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If there's one piece of outerwear I class as truly versatile, it's the trench coat. A cover-up for all seasons (even winter, with careful layering), she can be as classic or as cool as you like – as demonstrated repeatedly by verified fashion girls like Alexa Chung and Adot Gak.
While the silhouette will never truly go out of style, the best trench coats are having something of a moment recently. The likes of Daisy Edgar-Jones, Sienna Miller and Kendall Jenner have all willingly demonstrated how to style a trench coat like you mean it – in fact, many street style moments have relied solely on a statement trench, belted up and left to do the talking.
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Then there's the rise of the car-coat-cum-trench – the straight-down collared silhouette that makes for an ideal light cover-up – and the cropped trench coat, a boxy shape that teams perfectly with barrel-leg jeans.
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But my favourite way to wear a trench coat? Oversized, billowing and teamed with a simple tee, not unlike Hailey Bieber's chosen outfit formula (more on that later). Basically, the options are endless. Here's everything you need to know about how to style a trench coat, no matter the season.
How to look cool in a trench coat
You've come to the right place, my friend. The truth is, the enduring coolness of the trench coat comes down to its effortlessness – so don't overthink it.
If anything, focus on the fit. Length-wise, you want to be intentional. If you're going for maxi, make sure it hits the ankle. Midi lengths should be hitting the lower end of your calves, while cropped jackets should hit around where a mid-rise jean would (a.k.a. not too short). An oversized fit tends to look more modern, too.
What not to wear with a trench coat?
This might surprise you, but there isn't much that won't work with a trench coat – though consider your shapes, textures and lengths when putting your outfit together. If your trench coat is volume-heavy and statement, you could team it with a slim or straight-leg jean; if you've gone for a cropped, boxy style, you can get away with wearing volume on the bottom, too.
Trench coats make a chic statement all by themselves, but look adorable teamed with scarves and neckerchiefs, too:
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Still wondering how to style a trench coat? Read on for eight ready-made outfit formulas as approved by the fashion set…
The ‘one-and-done’ trench
Sometimes, less is more. Belted trench coats can almost serve the purpose of a full outfit, if you let them – demonstrated impeccably here by model Adot Gak. Bold earrings and statement sunnies are non-negotiable.
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Oversized trench coat + Breton stripes
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Alexa Chung might as well be the Patron Saint Of Trench Coats – so when she steps out in a soft maxi style like this one, we take note. She teamed hers with straight-leg trousers, simple black ballet flats and a cotton tote bag… plus that nonchalant arm cuff, which shouldn't work (but does).
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The contrast trench + tailoring
The shirt and tie is a big autumn/winter trend this year, and adding a trench coat into the mix only enhances the androgyny of it all.
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We've all heard the Devil Wears Prada speech.
The checked trench + contrast knit
Scarves not your thing? Another way to add personality to your trench coat outfits is to sling a jumper over your shoulders. Checked trenches are another big trend (Burberry is back, baby), but don't be afraid to lean into colour clashing.
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The cropped trench + tonal separates
Cropped trench coats make for great daytime outerwear, particularly with cotton trousers and flip flops when the weather's still warm enough.
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Classic trench + bonnet
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While a trench coat isn’t the most obvious outerwear choice for when temperatures drop, a cosy add-on like a bold head bonnet will quickly give much needed warmth (and a fun dose of personality). Then layer up with a hoody – and even a pair of Uggs, as this model proves. Come spring and summer, you can switch things up with a pretty silk headscarf.
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Suede trench + smart separates
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