A trench coat is a raincoat that is generally double-breasted, with a belt and sometimes straps on the shoulders. Trench coats are usually made from cotton fabric.
There are many ways to style a trench coat. It is a versatile garment that makes for a great wardrobe staple. See our handy tips below, on how to style and wear a trench coat, and what type of trench coat to opt for.
For Work
Trench coats give the wearer an air of elegance and class and make for a great outer layer in a working wardrobe. Regardless of whether you have a business/formal or casual dress code, a trench coat will ‘work’ for you.
Trench coats are normally neutral in colour – traditionally beige or khaki, which means they complement conservative work wear hues of black, brown, navy, grey, and white. If you have to wear a full, formal suit to the office, you could style a trench coat in a matching colour for an ultra-stylish monochrome look.
Teaming a trench coat with a more relaxed top and bottoms will add a smart, tailored influence on casual work attire. A trench coat will make most casual looks look more sophisticated.
For the Evening
For more formal occasions you can team your trench coat with many evening looks – over a tuxedo to a black-tie event, or in such a way as to complement your date night attire. Wearing a trench coat to wear to a winter wedding is a practical and chic option too.
Basic black and beige trench coats look elegant over gowns and evening dresses. It is just about wearing trench coat that is the right fit and length with the dress in question. For example, having the tulle from your gown show underneath a silky trench coat is a lovely look!
For Summer
Wearing a trench coat is a great look for the warmer months when you still desire the sophistication, finesse, and light warmth of a trench. Opt for an unlined trench at this time of year, in a lightweight fabric.
You can style a traditional beige trench coat over a classic white shirt/tee or opt for a cropped trench over shorts/short summer dress.
In warmer climes, you can also fold up the sleeves of your trench or drape it across your shoulders for a breezy, but refined look. (Don’t forget your designer sunglasses for a chic finishing touch!)
For Autumn
Because trench coats are typically made of gabardine, canvas or cotton they are water resistant to a degree, making them an ideal coat choice for transitional seasons like autumn. During the autumn months, you might want to opt for a quilted and/or insulated trench coat, that will keep out any light chills whilst still giving your outfit a tailored edge.
Style your trench coat with a polo neck in autumn for a refined feel.
For Winter
In winter you might want to wear a belted trench coat in an oversized, double-breasted fit made from heavy-duty material. This allows you to layer up below your trench coat with chunky knits for added warmth.
During the winter months you can switch up your cloth trench to a vinyl or leather mac style instead, which is a cooler and cosier option.
Trench coats in winter look great with a thick scarf draped around your shoulders for extra warmth. Deep pockets on a winter trench coat give it a practical point of difference too – plus there is plenty of rooms for gloves!
For Spring
Traditionally spring fashion hues are colourful and fresh. Trench coats for spring featuring bright accents and contrast sleeves are a wonderful way of incorporating seasonal springtime style nods via the traditional wardrobe staple that is the trench coat.
Many styles of trench coat are also reversible, which make for a good wardrobe investment. You will get plenty of wear from a two-tone garment as it will complement a variety of colours.
Belted trenches can be worn firmly tied during changeable, colder spring weather conditions, or secured at the back allowing the front of the trench coat to be open if it is a warm, sunny spring day.
