.
Answer:
A belted trench coat hardly looks like a costume unless you're done up like some Bogart/Raymond Chandler revival meeting.
Numerous fashion labels have done variations on the classic trench:
Also very stylish in a classic sense:
For casual purposes, a trench should probably be medium length and of a generally slim nature.
Answer:
I would wear a slim, medium length, belted trench in grey, possibly in beige. I don't think navy or black would work.
Answer:
Black trenches are more suited for someone whose wardrobe isn't as casual as the poster's.
Likely someone whose wardrobe consists of various Belgian and Japanese designers.
Answer:
Kudos, LK, for posting those last two pics of The Conversation and Le Samorai; both trenches are characters in their own right in those films. The Conversation trench is very strange, a lightweight material, possibly space-age. The Samorai, classic, db.
I wore my Engineered garments trench today. Black. I avoid wearing all black when wearing it to keep from looking like a moody nerd on his way to Comic-Con 2007. And I stay away from wearing the trench with a fedora. I half wish I got it in tan instead, but hey, I make it work the best that I can.
Never thought I'd be a trench coat type of guy, but life is wacky.
Answer:
I'm not much older than you, and I have one. Just stay away from ones that are Old Man Cut and you're ok. Something slim and function, preferably knee or thigh length, and make sure it fits well (or grow a ponytail and carry a katana, I guess).
Answer:
Indeed, honestly when I doubt about colour just buy the item in black works for me, although it might not be for everyone.
Answer:
No trench coat for a 20 year old. The only 20 years old I know that wear trench coats are Goth or play too many computer games... and both get beat up... not fun.
Answer:
I'm 20 and wear a trench coat. It's beige, hits mid-thigh, and is fairly slim (very slim as far as trench coats go. It was originally a slim trench and I got it tailored even more.). Get nothing but compliments on it. Needless to say, I'm not goth and don't play computer games (and I don't think the trench coat suggests anything even close to that.) However, people usually think I look much older (especially the way I dress), so I guess that could be why it works.
My advice would be to buy it if you find one that you like that fits you well. Make sure to try it on in person to make sure the fit is right, or atleast close enough so that a tailor could make it work.
I don't personally like the idea of black trench coat/black jeans/black boots, but that's mostly because the monochromatic look isn't pulled off well in most cases. If you pay enough attention to detail/fit, I'm sure you could make it work. I think the nom de guerre trench looks nice too, and would add some interest to that outfit in particular.
Answer:
It's definitely not for everyone. You make it work, but you're much much more aware of fit/texture/shapes and just the general aesthetic you plan to achieve than most people, and that's probably why it works so well for you. Even though I don't like that aesthetic a great deal myself, I can see that most of your outfits are very well thought out/put together without being pretentious (is that the word I'm looking for.. maybe, i'm not sure) - but in any case, that's very hard to accomplish.
By that same token, I very much doubt someone with your knowledge of fashion/art would be asking about wearing a particular item. I guess this is why I disagree with just buying black when in doubt. Color does a lot more for most people than black would.
Answer:
I always saw long leather coats as something Goth high-schoolers would wear.
Answer:
if its single breasted and no belt, its not a trench. its a blah raincoat.
Answer:
Avoid Burberry, unless it's from their runway collection, as they tend to lean toward "old man" cuts. See if Hugo Boss or Theory have any trench coats, as they would be of a much slimmer cut. Also, I would avoid full length and aim for mid-thigh length. I agree with most previous posts but just wanted to mention a couple brands that might work.
Answer:
Lol that is called a Mackintosh, not a trench.
Anyway, I think that trenches are appropriate for someone of any age. I had one when I was ten. I would say the common sense will dictate how good you look in one. The coat should be cut slim and shorter. The weather should be either cool or wet. You should not be wearing shorts with it...
