How to Wear a Trench Coat
Updated on March 19, 2024
Destined to be one of your best sartorial investments – streamline your everyday wardrobe with the trench coat, ready for dashing in between meetings, weekends away or nights out.
A go-to for years now, the revered design continues to be recreated in its original features – a double-breasted front, below-knee length, a D-ring belt, a caped back, deep pockets and cuffs that can be tightened. You can still find this exact silhouette and shape in modern fashion; however, it has been reinvented in various fabrics – breathable summer linen, fluid silk or satin and directional leather. Fresh iterations mean you can wear the trench coat year-round in both hemispheres, making it a universal and transeasonal coat for every style and location.
Ready to style your next trench coat outfit? Learn how to wear a trench coat casually, formally and how to choose the perfect trench coat for you. Read on for our favourite ways to wear this iconic coat.
1. How to Wear a Trench Coat Casually
There is no denying that the heritage trench coat in any shade of cream, camel, slate grey or even khaki will bring a polished element to every look. If you are simply heading down to a local cafe or packing for a relaxing weekend away in mild conditions, then the trench coat will pull any casual look together.
The core of most well-considered casual ensembles is undeniably denim jeans – if you want to be comfortable while still looking well put-together, we suggest opting for soft denim that gives you room to move. French tuck a fine knit or long sleeve top into your jeans, slide on a pair of strappy sandals or chunky loafers, and finish with a trench to bring everything together.
2. Formal Trench Coat Ideas
One of the key reasons as to why the trench coat will always deliver a great return on investment is its undeniable versatility. The same trench coat can be versatile enough to elevate an at-home outfit, to bringing elevated elegance to office or after-hours ensembles. Have a more formal dress code at your office? Play off form-fitting separates with the looser fit of the trench coat. Knitted pencil skirts and a ruched long sleeve top, or a knitted midi dress will pair perfectly, while adding an extra layer for the commute. The languid material of the trench coat draping over your outfit will bring a effortlessly cool attitude to even the dressiest looks. Of course, footwear is essential in ensuring the whole outfit is appropriate for the occasion, so finish with a strappy small heel, leather loafer or pointed pump.
Not a fan of dresses or skirts? You don’t have to wear them to nail a formal look. Dominate the masculine dressing trend with a louche tailored pant suit, a tank top or t-shirt, sleek high heels and trench coat draped over the shoulders. The ultimate multitasker, the modern day set is perfect for the office, but also after-dark events, with a silk camisole and statement jewellery.
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3. How to Tie a Trench Coat Belt
It may seem quite simple or self explanatory, but styling the trench coat is equally if not more important than simply wearing one.
Of course, one of the benefits of the trench coat is making use of the belt to feel extra protected and covered up in frosty temperatures. Simply closing up the jacket by using the buckle might be your first choice, but nonchalantly tying up the loose ends and casually scrunching up the sleeves gives an extra sleek street style factor.
If you know that you have a dressy event outdoors and it is unlikely you’ll be removing your coat, make it the centrepiece of your outfit by adding a slim or wide leather waist belt over the top enhancing your silhouette. You can even treat the trench coat as a dress – keep the outfit underneath to a minimum e.g. a miniskirt, bodysuit or tank top and simply wear stockings and heeled boots or pumps.
4. How to Choose the Perfect Trench
Just like any other wardrobe staple, choosing the perfect iteration of a design is essential in making sure it works with what you already have in the wardrobe and your personal style. The trench coat is a staple fashion piece for its versatility, utility and undeniable cool factor. Here are reimagined versions of the trench coat, so anyone with any style, living in any location can wear a trench coat.
Short trench coat: Perhaps at the more casual end of the trench coat spectrum, the short trench coat will still be a looser fit around the shoulders and arms so will be perfect with fitted jeans and a t-shirt or sweater ensemble. Boasting all the same features of the longline classic trench bar the length, the cropped version is the perfect cover up in lieu of a leather jacket, particularly if you live in a warmer climate. If you want to elevate your look, opt for a cropped trench coat arriving in luxurious leather. Not only will it be the perfect finishing touch to any outfit, if looked after correctly this piece will live in your wardrobe for years.
Leather trench coat: The leather coat or jacket has been a style icon for decades, so when leather combines with the trench coat, it elevates it further. Choosing a buttery soft leather brings a fashion-focused and directional spin on a classic which is approved by the street style set, too.
Silk or satin trench coat: Ideal for more formal occasions, the silky trench coat brings an extra sense of luxury and elevation to ensembles. Spend casual balmy evenings in a silk or satin trench coat, draped open over cotton midi dresses and finished with a wedge espadrille or, wear it open over a mini dress and strappy leather heels with high-shine jewellery for night time events.
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5. Opt for a Classic Beige Trench Coat for an Outfit to Repeat
As much as we can appreciate the evolution of a trend, it is hard to go past a classic, and the beige or camel trench coat is an undisputed must-have. For an elevated look that’s easily pulled together – style with separates in a similar hue.