The women’s trench coat is a classic item that every women should have in her wardrobe. The classic trench never goes out of season and is timeless. Some women wear their trench coats for decades. So, what to look for in a classic trench? How do you find a trench that won’t go out of style? While shopping around, think through these tips below. They will help you find the perfect trench which is classic and timeless and will never go out of style.

1.  Buy a classic more neutral color

The color of your trench coat is key to ensuring that it is classic and timeless. Choosing a black, navy or tan color is the best color you can choose to ensure that the coat will never go out of season. Every year, a number of black trench coats and tan trenches are sold in stores. These trenches are a basic wardrobe necessity and the neutral colors will match everything in your wardrobe.

The latest seasons’ trench coats are usually much more stylish. Some come with puffed sleeves, others are cropped. Avoid these stylish extras. You may feel tempted since you will see that style being worn all over from the runways to the streets, but go for a more traditional style. You can see examples of more traditional styles by viewing trench coats from classic places like Burberry or Brooks Brothers. A traditional style can be single or double breasted. It will usually have a belt at the waist. The buttons will be very clean and the cut will be simple. If you want a classic trench coat, choose something like that, don’t go for something that is in fashion.

3.  Buy a traditional brand

As mentioned above, a traditional brand will almost always have more classic, timeless pieces. A designer brand such as Burberry or Brooks Brothers will always carry their classic trench coat. If you are confused by what will remain classic, purchase a trench coat from one of these places. Other timeless and more classic brands include Ralph Lauren, Thomas Pink and Coach. If you don’t want to pay those prices, consider a place like J. Crew or Benetton, both of whom carry many classic looking men’s and women’s trench coats.

Although short trench coats are in, avoid buying one that is too short or hits your waist.  The classic style for women is one that hits in the middle of your thighs or one that is slightly above the knees.  For men, the trench coat should hit in the middle of their calves.  Look for a trench that is this length versus ones that are shorter.  As you get older, the longer ones will still easily match your style, while the shorter ones may make you look too young.

If that used trench coat still looks great to you, then you know that it has staying power. Look in vintage clothing stores, garage sales and on ebay for those trench coats that still look great today. Also, look in your mother’s closet for the coat she used to wear as a girl. You never know what you find, but a timeless trench is exactly as the name implies – it is one to wear forever and one whose style will never get old.