People have always told me that a fitted camel trench should factor as a major player in any well-rounded wardrobe (in the same way slim-fit Acne jeans ought to). The trench is a true classic – a sleek building block essential for creating that ‘I’d like you to take me seriously’ vibe. But often I’ll be given style advice, shrug my shoulders and decide I’ll try whatever it was later (‘later’ meaning never). Perhaps it comes down to my own inhibitions. For me, wearing a three-quarter coat had meant conceding to being a quarter century old, which isn’t a bad thing per se – and, as I’ve come to discover, is completely unfounded. Because when you actually try the damn thing on and wish you’d done so sooner. And so I considered why.
The camel trench, you see, serves many purposes. It immediately encourages sharper tailoring and better posture. When I wear one I invariably gravitate towards neutral tones and fine fabrics, like an Alexander Wang silk and cotton blend oversized tee – which I love. As Alexander McQueen said, “Menswear is about subtlety” – a classic trench easily factors into his equation. Point being; my print-heavy, slogan-crazed days are on hiatus, perhaps indefinitely.
– Alexander Atkins, wearing a Vince Camuto trench, an Alexander Wang tee, Asos jeans, Illesteva sunglasses and Prada lace-ups. Photographed by Cara Beth Rogers in Burlingame, California.
