Nothing screams, “Ooh she’s mysterious,” like a good trench coat. Usually made of waterproof twill, leather, canvas, cotton, silk, or wool, this type of coat is seasonless but looks especially amazing in autumn and spring when spontaneous showers call for lighter layers. There are plenty of trendy designs these days, but at the core, trench coats are known for having storm flaps, belts, wide lapels, pockets and double-breasted silhouettes.
This coat style has been a closet staple for ages and learning how to style it is a sure fire way to amp up your fashion game. There are so many chic combinations (midi trench with a midi skirt, anyone?) and I’ve got the street style inspo and links for where to shop to prove it. Ahead, channel your inner Sherlock Holmes or Nancy Drew with these fabulous trench coat outfits.
A denim trench + monochrome accessories
Going denim on denim will look effortlessly cool. Reach for a pair of white and black Mary Janes and a woven bag for some fun texture.
H&M Single-breasted twill trench coat
Dune London Mini woven slouch bag
Zara Studded leather ballet flats
A brown trench + trousers
Head-to-toe brown has never been chicer than in winter 2024. It’s a good thing you can find a sturdy brown trench coat and taupe-like trousers everywhere RN! Add a pair of brown suede ankle boots for the perfect workwear combination.
& Other Stories Collared car coat
A gold trench + sheer lace
Love being the centre of attention? Then wearing metallics are your best bet. Turn heads in a gold trench and go out of the box with a tonal lace overlay dress.
A burgundy trench + blue accents
I know you’ve seen it everywhere so you don't need me to tell you, but burgundy is so in right now. The best part is you probably already own a bunch of clothing in this hue to layer under a trench in the same shade. Add a pop of colour (see how amazing this blue looks with it?) to elevate your look.
Daisy Street Burgundy PU trench coat
Roop Baby furoshiki bag
By Anthropologie High-shine car coat
A navy trench + striped combo
Make some noise if you’re here for the nautical vibe! Yeah, I’m pretty sure I heard you say “Aye aye, captain” after seeing this navy trench, striped shirt, chunky chain necklace, and cool combat biker boots.
ANYDAY Lightweight trench coat
M&S Striped collared shirt
Office Chunky knee high boots
A mid-length trench + denim
Not all trenches have long silhouettes. Some are mid-length and look *so* good with your favourite pair of jeans and pointed-toe ballet flats.
River Island Sling back buckle shoes
Stradivarius Half-moon shoulder bag
A suede trench + hoodie
Suede material often gives a high-quality aesthetic exemplified by the trench and boots pictured above. If you want to tone down the look, put on a comfy hoodie and a baseball cap.
Emory Park Faux-suede trench coat
NY Yankees '47 clean up cap
Reformation Knee high boot
A short trench + leather pencil skirt
A short trench, leather pencil skirt, pointed-toe heels and minimal accessories... Office siren, is that you?
Nobody's Child Cropped trench coat
ASOS DESIGN Clean scoop shoulder bag
A printed trench + sleek accessories
As mentioned, there are tons of variations of trench coats – one of my favourites is a printed design. You’ll look amazing in a checked print. Style it with bold sunnies and black knee-high boots and boom – a masterpiece.
Phase Eight Aspen check drape coat
& Other Stories Stretch knee boots
H&M Black square sunglasses
Tarah-Lynn Saint-Elien is the fashion editor at Cosmopolitan, writing weighty and witty stories that run the gamut of gushing over Zendaya to convincing you of everything you need in your closet! She began her journey in the industry with a fashion and faith blog and an internship at Elle about 10 years ago. Since then, she's also served as the style editor at The Haitian Times. The Haitian-American pageant queen is Miss Supranational Haiti 2024, a Syracuse Masters graduate, and the author of three books, including: Claim Your Crown. Follow her on Instagram and TikTok: @iamtarahlynn.
Isabella is a freelance journalist who has written on young women's issues, entertainment, TV and film, South Asian representation, mental health, dating and so much more. She has bylines in ELLE, Cosmopolitan, Good Housekeeping, Prima, Digital Spy, Women's Health, and Harper's Bazaar, and was named 30 Under 30 by MediaWeek, PPA and We Are The City. She was also shortlisted for Workplace Hero at the Investing In Ethnicity Awards and Hero of the Year at the European Diversity Awards. Follow Isabella on Instagram, Twitter and LinkedIn.
