Styling a Trench Coat

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Dear Lovely,

I think trench coats are one of those items of clothing that women love to see on other people, but feel intimidated when trying to incorporate one into their own wardrobes. Am I sophisticated enough? Fashionable enough? Serious enough?

The answer is yes! This style of coat isn’t just for misty London mornings, but are also incredibly functional outerware for anyone who wants to combine necessity and style. The structure is timeless. The fashion is worldly, but practical. These days, there are so many modern takes on the classic trench coat that there truly is a version for everyone.

Over the years I have collected many different variations and colors of trenches, so most of mine aren’t currently available. However, throughout this post, I’ve linked some really beautiful trench coats that are currently available at Nordstrom if you’re in the market for one. They truly have a wonderful variety.

The Classic Trench Coat

My mom always had a classic trench coat when I was growing up, and every time she wore it, I always thought it made her look important. Here are a few ways I style my classic trench. FYI: favorite red flats are still available in most sizes!

at Versailles with a plaid scarf and tennis shoes

easy with a t-shirt, jeans, and red flats

layered with overalls and boots

headed to pilates

casual sweater and favorite red flats again

shopping in Paris at Shakespeare & Co

in Paris

styled with a leather mini skirt and loafers

Shopping options:

1. Classic Trench by Ralph Lauren-beautiful, classic double-breasted tailoring, also available in black which is uber chic.

2. Long Trench by Karl Lagerfeld Paris-(currently on sale for less than $200); I love how long this coat is and that it is available in both black and dark sage.

3. Mango Double Breasted Trench-This coat has a cool funnel neck detail for added warmth and comes in a beautiful off-white.

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The Classic Trench Coat, Short

This version is exactly like the previous one except it’s shorter, and honestly, I think a shorter version makes this style more approachable. Especially here in Texas, we don’t wear long coats very often because it doesn’t get that cold. The majority of coats come to our waists or upper thighs, and that silhouette often feels more comfortable.

I love a classic neutral cropped trench coat, but I also believe this is an opportunity to play with a fun color.

in St. Remy-de-Provence

red cape trench

short classic trench

Shopping options:

1. Kim and Kai Hooded Trench-this is such an incredible buy! The tailoring is beautiful, it comes in 6 different colors: copper, teal, grape wine, black, cobalt saphire, and tan, IT HAS A HOOD, plus several colors are on sale!

2. Lauren Ralph Lauren-here’s another version of a classic trench. It comes in tan, black, and mascarpone with the traditional back vent which is used to keep rain from pooling as well as shoulder epaulets.

3. Donna Karan-this gorgeous Donna Karan is a dressy version of a classic trench coat. I love the gold buttons, funnel neck, and the fact that it’s available in red and chocolate.

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Cropped Trench Coat

This style trench coat isn’t something I had ever seen until a year or two ago, and at first, I wasn’t 100% sure I was on board. So I ordered an inexpensive one in both khaki and navy to try out and honestly, I’ve loved them. I think these bring the sophistication and style of a traditional trench coat without having to mess with very much coat. It can be styled like a light jacket with jeans, even if you just want to keep your arms covered in the movie theatre. Personally, I prefer wearing a cropped jacket like this with pants or a long skirt as opposed to shorts or short skirts. Otherwise, I think the proportions can make you look cut in half.

Shopping options:

1. Open Edit Cropped Trench-is so cute because it comes with a belt. Not all cropped ones do. You can cinch the waist or wear it open and casual.

2. London Fog Cropped Trench-This brand is one of the original brands of trench coats. They are water resistent, and this one comes in 3 different colors: plaid, British khaki, and black.

3. Avec Les Filles Cape Sleeve Trench-This is a fun version with cape sleeves and a tie at the waist. The traditional khaki color is always timeless.

Thoughts? Questions? Are you ready to style a trench coat again or maybe for the first time? I hope this post helps you make some decisions and gives some style inspiration for an item of clothing that can feel intimidating at times.

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Finally, I want to show you a few ways to accessorize your trench coat, starting with replacing the belt with a beautiful scarf. This is an easy way to incorporate that scarf you’ve been wondering how to wear and adding some color to your neutral outfit.

Next, you can also use an actual belt or belt/bag instead of the come-with belt. This adds structure if you like more tailored look than a tie belt.

If you love collecting brooches and pins, be sure to pull a few out and wear them with your trench coat. Pins like this are kind of considered accessories of the past, but I love using them to add a little imagination and style to a blazer or trench coat.

If you are needing some trench coat style inspiration, feel free to check out my Trench Coat Pinterest Board. I’ve saved many fun fashion moments there that I can pull up anytime I need some vision and motivation while standing in my closet. Please let me know in the comments if you have any specific style requests (trench coats or otherwise) and I’ll get working on that.