A Case for: Long Coats
Creepy. Shifty. Weird.
These are on the lighter end of the adjective spectrum for common phrases used to describe people in long coats. Those same people will not bat an eye when they're worn by a stylish man on TV, though. It may be the overtly handsome man on the screen, but I'd argue the flattering shape--especially on those with large legs or short torsos--builds up and elongates your look. These were originally military garments, made for warmth and full coverage of your body during heavy rains. Built for function over form. As they should be used, I would recommend wearing them in weather varying from mid-heavy wind to heavy rain scenarios.
The right way to step into trench coats is a Navy, single-breasted, and knee length or higher version. Maybe a belt, and epaulets being the max extent of other jacket accessories.
The color is a very specific choice. Though a more classic khaki would work, it stands out much more. Black has a similar effect of standing out, so it's not recommended unless your shoe wardrobe revolves around mostly blacks. Whenever I make the decision for a jacket I generally go for solids in Navy, brown, black, and grey. This allows much more versatility and the ability to explore style over color. Meaning, you can use these pieces from street style outfits to full suited looks as long as the color and designs are minimal. If either are too strong, in order to achieve a certain "look," then your ability to go one way or the other is curtailed. Early in establishing your wardrobe, it's important to understand that you will change tastes. Things you buy will not be worn more than once. You may throw out half your wardrobe one spring cleaning. It's all part of the process.
Now that I have the basics I am exploring. I maintain that I wear my grey and navy coats most, especially the navy, single-breasted Burberry coat I bought secondhand. I had to get the sleeves lengthened a bit, leaving a wear line in the cotton where the sleeves were originally folded over. I decided I like the "break-in" line. Adds to the character, and the story of my hunt through Yokohama backroads is well worth the invitation I wear on my forearms every outing.
Single-breasted (SB) can be played with, but this is much easier to pass off in very casual environments. Double-breasted (DB) jackets look very military, or like you're about to streak across a football field. This can work for more suited looks, but I would maintain that it's meant for longer lengths and heavier rains/cold. SB offers the option to leave it unbuttoned and adds a bit of style, where the DB would look like you're wearing your big brother's coat out and about. Again, for simplicities sake, go with the SB.
Finally, there's the length; to which I can speak at—. For simplicities sake, though, find something that compliments your needs. If this will be an everyday coat, above the knee is fine. If this will be predominantly a raincoat, kneelength is a minimum. If you live in heavy rain or heavy wind environments, then the full length is the move. This can certainly look dated, but who cares, it's functional.
If you're reading this I hope you have reason to find some stylish options for yourself, but if you only focus on that part of your wardrobe you'll soon forget that you have to also live in this. I mentioned previously that you will change your style, and that may be in part to not finding utility in what you have. You might have to crawl under your car for dropped keys in this jacket--in the rain. Be ready for a few snags and tears. You might just have to live in this jacket.
