When I moved to Buffalo in August, I came with a collection of coats. My collection is entirely thrifted and has grown over the years, not because I needed them living in Texas, but because I truly love jackets and coats and how they can change an outfit.
But, now that I live somewhere with seasons and all sorts of weather (sometimes severe), I’ve worn nearly everything in my coat closet at least once!
One thing I realized recently is that spring in Buffalo is MUCH different from any sort of “spring” I’ve experienced in the South. And two, the little flimsy “raincoat” I wore in the South was not actually waterproof, which made it pointless living in a very windy city where it rains, and I live blocks away from the canal.
So, I traded in the lil jacket and picked out a waterproof spring trench coat that’s already been well worth the $23 I paid for it on ThredUp.
Prior to purchasing it, I spent a good amount of time trying to find the right trench coat. There are various lengths and colors; some have tie belts, some have buckles, and there’s a variety of button styles.
While I was tempted by some of the shorter styles I saw, and certainly loved the spring colors (lavender! grassy green! Butter yellow!), I knew I’d be disappointed if I didn’t get something at least mid-length.
And while I’m never afraid to wear color, I wanted something neutral to achieve that classic, menswear look. Once I found the coat I wanted, it was in someone else’s cart, and this moment highlighted one of my favorite things about shopping on ThredUp.
Items are only available in your cart for a limited time (typically, it’s 3 hours), and if someone else wants that item, they can sign up to purchase it as soon as your cart expires.
I have done this multiple times, and every single time I’ve been able to buy the item directly after it expired from someone’s cart! So, this $23 nearly new trench was set to be in someone’s cart past midnight. I signed up to buy it, and boyyyyyy, was I SO excited to wake up and see a receipt in my email!
Once the coat arrived, I was delighted by how thick and substantial it was. Living in an area that still gets pretty chilly (it was still snowing just a few weeks ago!), I am happy to have a jacket that looks springy but still keeps me warm (and dry).
I pretty much started wearing it immediately, and I can’t believe how it pulls an outfit together. I’ve gotten several compliments on it, which makes me feel validated in the time I spent searching for the right one and passing up a vintage Burberry (it was a great price, but let’s be real).
The best part about a trench is that you can truly dress it up or down. Personally, I dress casually 99% of the time; I love street style and the juxtaposition of a structured coat with boyfriend jeans or track pants underneath.
Choosing to wear the coat open or buttoned (or tied) also offers a different look. I love wearing it open, but obviously, if it’s windy, the option to bundle it up is nice.
Just a few weekends ago, I wore sneakers, a nautical-striped quarter-zip, and frayed-hem Levi’s with the trench. It was the perfect amount of warmth for the day. I felt really comfortable and confident in it, and I wasn’t overdressed for my plans, but I could’ve sat down at any restaurant and still felt nicely put together.
I imagine I’ll be wearing this coat a lot between now and fall (even in the summer, I can see myself wearing it) and it might end up being one of my best clothing purchases of the year!
I know this coat style is classic, but it is also having a moment. If you have one, I’d love to know how you’re styling it!
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