As I am always one for a timeless wardrobe staple, it is no surprise that I love a good trench coat. I believe every person should have a great one in their wardrobe and I have amassed a small collection of favorites. Every Spring I look forward to pulling out this collection and donning them for warmer weather days – rain or no rain.

If you’re looking for advice and outfit inspiration for how to style a trench coat, today’s post should help you! It’s been recently refreshed with new ideas and new trenches to shop/

I find trench coats the perfect layering piece during the transition from winter to spring and from fall into winter. This is a piece definitely worth investing in in your wardrobe.

In case you’re looking to upgrade your trench or just want some fresh ways to style the one you already own – I hope you’ll find today’s post inspiring.

How to Style A Trench Coat

Use a color palette

I really like styling my trench coats with other shades of neutrals like above.

Incorporate different styles of trench. 

If you want to invest in a trench coat, reach for an iconic style but I also love owning several because they each go with a different type of outfit.

I own a double breasted trench, a more drapey, menswear style one, one that has a fun lining, a cropped one, one that hits past my knees and one that hits just at them – you get the picture.

Pair your trench with stripes.

I love the French inspired styling of a trench coat with a striped t-shirt or striped sweater. I wear it so often! 

Dress them up. 

I think a trench coat over a little black dress with heels is so stylish. Add a chic umbrella and you’re good to go. I would choose a black trench to go over a black dress.

You could also consider a silk trench coat or a leather trench coat from a styling perspective. Less practical of course, but oozing with a chic factor. I’ve added options for both in the shoppable widget below.

Pair with classic accessories.

Let the trench do the talking and pair your trench with simple, classic accessories that accentuate the timelessness of the piece. Think a classic button down, loafers and other streamlined wardrobe essentials.

Utilize the belt effectively.

I love a trench on a day when it’s not wearing and when I wear it this way – I tie the belt in the back of the jacket so it’s not hanging messily at my sides. 

Trench Coat Outfit Ideas

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Mom Jeans and Kitten Heels

A cropped straight jean that hits high on your waist will add length to your shape when paired with kitten heels and an extra drapey trench coat like the drapey style trench styled here.

Dressed Down with Distressed Denim

I love the dichotomy of a super classic trench like the J.Crew Icon trench coat with distressed denim. Add sleek white sneakers and a striped tee and you’re ready to hit the streets of Paris – or just pretend you are.

This is one of my most tried and true ways to style a classic trench coat. I also love that the J.Crew Icon trench is a trench coat with a hood that’s removable! Genius and so practical.

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Business Attire

A trench coat is a great coat to top over more formal business wardrobes like black pants. I paired this menswear inspired style with loafers and would lose the beret if I was headed to a meeting.

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The Trench with Heels

I love a striking camel trench paired with a great pair of pumps in black. So sleek and can be styled a myriad of ways.

This look I had distressed denim but could also have done straight jeans or ankle length cropped jeans. 

With Sneakers

A more masculine, boxier trench that’s great for casual styling, the Sezane Clyde Trench took over the internet last year and it is easy to see why. It has a charming plaid interior and effortless cool-girl vibes.

I first bought the 6 and had to size down to a 4 and still find it rather oversized. It comes in several colors and I’ve seen it all over Paris and New York as an a seemingly *it girl* trench coat.

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With Cropped Jeans and Feminine Flats

The Sezane Scott Trench Coat in camel is such a classic staple I know I’ll have for a long time and it pairs perfectly with a cropped jean and feminine flats.

This trench also comes in a navy and a pretty green, too if either of those colors are more your style.

With a Striped Sweater

I love pairing a camel trench coat with a striped sweater or striped tee. It is a timeless combination and can be worn with a variety of type of jeans and shoes.

With a Kitten Heel Mule

Dress up your trench with a kitten heel mule shoe. A black trench is a great way to make a more casual coat ready for evening as well.

With Ponte Pants

Pairing a trench with a pair of black ponte pants is very Audrey Hepburn to me. For more visual interest, try pairing your trench coat with a pair of plaid pants. 

Cropped Style

A fresh, modern take on the trench coat is a cropped version. I think it pairs well with a variety of bottoms and looks great with jeans and trousers in particular.

This one and this one are similar to mine seen above from Ba&sh Paris in 2022. 

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Do you have a go to way to style a trench? Shop my collection below as well as a variety of other styles I’ve curated. From Mango and Gap to Burberry, I’ve included options at every budget and in a variety of styles and colors. 

Shop the Post & More Trench Styles

 

Shop all my in-stock Outerwear in The Shop.

And don’t miss shopping my favorite travel umbrella and the best water-resistant boots I own in two colors! Code WITWHIMSY10 will get you 10% off your first purchase from the site. 

 

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• My Favorite and Most Worn Shoes + How I Take Care of Them.

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[Pret a Provost Photography; Carter Fish Photography; Katie Donnelly Photography]