What does your everyday outerwear look like? Is it cozy, long, short, colorful, worn out, “ordinary”, statement, or elegant? Think about the words you’d use to describe the outerwear you rock most days because outerwear is one of the first elements people see when they create a ‘first impression’ of you. So, what are you wearing?
If we move from the premise that you don’t need a lot to look great then as an executive or entrepreneur, you really need three key outerwear items: everyday outerwear, a statement coat, and an after-hours jacket. Today – let’s talk about your everyday outerwear. It’s the piece you wear most days once the cooler weather hits. As with much of fashion, you have lots of options but only a few work to elevate your brand.
The assumptions are that you actually require outerwear (so not our Southern brothern), and you are not spending a significant amount of time outdoors (house to car, car to building, house to metro). I advocate that your go-to outerwear for everyday should be a trench coat.
A trench coat is the quintessential coat for business. It creates a clean line and profile. It’s versatile enough to work while traveling, but also for after-work meetings too. Depending on the length (knee-length or longer), it works with pants, skirts, or dresses. With a traditional fabrication, they can withstand wet weather and have the smaller niceties so you can bundle up when the temperature drops. The traditional color of camel (navy is almost as popular these days), means you can wear it with any other color since it’s neutral and pair it with any color/pattern accessories for visual interest.
The standard bearer is the Burberry trench and there is a reason – head to a store and try it on…’nuff said. But if the price tag gives you a moment of pause, don’t worry because there are lots of others that can do yeoman’s work for you. Consider the following:
- Sezane Scott trench – comes in camel, navy, and khaki; ideal length for most
- RL twill trench coat – only in camel and runs long
- Men’s comfort stretch trench – comes in camel and is on the less formal side
- J.Crew Icon trench – comes in vintage green, camel, and black; knee length and size inclusive
- Men’s belted trench – available in black and camel; generous cut so it can accommodate your suit jacket underneath
Not an exhaustive list but definitely enough to get you started. As you start your search consider…
- Your height (knee-length or just below is ideal but for shorter stature, consider above the knee)
- Your typical work attire (if you wear suits, look for raglan sleeves like the Burberry Waterloo)
- Your stature (if you have a broad backside then, again, consider raglan sleeves or a-line)
- Your style preference (camel is the most traditional with navy coming in second; black only if forced)
I’m excited to continue the conversation and open to questions or let me know if you’d like more recommendations.
