Wardrobe Essentials : #1 The Trench


One of my goals this year is to build a closet full of wardrobe essentials. My desire is to seek out lasting stylish staple pieces that I adore. Funny thing is, I am not the biggest shopper so this will be a bit of a challenge for me. My bleak closet is seriously ready for a mindful fashion transformation. I hope to highlight a variety of key pieces throughout the year at various affordable and sometimes dreamy price points.

First up is 'the trench'. I will start off by saying that I have never owned a khaki trench and it is about time. The stylish girls above look fantastic and I love how you can pair it with everything from sparkles to heals or converse and it looks amazing. Now the guessing game comes in... looking below can you tell which ones are luxe and which ones are budget savvy? The prices range from under $80 to over $1800 isn't that wild! What is your favorite or do you already have one in your closet you love?






Trench Coats : A B C D E F G H I
Photo sources : 1 Jcrew / 2 & 3 Fash n Chips / 4 Sterling Style  / 5 Blushing Ambition

27 comments:

Rowena @ rolala loves said...

A classic trench is a totally worthwhile investment piece. I would love to own a Burberry trench one day but I recently got a J. Crew Icon trench on sale and love it to bits.

Ellie (Turquoise and Lime) said...

I love them all! I do have a tip about buying trenches though. You can find them in the thrift store. Great vintage trenches! I always see them when I thrift shop and there are usually plenty to pick from with great prices. I especially love the red trenches like Carmen Sandiego style. I can't wait to see what trench you go with!

Turquoise & Lime

Rebecca said...

Such a good goal for 2012. I think I might copy you. I underestimate the importance of the essentials until I need those essentials.

Rebecca (hearts)...

katie beth said...

i purchased my trench at zara last year and it is probably one of my best purchases ever. i used it so much last spring & earlier this fall!

Katie I KCandCo said...

Great post! A trench is such a winter necessity!

Emily said...

I purchased a cheap trench from the Old Navy sale rack a few years ago, but it doesn't fit quite right! One of these will do great to replace it!

Joslyn said...

oooh buy a trench...for sure!

i got one a couple of years ago on Gilt Group. It's Gryphon (I think there's a Gryphon sale on Gilt right now...hmm ;-) I had it tailored a bit so it fits perfectly, and I wear it non-stop.

Anonymous said...

I like the ones w/ a little bit of flare a-line cut. So A or E. Wait, E is under $80? wow!

Anonymous said...

This has been one of my goals for awhile! It's tough getting started. A trench is definitely a perfect first piece though and very essential. Love it.

Lily said...

I have a maroon-colored Burberry trench that I received as a gift from my mom a few years ago. I love it. The fit is perfect--it goes well with just about anything!

Bettina said...

Love how these trenches are styled! I'm def in the market for one and I really don't know why I don't have one. There isn't too much of a need for one in Southern Ca, but they always look so good on!

Luli said...

This is great. I plan to build decent wardrobe essentials as well. I have a trench from H&M that I bought a few years ago, but it really hasn't held up well. Have a good weekend and happy new year!

Stephanie said...

What a great roundup Rachel! I bought a khaki trench in 2011 from H&M and love it. Now if only I could sew on a hood for all this rain :) But it's a great piece with fun details and was so reasonable.

Great posts this week!

IamXcessP said...

Trench coats are nice and classy. I like

http://iamxcessp.blogspot.com/

rachel @ blackeiffel said...

@ Ellie (Turquoise and Lime) - Great idea to look at a thrift store!

rachel @ blackeiffel said...

@Joslyn -- funny you should mention that -- It is B on the list and I actually picked it up along with a few others to test and try. :)

Sarah Engel said...

B is my fave. I really need to get one for myself!!

Denise Wong said...

Amazing!!

Kelly said...

They look beautiful!!! I love C best!!!

Tiffany and Brad said...

I've never commented before, but I had to tell you how deleriously excited I am for this feature this year! My closet needs some serious help! Thank you so much!

Melissa Haws said...

This series of wardrobe essentials is such a great idea, and I'm so looking forward to future features. I've been wanting to get more classic quality pieces myself and started with nice trouser fit jeans from Banana. So comfy and classy, but casual for a momma. Avoiding the cheap trendy clothing I've got in the past. My 2 favorite of the coats are on both ends of the spectrum. The Barneys one and the DKNY one. My trench type coat has no synch in the waist and I look enormous. Think I'll start checking out those thrift stores like Ellie suggested.

The Beauty Curators said...

I love a trench! My first one was an Agnes B and i still haveit and
Love it!!! I bought the Burberry trench that Kate Moss wore on a layout in vogue, I searched high and low...from August when it was featured til Febraury when I found one left in my size by calling the store in NYC! Score on sale! Only comment is the light colors show dirt around the sleeves which I hate ...so I keep thinking black! I am always searching for the perfect wardrobe, and I want to toss most of it and start over! Looking forward to this feature...

kbd said...

Last spring I bought one from Banana Republic (just under $200, if I remember correctly). It fits perfectly. Has a beautiful lining. A metal string for hanging. Feels divine to wear. I highly recommend it! But sometimes I wish I had bought it in black so it doesn't stand out as much, but maybe its good to not always be a wallflower, right?

engagement rings said...

Love coat E, just what I'm looking for

Smith And Ratliff said...

Love the girl wearing hers with torn jeans and converse and then with the heels.

Susan Hazel. said...

Yes agreed. Every stylish girl needs a classic trench coat and you found some real gems! For a few more options, I did a post about this a while back: http://www.underthecottonwood.com/2011/02/trench-coats-worthington-gap-joe-fresh.html

Style of Iris said...

I have the same goal this year! I've been working on getting classic pieces. But I do have to add a trench. Love the options you put up!

http://irisfocusedonfashion.blogspot.com

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