14 chic trench coat outfits to recreate this season

Woman wearing a trench coat with jeans
Look out for a trench with interesting detailing (Getty)

A quality trench coat will last a lifetime – a worthy investment for capsule wardrobe curators.

With military origins, the style has had a lasting impact on the fashion world.

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Crafted from waterproof, durable fabric, developed as an alternative to the heavier weight serge greatcoat, the trench is an outerwear must-have for reasons that span far beyond mere functionality.

The traditional trench design is infinitely versatile. A forgiving beige hue, double-breasted buttons, non-disruptive epaulettes and a waist-cinching belt make for an extremely forgiving medley.

READ: The trench coat: a brief history of the outerwear icon

MORE: The 10 best autumn coats to refresh your outerwear game

Italian actress Sophia Loren wore the classic piece in the 1958 picture 'The Key'
Italian actress Sophia Loren wore the classic piece in the 1958 picture 'The Key' (Getty)

The easy-breezy open trench can be used to add polish to an otherwise casual 'fit, whereas wearing it belted as the focal point creates shape, oozing glamour à la silver screen stars Sophia Loren and Audrey Hepburn.

The trench is pleasingly multifaceted, and modern iterations offer trend-focused alternatives – think cropped fits, glossy leather finishes and patterned inserts.

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MORE: Autumn dress trends to have on your radar for AW23

Hello! Fashion shares how to style a trench coat this season:

With a crochet skirt

Woman wearing trench coat with crochet skirt
Paris Fashion Week SS23 (Getty)

Style advice

A trench is a great way to bridge the gap between the seasons. Lightweight and forgiving, pair it with crochet, a traditionally summery trend, to get some extra wear out of your holiday favourites.

With a crop top

Woman wearing a trench coat with a crop top
Paris Fashion Week SS23 (Getty)

Style advice

By nature, the trench exudes polish. Infuse your look with cool-girl appeal by styling yours alongside a midriff-baring crop top and sporty trousers.

With a vibrant pattern

Woman wearing a red trench coat
Copenhagen Fashion Week AW23 (Getty)

Style advice

The joy of the modern trench is that there are zero colour rules. Bypass beige in favour of a vivid primary – red is the runway's shade du jour right now – and layer it over an equally bold patterned knit.

With a maxi skort

Woman wearing a trench coat with a long skort
London Fashion Week AW23 (Getty)

Style advice

Wearing your trench open feels relaxed, but you needn't scrimp on silhouette. Opt for a high-waisted piece with a focal point belt to add shape – this skort feels fresh and interesting.

With paperbag jeans

Woman wearing a trench coat with baggy jeans
Paris Fashion Week AW23 (Getty)

Style advice

The magic of a trench lies in the fact that it is super versatile. Complement baggy jeans with a slouchy version featuring raw edges.

With neutral separates

Woman wearing a trench coat with boxy jacket
London Fashion Week AW23 (Getty)

Style advice

Boxy and polished, this look presents a masterclass in transitional layering. Style your trench over a collared jacket and a polo knit for a sense of depth.

With jeans and heels

Woman wearing a trench coat with jeans
Look out for a trench with interesting detailing (Getty)

Style advice

A trench with a standout detail such as an oversized collar or colour accents can become your outfit's focal point. Style it with understated straight-leg jeans and heels to allow your outerwear to take centre stage.

With a tailored waistcoat

Woman wearing a trench coat with waistcoat
Consider styling your trench with an of-the-moment waistcoat (Getty)

Style advice

The tailored waistcoat took this summer by storm, and as we ease into autumn you can keep yours in rotation by layering it under your go-to trench.

With preppy pieces

Woman wearing a trench coat with white trousers
The trench is a favourite among the street style set (Getty)

Style advice

Embrace your inner preppy and style your trench with a crisp blue shirt and an off-white knit. For maximum easy-breezy vibes, opt for linen trousers and leather loafers.

With a statement necklace

Woman wearing pearl necklace with trench coat
Infuse your look with a dash of vintage elegance via a pearl necklace (Getty)

Style advice

Dial up your trench when the occasion demands with luxe-looking accessories. Indulge in the ubiquitous pearlcore trend or consider a chunky gold chain.

With colour accents

Woman wearing a trench coat with red accessories
Copenhagen Fashion Week SS24 (Getty)

Style advice

Consider bold-hued accessories to give your trench outfit a splash of playfulness. We love this beltless version with pops of red.

With wide-leg trousers

Woman wearing a trench coat with wide-leg trousers
Copenhagen Fashion Week SS24 (Getty)

Style advice

Consider a trench in chocolate brown as an alternative to the classic beige. Ooze casual cool with wide-leg trousers and platform trainers.

With cool-girl boxers

Woman wearing a trench coat with boxers
Copenhagen Fashion Week SS24 (Getty)

Style advice

Slightly optimistic with this look as we head into autumn, but the point still stands. Boxer shorts + loafers + trench = a match made in style heaven.

With textured mini skirt

Woman wearing a trench coat with quilted skirt
Copenhagen Fashion Week SS24 (Getty)

Style advice

Stripes and argyle are timeless, but add a sense of dimension (and warmth, for that matter) to your trench 'fit via a quilted mini skirt.