Clean-cut utility looks were all over the catwalk for spring/summer 2010, and one of the key pieces to emerge was the return of the classic trench. Forget about the boring, fusty trenches that only served to protect you from inclement weather; this season, they're feminine and fitted, incorporating details like drapes and folds at Burberry (not to mention a whole new palette of pastels) and cowl necks at Pringle, as well as fabulous fabrics ranging from suede to sweatshirt material. If you wish to expand beyond basic beige, both the high street and designers have created patterned, bold-coloured versions that will fit seamlessly into your wardrobe.
If you're looking for inspiration on how to rock the trend, Burberry has a fabulous website devoted to the classic coat: Art of the Trench, where you can see snaps of stylish men, women and children wearing their favourite trenches. For some other ideas, check out our gallery below, filled with runway looks, trenches in history and celebrities wearing the look.
The trench coat: A brief history
Before the fashion crowd got involved, the trench was originally found on the battlefields during WWI, worn by British soldiers as an alternative to the heavy serge greatcoats. Both Acquascutum and Burberry claim to have invented the trench. Here, German soldiers in Russia wear the coats in 1916.
The trench coat: A brief history
For spring/summer 2010, the classic trench was back and anything but boring. We love the feminine ruffles on Aquascutum's version.
The trench coat: A brief history
Keira Knightley keeps her look stylish and modern by covering up with a floral-printed grey trench for the Laurence Olivier Awards lunch, where she celebrated her nomination for her role in The Misanthrope.
The trench coat: A brief history
The trench was given a modern silhouette on the Pringle catwalk with this cowl-necked version.
The trench coat: A brief history
In the 1940s, the trench coat was synonymous with one man: Humphrey Bogart. The item of clothing was immortalised on-screen by Bogie's cynical expat American, Rick Blaine, in Casablanca.
The trench coat: A brief history
Burberry's S/S 2010 show celebrated the trench with feminine flourishes and saccharine-sweet shades.
The trench coat: A brief history
The trench not only fits in with the utility trend, but also works with the country looks that were all the rage on the spring runways. At D&G, the basic mac was given a sporty makeover, paired with slouchy trousers, cowboy boots and a neckerchief.
The trench coat: A brief history
Eva Herzigova looks effortlessly chic in her belted trench, shades and loafers as she hits the school run. Talk about a yummy mummy.
The trench coat: A brief history
Famed designer Yves Saint Laurent's insouciant '60s style included a leather trench over white trousers, accessorised with a pair of sunglasses (shown here in Paris in 1968).
The trench coat: A brief history
Cheryl Cole shows that the trench is for more than just rainy weather - and works as a sexy performance outfit - as she wears it over a sequinned body suit for the Brit Awards 2010.