How to Wear a Trench Coat & What to Style It With

by Kathleen Loxton
Three women wearing trench coats

The trench coat is a key piece for your wardrobe. But if you don’t know how to wear a trench coat, it can be difficult to style. We’ve chosen our nine favourite trench coats, for spring through to winter, to make it easier for you to find the one. With some celebrity style inspiration thrown in for good measure, you can shop the look and find the right trench coat style for you.

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Our Favourite Trench Coats

Trench coats have come a long way since the classic trenchcoat was created. From black trench coats to cream trench coats, long cuts to short, there are many so variations, meaning you can wrap up for winter or go sleeveless for summer.

Embroidery is on-trend this spring: take a look at the Zara trench coat, with flowers being a current favourite pattern. Or if you’d prefer a more sophisticated look, you can stick with the classic black trench coat. Our top nine list has a trench coat for everyone.

Cream Trench Coat Belted
Oasis Belted Trench Coat - £85
French Coat
French Connection Freeway Cotton Belted Trench Coat - £80.00
Ted Baker Caila Long Trench Coat, Taupe
Ted Baker Caila Long Trench Coat, Taupe - £235
Trench Coat - Tropical Palm Print
ASOS Soft Coat in Tropical Palm Print - £65
Zara Trench Coat
ZARA Embroidered Trench Coat - £99.99
Pink Draw Cord Trench Coat
Missguided Pink Draw Cord Trench Coat - £40
Black Mac Coat
ASOS Skater Mac - £55
Blush - Ivy & Oak Sleeveless Trench Coat With Belt
House of Fraser - Ivy & Oak Sleeveless Trench Coat With Belt -£155
Khaki - Trench Coat
MANGO Trench Coat - £59.99

Trench Coats by Day

If you are looking for a between-season coat to wear in the day, the trench coat is one of the most versatile. A double-breasted trench coat will not only see you into autumn, but also it will keep you warm through winter. Kate Middleton (below) looks elegant in her skirted trench coat, even in the rain. If you want to steal her look, nothing says sophisticated like a cream trench coat.

If you’re not sure how to make a trench coat work in spring, choose a casual fit coat with light-weight material. Sleeveless trench coats are also a good choice for the warmer weather, and you can layer up if it gets chilly. A sleeveless coat a la Meghan Markle will see you right through to autumn.

As for what to wear with a trench coat, there is one key item to focus on: a great pair of shoes. The classic trench coat style means that most of your outfit is covered up. A simple dress or a pair of black jeans and blouse is all you need underneath. Pair your coat with knee-high boots in the winter, or a sleek pair of sandals in the summer.

Kate Middleton, Meghan Markle and Karlie Kloss wearing trench coats during the day

Photo Credit: Pinterest

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Trench Coats for the Evening

When picking your outfit for the evening, a thin trench coat is always a good choice. If you have a gorgeous dress that you’ve already worn out once, the trench coat can give it a whole new look.

Take some style inspiration from Olivia Palermo and dress head to toe in white: as chic as you can get. For those who worry about wearing white, the French coat we’ve chosen is flattering, with a belt to extenuate your curves.

Selena Gomez adds a modern twist to the black mac coat with some stunning heels. It doesn’t matter what she’s wearing underneath, everyone is looking at her coat and shoes. To get her look, choose a simple trench coat and a stand-out pair of heels.

Blake Lively proves that you don’t have to stick with the classic black, cream or white trench coat for a night out. Her pale blue trench coat complements her eyes, and she’s accessorised with a pair of studded heels.

Selena Gomez, Olivia Palermo and Blake Lively wearing trench coats at night

Photo Credit: Pinterest

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Tips on How to Style Trench Coat Outfits

  • If you want something classic, try a simple cut black trench coat with a pair of dark trousers.
  • If you’d prefer a lighter style for spring, pastel trench coats are a good choice.
  • A trench coat doesn’t have to be fitted. There are many loose trench coat styles available.
  • If you like contrast, a fitted trench coat with embroidery, or a trench coat in a bright colour, will guarantee that you stand out from the crowd.
  • If you feel swamped in a trench coat, try a shorter style.
  • Taller ladies can get away with a longer trench coat.
  • Curvy ladies should choose a trench coat with a belt to cinch in their waist.
  • To take your trench coat outfits from day to night, get rid of the belt, or tie it at the back to show off your outfit.

How to Wear Trench Coat: Final Note

Now you have read our guide, you should be able to find the right trench coat for you. Whether you want a classic coat to see you through the year, or an on-trend coat for this season, it’s time to get shopping!

Read more great articles on women’s fashion here at alexie.co.

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