Bella Hadid spotted during a shopping trip at Saint Laurent in Paris, wearing a French girl closet staple: a brown trench coat
Bella Hadid Spotted in Paris Wearing the Ultimate French-Girl Staple: The Brown Trench Coat
Supermodel Bella Hadid has once again proved her effortless style credentials. While out on a shopping trip at Saint Laurent in Paris, the 28-year-old was spotted wearing one of the most timeless staples in fashion history: the trench coat. Her choice—a sleek, chocolate-brown version—was a nod to the chic, understated Parisian aesthetic that has long been admired around the world. Paired with minimalist accessories, the look channeled that coveted “French-girl cool” that blends sophistication with ease.
The Trench Coat: A Century of Style
Though it now reigns as a fashion must-have, the trench coat’s origins are rooted in function rather than flair. The garment first emerged during World War I, when British heritage brands like Burberry and Aquascutum developed weatherproof coats for officers in the trenches—hence the name “trench coat.” Made from gabardine, a tightly woven fabric that was both durable and breathable, the coat became essential for soldiers who needed protection from harsh conditions without sacrificing mobility.
After the war, the trench coat transitioned from military uniform to civilian wardrobe, embraced by both men and women. Hollywood soon cemented its allure: icons like Humphrey Bogart in Casablanca and Audrey Hepburn in Breakfast at Tiffany’s gave the trench coat cinematic immortality, ensuring its place in the style hall of fame.
Parisian Chic Meets Timeless Classic
In Paris, the trench coat has long been synonymous with effortless elegance. French women often style it as a go-to layering piece—thrown casually over jeans and a tee, belted over a dress, or draped across the shoulders for an air of nonchalance. Its adaptability makes it a favorite across decades and generations.
Bella Hadid’s modern take on the trench—choosing a rich brown rather than the traditional beige—felt both timeless and refreshingly new. The color update brings warmth and depth, adding a seasonal twist while staying true to the garment’s classic silhouette.
The Trench Coat Today
Today, the trench coat is a wardrobe essential around the globe. Fashion houses from Burberry to Saint Laurent continuously reinvent it—experimenting with textures, lengths, colors, and cuts—while fast fashion brands ensure it remains accessible. Whether cropped, oversized, leather, or in its iconic khaki cotton, the trench remains a universal symbol of understated power dressing.
As Bella Hadid demonstrated in Paris, some pieces never truly go out of style. The trench coat may have been born in the mud and grit of the First World War, but over a century later, it continues to embody sophistication, versatility, and enduring fashion appeal.
