Yohji Yamamoto, Aigner, Fall 2011 Photo: Imaxtree

The late summer breeze is settling in, and sadly we’ll soon have to transition out of our paper-thin dresses. But thanks to one classic wardrobe staple, we won’t need to completely do away with them—enter the trench coat. Fall runways are telling us that more is better, and we couldn’t agree more on these lengthy trench coats. Last year, Aquascrutum flushed out beautifully constructed trench coats including one floor-length sleeveless trench, while Nina Ricci elaborated the sleeves of her trench with black fur. This year, fall pays homage to the lady underneath the classic trench—with a twist. Known for his avant-garde designs, Yohji Yamamoto blew us away with his usual draped-like green trench coat. Yamamoto’s attention to volume in fabrics and proportions adds his signature flare to an otherwise stick-to-trend piece—Yohji is no trend designer. By contrast, Aigner keeps fabrics at a low with just enough to show a woman’s body through classic silhouettes and structure. Aigner’s straight-forward double-breasted chocolate brown trench should be a staple in every girl’s closet. Here’s what to consider if you want warmth and length this fall:

Longevity:

We’ve said it before: it’s a classic. You’ll find the trench coat trend in pretty much every fall/winter season. It will continue to gain popularity so long as Inspector Gadget’s spirit lives on behind that gray, double-breasted trench coat—super chic, the man’s got style.

Wearability:

The key to this trend is its play on length and volume. Is it a fitted trench with no chance of adding on a wool sweater? In that case, go light and wear simple pieces like a tee and skinny jeans on warmer days. Is it roomy enough to make you feel like your wearing drapes? Then tuck a thick knitted sweater over a cute silk dress, add a belt over the waist, and put on some knee-high boots on colder days.

Personality:

The difference between the trench in 2010 to the trench in 2011 is the designers manipulation with what is the “classic” trench. Haider Ackermann with his ever-innovative eye will never be caught creating a typical trench, he’s going to slice a few fabrics here and there, and let the sleeves hang. And that is his signature touch. Think about how you would edit the classic trench that will make it seem more you.

Save vs. Splurge?: Splurge. You will never find another purchase as fulfilling as investing in a quality trench coat. Anyone can go for the classic look, but only few are willing enough to invest on a trench coat with unique spin. Here are your options:

Splurge

Photo: Courtesy of Net-a-Porter. Alice + Olivia leopard-print cotton-blend trench coat, $248, Net-A-Porter

Photo: Courtesy of Saks Fifth Avenue

Kimberly Ovitz Bradford trench coat, $244, Saks Fifth Avenue

Photo: Courtesy of J.Crew. Encore trench, $398, J.Crew

Photo: Courtesy of Rebecca Minkoff. Jacquelyn trench with fur, $698, Rebecca Minkoff

Photo: Courtesy of The Outnet. Gryphon belted cotton-blend trench coat, $207, The Outnet

Photo: Courtesy of Anthropologie. Fair Lady trench, $228, Anthropologie

Photo: Courtesy of Shopbop. 3.1 Phillip Lim trench coat with storm flap tie, $285, Shopbop

Photo: Coutesy of Shopbop. Alexander Wang trench coat with extended epaulets, $239, Shopbop

Photo: Courtesy of Shopbop. Alexander Wang halter trench coat, $438, Shopbop

Save

Photo: Courtesy of Asos. French Connection FC72 military trench coat, $138, Asos

Photo: Courtesy of Target. Mossimo Belted Jacket, $50, Target

Photo: Courtesy of The Outnet. Z By Zac Posen floral-print cotton and silk-blend trench coat, $177, The Outnet

Photo: Courtesy of Boden USA. Velvet trim trench, $198, Boden USA

Photo: Courtesy of Nordstrom. London Fog double breasted trench, $110, Nordstrom

Photo: Courtesy of Bluefly. Calvin Klein Cherry cotton-blend belted trench, $109, Bluefly
 
Photo: Courtesy of Topshop. Stone Contrast Check belted trench coat, $170, Topshop

Photo: Courtesy of Canvas. Lands' End Heritage trench, $200, Canvas Lands’ End