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In the Trenches: From Burberry to ‘Say Anything’

Coat of Charms

Whether worn casually, like Lloyd Dobler in the 1989 Cameron Crowe film, or traditionally, as soldiers did back in WWI thanks to Burberry, these celebrities wear a good trench.

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This year marks 100 years since the British War Office commissioned the house of Burberry to create a coat that would help shield officers from inclement weather on the battlefield. It also marks 25 years since Lloyd Dobler (John Cusack), wearing a more disheveled version of the trench, held up a boom box playing Peter Gabriel’s “In Your Eyes” in the film Say Anything. But no matter how it’s worn, the coat has since become synonymous with spring style—whether the day is bringing April showers or May flowers. Celebrities and film characters alike rock the British-born trench in all its khaki (and sometimes black) glory. Here are a few of our favourites. Sorry, favorites.

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It's hard not to get so lost...sometimes...in John Cusack.

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The model’s attempt to distract us from her insanely long legs has...failed.

Courtesy Burberry
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The piping detail on Spidey’s love is, indeed, ‘Amazing.’

Courtesy Burberry
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Understated cool, as if we’d expect less from this Brit.

Courtesy Burberry
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Obviously this Black Eyed Pea has to “Make It Funky.”

Courtesy Burberry
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Oh yes, “we’ll always have Paris”—and this classic coat.

Rights Managed
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The epitome of a newsman.

CBS Photo Archive
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In true Twilight style, she vamps up her Burberry by choosing black.

Courtesy Burberry
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She doesn't need any Help rockin’ a traditional Burberry with a bit of flair.

Courtesy Burberry
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If this model has to be covered up, she done good.

Courtesy Burberry
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“Hat? Check. Sunnies? Check. Incognito coat? Check. Think anyone will notice me?” No.

 

Courtesy Burberry
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This Brit’s looking just peachy in her classic button-up.

Courtesy Burberry
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There’s nothing dull about the rapper’s gray version of the trench.

Courtesy Burberry
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There’s a certain je ne sais quoi about this Frenchie ensemble.

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Again, another vamp goes dark.

Courtesy Burberry

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