Luxe or Less: Classic Spring Trenches

Usually my Luxe or Less posts feature expensive covetable items and affordable alternatives, but this time even the affordable version is still a bit of a splurge. After all, a classic belted khaki trench coat is worth the money. I've been wearing my T. Babaton 'Carter' trench from Aritzia non-stop because it's suitable for sunny weather, windy days, drizzling rain, and all the fickle spring weather in between. For this reason, I'd rather spend more on a high-quality coat that stays crisp and wears well from one year to another than a cheap one that wrinkles and wears out after one season.

My luxe pick comes from Canadian label SMYTHE, which has made a name for itself doing impeccable blazers and outerwear. The 'Clean' cotton trench ($745.99 on Shopbop) puts a fashion-forward spin on a wardrobe staple with its thick textured cotton canvas, oversized lapels and blazer-style flap pockets. It's timeless enough to look au courant in five years, but the details set it apart from the sea of khaki trenches.

And for my "less" pick, we have the Banana Republic classic trench ($240). It's belted, double-breasted, cuffed, khaki--all the elements you'd look for in a classic trench at a more reasonable price. And because it's BR, this trench even comes in a petite size too.

Are you a fan of trenches for spring?

Disclaimer: This post marks an exciting development--Shopbop is now a sponsor of Solo Lisa! I spent a lot of time ogling items on their site even before the sponsorship, so I'm really excited about this collaboration. Expect more designer items from Shopbop in future posts!