As you stock your closet for fall it’s important to select a few pieces that have that standout quality. These may be classics, but with a twist or an unusual flare. They’ll give your outfits a little more personality and punch. One of my favorite fall wardrobe essentials is a classic trench or mac coat. But if you already have a traditional option in one of these styles, this might be the year you add one with a slightly different vibe. And you can wear this fall wardrobe essential for years if you choose one that beautifully expresses your personal style.

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I’m sharing a denim mac from Talbots in a traditional silhouette that I can wear with my fall and spring outfits for years. It’s a light to midweight, lined coat that’s perfect for chilly or windy days. But I’ve collected a wide variety of other non-traditional trenches and macs in a full range of prices and sizes in the shopping boutique at the end of the post.

A mac coat traditionally is a loose-fitting coat that features a single panel of buttons in the front and no tie at the waist. Whereas a trench coat may be single or double-breasted and has a tie sash or belt at the waist. Both are classics, and both are so on trend right now.

I’ve worn my mac over comfortable but on trend pull-on corduroy pants in navy and a camel cardigan sweater with navy trim. I completed the look with classic horsebit loafers. But you can wear a classic mac or trench coat over anything from a dress or skirt to jeans and a t-shirt.


I chose to add a denim mac to my fall wardrobe because it’s a little different from the usual cotton twill, but not so unusual that it will be challenging to style. Still, I think it could be so fun to incorporate an animal print, color, faux suede or other less conventional coat into your fall outfits.

Do you have a traditional mac or trench coat that you enjoy wearing in the fall? Do you have one with a little more personality as well? It’s certainly not necessary. But adding pieces with a little more interest is a great way to elevate your style this fall. I’ve collected a wide variety of options to consider below.
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Blessed for My Day
The enemy loves to sow seeds of division in our relationships. So sometimes we find ourselves in conflict with other people, and before long we’re duking it out with harsh words or sarcasm. The enemy of our souls laughs in satisfaction as we lob hurtful accusations at each other, diminishing the bond of love that holds us together and tarnishing our testimonies in the process.
Let’s remember that our battles are not with flesh and blood, but with a spiritual enemy that seeks to kill, steal and destroy. Instead of lashing out at each other, we must fight for our relationships and against the true enemy. We best do that by taking every thought, idea or spoken word to Christ so that He can speak truth to us about them. He can give us proper perspective and wisdom as we sift through the strong feelings and emotions.
For though we walk in the flesh, we are not waging war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds. We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ… ~ 2 Corinthians 10:3-5
Excellent choice of mac, Kay. I’m sure you will get plenty of wear from it. It looks great with your outfit and will be so versatile. The detailing on the cardigan looks so nice. I have a mac in vibrant pink, which I have had for a few years but which I still love wearing in spring and autumn. I get lots of compliments when I do wear it.
I love the denim coat. I have a couple of unusual pieces of outerwear. One is a rabbit fur jacket that I added last fall. Can’t wait to wear it again. It’s exactly like one my mother bought my sister and I each when we were teens in the 70’s. My other piece is a really beautiful raincoat that was my mother’s. It’s bronze. But what really makes it unique, besides that it’s a metallic bronze raincoat, is that it’s reversible! The other side is a beautiful blue floral. I’ve never worn it. We’re going on a road trip soon to Mackinac Island and if they’re calling for rain, I may have my chance to finally wear that pretty coat. Thanks for reminding me about it! I’d really forgotten about it. It’s in the back of one of my coat closet.
Colette…. Last year I heard about Mackinac Island and it looks like a wonderful place to visit. Do you live close? I’m far by plane then, drive, then ferry so don’t know if I’ll get there. I’d love to go some Summer. Hope you have a wonderful trip. Fall will be beautiful.
Hi Kathy. No, we live in NC but we’re doing something we’ve never done before…going with a tour group on a big bus. It’s making other stops along the way which include KY, IN and OH in addition to stops in MI which include 2 nights at The Grand Hotel on Mackinaw Island. I’m so excited! Somewhere in Time is one of my favorite movies! I’m also excited to be going in the Fall when all the crowds are gone. Really looking forward to this trip. I hope you get to go.
Thanks Colette for your response. That sounds like a great tour you have set up. So fun. Yes…. Fall less crowds for sure. I believe the horses will still be there through Fall. I’ll have to look up that movie. I don’t think I’ve seen it.
PS Just watched the trailer to the movie. I haven’t seen it but will be watching it this week. I guess I was too busy graduating from high school when it came out. lol 😌 Thanks for sharing. Looks really good. Assuming it was filmed on Makinac Island.
Kathy, I graduated the year before the movie came out. You will love the movie. Yes, it takes place in and around the hotel. Jane Seymour often goes back and they have a special event surrounding the movie. Unfortunately, we’ll be there after that weekend this year. Hate to miss that but still excited to be there. Can’t wait to hear what you think of the movie. And thank you!
Colette….. too bad you have to miss the event, but I’m sure you’ll have a great time on the island. Still need to watch the movie. Thanks again.
Hi Kay, I was tempted to buy the beautiful bag but read two separate comments at Nordstrom that the dye bled all over contents of the customers who purchased them. Perhaps manufacturer should have lined the bag. I do love your posts!
Sandra Winfield
You could always add one of those bag inserts. I’ve done that with some of my bags. Keeps things organized and you can pull them out and drop into other bags.
Interesting. That has not been my experience, but certainly worth noting. I wonder if that is the suede version that did that?
That is a great coat that would be good for a long, long time, I think – a real workhorse! And you are so right – sometimes I think we like division and nastiness more than peace, unfortunately, and it is so easy to slip into.
Good message from BFMD. Nice denim coat. I haven’t seen one in a few years.
Amen to Blessed for My Day