Elevate Your Transitional Wardrobe With the Season’s Best Trench Coats
Step into autumn with timeless trench coats for every occasion.
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The classic trench coat was first developed in the 1800s and became practical military attire around World War I. It was designed to be worn in the trenches, which is where the piece of outerwear got its moniker.
Despite its origins, the trench coat soon trickled into mainstream fashion, which was surely helped by its appearance on many Hollywood stars—most notably, perhaps, by Humphrey Bogart's Rick Blaine in Casablanca and Marlene Dietrich in A Foreign Affair. And let's not forget about what is perhaps one of the most iconic cinematic wardrobe pieces of all time: the trench worn by Audrey Hepburn’s Holly Golightly in Breakfast at Tiffany’s.
Even among the most dependable wardrobe staples, the trench coat remains one of the most hardworking sartorial items out there. It's a transitional season staple, which is entirely unsurprising when you consider how versatile this coat is, whether you're throwing it on over crisp jeans and a T-shirt or pairing it with a breezy dress. Layering a trench coat can elevate even the sloppiest of ensembles into a more tailored and sophisticated look—just try it over your go-to workout set, and you'll see what we mean.
You can't go wrong with the traditional beige gabardine trench, à la Burberry's classic water-resistant style, though you don't have to limit yourself to the expected neutral colors and materials. Today's trenches come in a range of silhouettes, hues and fabrics, from futuristic leather jackets to preppy wool coats. Read on to discover the best trench coats of the season.
The Best Trench Coats for Women
- Burberry Mid-Length Chelsea Heritage Trench Coat
- Courrèges Heritage Vinyl Trench Coat
- J. Crew New Icon Trench Coat
- London Fog Double Breasted Trench with Button Off Hood
- Polo Ralph Lauren Double-Breasted Cashmere Trench Coat
- Aritzia The Esquire Trench Coat in City Twill
- Favorite Daughter The Charles Trench
- Toteme Doublé Winter Trench in Black
- Sezane Scott Trench Coat
- Marc Jacobs The Trench Coat
- Reformation Matteo Trench
- The Frankie Shop Pembroke Faux Suede Trench
- Mango Classic Trench Coat With Belt
- Everlane The Modern Trench Coat
- Cuyana Silk Classic Trench
- Barbour Gwyn Showerproof Trench Coat
- Darling Overcast Trench
- Mackage Gael Croc-Embossed Leather Double-Breasted Trench Coat
Burberry Mid-Length Chelsea Heritage Trench Coat
You can’t talk trenches without paying tribute to the original Burberry trench coat, which is just as chic and relevant today as when it first debuted over a hundred years ago. And truly, this double-breasted beige jacket, made in England from water-resistant cotton gabardine, has stood the rest of time. Lined with the British designer’s iconic check, it hits just above the knee. It’s an investment piece, yes, but it’s also a timeless trench coat that you'll wear for years to come.
Courrèges Heritage Vinyl Trench Coat
Leave it to French fashion brand Courrèges to craft a Matrix-worthy trench coat that's actually wearable. The glossy coated cotton-blend fabrication lends itself to a vinyl-esque aesthetic that's both modern and edging on futuristic. Snap-fasten pockets, an oversized collar and loose fit complete the look.
J. Crew New Icon Trench Coat
J.Crew’s 100 percent cotton trench coat is a newly updated take on the brand’s beloved Icon, and now has a removable hood and even more flattering fit. Made with water-repellent fabric, this lined jacket works as a raincoat or everyday piece of outerwear, and features a poppable collar and adjustable belt at the waist.
London Fog Double Breasted Trench with Button Off Hood
For a classic double-breasted trench coat that is sure to stand the test of time, look no further than London Fog’s iconic belted khaki silhouette. This water-repellent number is a rainy day savior, complete with a removable hood.
Polo Ralph Lauren Double-Breasted Cashmere Trench Coat
Classic Americana craftsmanship and sumptuous Italian cashmere is a match made in outerwear heaven. Ralph Lauren's double-breasted trench coat is a more heavyweight fabrication options for when the weather turns brisk, but you're looking for something sleeker and lighter than a parka. It has all the trench staples, like a buckled belt, A-line silhouette and spread collar.
Aritzia The Esquire Trench Coat in City Twill
It’s time to acquaint yourself with the cropped trench coat. Aritzia's double-breasted version is made from a water-repellent cotton twill, sourced from an Italian mill, with welt hand pockets and epaulettes. An effortless short jacket that easily transitions from a Saturday brunch to weekend martinis.
Favorite Daughter The Charles Trench
Those that aren't afraid of a boxier fit will find themselves drawn to Favorite Daughter's Charles Trench, made of a a cotton-blend gabardine with a more oversized silhouette that's seamlessly offset by an adjustable belted waist. Faux horn buttons and contrast lining add depth to a jacket that even Holly Golightly wouldn't be able to resist.
Toteme Doublé Winter Trench in Black
Toteme is known for thoughtful, modern uniform pieces, and this black wool jacket is no different. The woolen long trench coat features epaulettes, cuff belts and a detachable belt waist, hitting at a flattering mid-calf length. Sophisticated enough to pair over a cocktail dress for an autumn evening out on the town, relaxed enough for everyday wear.
Sezane Scott Trench Coat
It's no surprise that Paris-born cool girl brand Sezane has mastered the art of the laid-back trench. This water-repellent, 100 percent organic cotton trench features raglan sleeves and buttoned tabs at the shoulders and cuffs, with a convenient back slit. The khaki hue has hints of green, for a versatile alternative to classic beige—you'll have mastered that effortless French girl look in no time.
Marc Jacobs The Trench Coat
Marc Jacobs skips the trench coat's usual sharper tailoring and lines in favor of a ladylike Peter Pan collar and less expected single-breasted silhouette. It's a more casual, less structured take on the traditionally menswear-inspired cotton jacket.
Reformation Matteo Trench
This double-breasted trench coat is designed for a slimmer fit throughout, though it's still loose enough to wear over your favorite cashmere sweater. The belted waist adds structure, but it's the deep wine colorway that really make this Reformation jacket stand out. Don't be dissuaded by the fact that this is technically in the red family—we're of the firm belief that this bordeaux hue is a total neutral, especially for fall.
The Frankie Shop Pembroke Faux Suede Trench
For those that want to branch out from the tried-and-true khaki gabardine trench, consider a less predictable fabrication. Case in point, this faux suede coat from The Frankie Shop. A relaxed fit, peak lapels, shoulder epaulettes and a detachable fabric belt. Wear with straight-leg jeans and a sleeveless turtleneck for all the '90s-Nora Ephron-heroine fall energy.
Mango Classic Trench Coat With Belt
Mango’s minimalist trench is crafted from 100 percent cotton, with a lapel collar, two side pockets and an adjustable belt. The hem falls at that in-between length—above knee, but below hip, making it a solid option when you don't want the drama of a full-length jacket, but more substance than a mini.
Everlane The Modern Trench Coat
Everlane's double-breasted trench coat is a practical piece of outerwear that doesn't skimp on style. Made from 100 percent organic cotton, this topper has all the hallmarks of the classic trench—long sleeves, a belted waist and a front storm flap detail. Pair with black trousers, a billowing button-down and loafers—and maybe a dash of red lipstick.
Cuyana Silk Classic Trench
Cuyana’s luxe silk take on the classic trench comes with both silky and leather ribbon-like wrap belts and side slits, with a drape-y silhouette. Flouncy, feminine and unapologetically whimsical.
Barbour Gwyn Showerproof Trench Coat
While Barbour is perhaps best known for their classic waxy jackets, don’t sleep on the English brand’s other outerwear options, like this matte, showerproof trench. Double-breasted, relaxed fit with a belted waist, cuffed sleeves and welt pockets—because functionality doesn't mean drab.
Darling Overcast Trench
For a flowy, lightweight iteration of the traditional trench, try Darling's Overcast style, complete with a tie belt, pleats, side slits and a back flap. Ideal to layer over a maxi dress.
Mackage Gael Croc-Embossed Leather Double-Breasted Trench Coat
Mackage's leather trench coat instantly adds that "je ne sais quoi" edge to any ensemble. The gold buttons and cinched waist are both elegant and flattering, while the croc-embossed leather softens the look more than a traditional smooth leather.
