This month Georgie Coleridge Cole, editor of SheerLuxe.com , the definitive guide to the finest in online shopping, has selected ten trench coats; an essential item to see you through the temperamental spring weather.
Georgie says "The trench has been associated with effortless style for decades and its easy to see why. This wardrobe staple is the perfect transitional piece between seasons; not only do they look effortlessly stylish belted over anything from denim to a dress but they serve the purpose of keeping you covered when the weather merits neither big bulky coat nor bare shoulders. Just be sure to belt it with a knot as opposed to the buckle to give it that up-to-date twist."
1. Jaeger Gingham Mac, £275 . The last few seasons have seen serious success for Jaeger as they've firmly re-established themselves on the fashion map with a series of sensible but on trend collections. Spring/summer 08, and in particular this mac, do not disappoint.
2. Burberry Hemingway Trench, £775 . Burberry are the dons of the timeless trench and this signature style number is brought right up to date with the use of a sapphire blue silk blend. The catwalks were awash with jewel colours (emerald green, ruby red, amethyst, etc) and this trench is a serious showstopper.
3. Maxmara Cream Belted Trench, £375 . Maxmara's sensibly priced cream trench is sophisticated, stylish and undeniably chic. Look after it well and it'll become a firm friend for years to come.
4. Mackintosh Trench Coat, 562 . This light and slinky trench is in THE colour of the season. Canary yellow is the colour for spring/summer; add a touch of it to your wardrobe and you'll instantly look on trend. Work it with black, white or denim.
5. Celine Round Neck Trench, £550 . Celine epitomises chic style and this pearl round neck cotton blend trench is exactly that. For day or night, it'll work equally as well with tailored trousers as it will with floaty florals.
6. Diane von Furstenberg Amaury Trench Jacket, £455 . Diane Von Furstenberg shows she's more than just a one trick pony with this gold metallic linen trench; the juxtaposition of hard metallics and soft linen are an effective combination.
7. Jean Paul Gaultier Back Crochet Trench, 1550 . From the front, it's your typical trench; from the back, it's really rather racy. Jean Paul Gaultier's Back Crochet Trench is a trench with a difference crochet is a key detail for 2008.
8. Gryphon The Timeless Trench, £520 . We adore Gryphon's trench. It's exactly what it says on the tin - totally timeless but the distressed finish gives it the edge.
9. Lanvin Duchesse Coat, £2,840 . Lanvin produced one of THE most beautiful collections for Spring Summer and this black number is just one of them. It's the perfect piece to slip over a dress for evening.
10. Balenciaga Double Breasted Cropped Trench, £965 . We love the angular front pockets on this trench as well as the gold buttons that coupled with the double breast give it a strong military look.
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