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Your red trench coat is red-hot, but what you wear with it -- on top as well as underneath -- can set your style on fire, or just make it fizzle. Go for slim pieces and bold colors to take your trench to its full potential.
Play With Volume
Part of a trench's flair is in the flare toward the bottom; it tends to fan out, adding a bit of volume like an A-line dress. Balance this out by sporting something skinny on the bottom, such as skinny jeans, a slim trouser or some leggings. Bare legs will have the same effect, so if your dress is short, try sporting a pair of shorts, a skirt or dress that hits the same area of the leg that your coat does. Keep your shirt or blouse simple in structure; too much volume will billow beneath your coat and look bulky on top.
Walk This Way
Stylish with utilitarian roots (they were invented for use by soldiers during the First World War), trenches can be taken in any direction you choose -- if they're led by the right pair of shoes. For a vintage ladylike look, try pointy-toed pumps; platform pumps with a rounded toe say you're a modern-day maven. For style that's punk-inspired, try a pair of knee-high combat boots. A slim athletic shoe creates a look that's casually cool.
Color Code
Whether cherry-bright or burgundy, red is always flaming hot. Keep an eye on your accessories, and you won't get burned by a bad look. Red is especially bold against black and white, but for the brave it works well with well with fellow color-wheel primaries yellow and blue. Gold looks regal against deep, rich reds, while a small dose of lemon will feed more fiery shades. To cool things down a bit, try pairing snappy sky blue with a brighter red; navy blue is tried-and true for more subdued reds. Red-on-red can work, but it's safest with a short coat. And no, you don't have to match your shoes to your bag, but keeping them the same shade will create a more cohesive look.
To Belt or Not to Belt
One of the easiest ways to turn your trench around is to simply switch out the belt. Any belt, wide or skinny, will define your waist, but generally speaking, the shorter the coat, the slimmer the belt. A longer coat can handle a wider belt, while a skinny belt would just get lost in the look. Leave the belt out and your coat open for a more relaxed, laid-back look.
