Dull and cold weather shouldn’t mean ladies can’t keep looking sleek – hence the trench coat. 

Though they can be worn all year long, the oncoming chilly and rainy season will make them more ideal.

Previously, trench coats were known to come in dull colours, uncomfortably heavy with fewer designs to choose from. This made them unpopular with most people.

But lately they have been reinvented and now come in various designs, themes (including animal prints) and colours to suit wearers.

Most trench coats are versatile in that they can be paired with either formal or casual outfits.

Maria Mukaruziza, a boutique owner in Kigali who stocks trench coats says that trench coats are no longer dull or stuck up. "They come in various designs to complement the rest of the outfit, the length also varies. I would advice ladies to go for the knee length, it goes well with almost everything.”

She adds that short, waist length trench coats go well with casual wear like denim. "Short trench coats look good when paired with pants. For skirts and dresses, long trench coats are recommended. Monochrome (single coloured) is advisable for formal looks.”

To give wearers’ variety of choice, some trench coats are patterned with prints, leather patches or fur. But this is where most people go wrong. "If you are wearing a dress with loud prints, choose a trench coat with minimal patterns or if possible a monochrome trench coat to ensure that your outfit doesn’t look too busy,” Muraruziza points out. She also adds that coats that are themed, for example, military themed trench, should be strictly casual.

When shopping for a trench coat, one might be lured by big labels like Burberry which can distract you. "Don’t go for a coat just because it is from a famous design house or has a high price tag. Go for one that does not conceal your figure and is not too bulky for you to walk around in. Most of the coats from big fashion houses are designed with lean figures in mind, which is not very common in Rwanda.”

In Kigali buyers can choose to get a brand new or a second hand one. Second hand ones are between Rwf 7,000 and 20,000. Brand new ones go for about Rwf 20,000 onwards.