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There are few wardrobe staples that have quite the staying power of a trench coat. Year after year, season after season, it comes back around – and somehow never feels dated. Perhaps that’s because the classic trench is one of those rare pieces that manages to be both practical and incredibly chic, adding an instant sense of polish to even the simplest of outfits. Throw one over jeans and a jumper, wear it with a dress and boots, or belt it over tailoring and you’re pretty much guaranteed to look put-together.
And while the traditional camel, double-breasted style will always have a place in our wardrobes, there’s so much more to choose from these days. Think oversized silhouettes, cropped cuts, chic capes, funnel-neck designs, checked iterations and even faux-leather styles for when you want your outerwear to make more of a statement. Whether you’re looking for something to see you through a rainy commute or a genuinely beautiful coat you’ll wear for years, there’s a trench out there for you.
I’ve scoured the high street to find the best options at every price point, from clever supermarket finds to investment-worthy designs from some of fashion’s most-loved brands. Here are the 72 trench coats I’m adding to my wish list this season…
The classic trench
If you’re only going to buy one trench coat, make it a classic. The timeless double-breasted silhouette, belted waist and traditional neutral palette will work with pretty much everything in your wardrobe, making it one of the easiest outerwear purchases you can make. John Lewis, M&S, H&M and Uniqlo all have brilliantly wearable options, while Boden, COS and Reiss offer slightly more elevated takes if you’re looking to spend a little more. And don’t be afraid to move beyond beige: chocolate brown, khaki, dark green and even subtle tartan details are an easy way to make the classic shape feel a little more current.
The oversized trench
For those who prefer their outerwear with a little more attitude, an oversized trench is the way to go. There’s something effortlessly cool about a roomy silhouette, particularly when worn loose over chunky knits or layered over tailoring. The trick is to embrace the volume rather than trying to make the coat look fitted – let the shoulders drop and the belt hang loose for that wonderfully undone feel. Stradivarius, ASOS and & Other Stories have some particularly good options if relaxed proportions are your thing.
The cropped trench
A cropped trench is a surprisingly easy way to make the classic coat feel fresh. Finishing around the waist or hips rather than the knee, these styles work particularly well with high-waisted trousers, jeans and skirts, and are a great option if you find longer coats can sometimes overwhelm your frame. There are plenty of pared-back options here, but I’m particularly drawn to the more directional shapes, from a cropped cape to a scarf-detail style.
The midi trench
Not quite cropped, not quite full-length, the midi trench hits that sweet spot somewhere around the knee or calf and is arguably one of the most versatile silhouettes of the lot. It’s long enough to feel elegant and offer plenty of coverage, but still practical enough for everyday wear. Mango and Zara have nailed the affordable end of the trend, while Massimo Dutti, Sézane and Rouje offer more premium-looking versions. I particularly love this length worn with ballet flats or loafers for that very French, very effortless feel.
The reversible trench
Why settle for one trench when you can have two? Reversible styles are one of my favourite ways to get more bang for your buck from an outerwear purchase, with a simple flip giving you an entirely different look. Whether you go for contrasting colours, checks or a different texture on the reverse, they’re a clever choice if you’re looking for something that feels a little less predictable. And, let’s be honest, anything that effectively doubles your styling options gets my vote.
The check trench
Checks and trench coats are a match made in heaven. The pattern gives the traditionally minimalist silhouette a little more personality, while still feeling incredibly wearable. From subtle neutral checks to bolder tartans and oversized windowpanes, there’s an option here for every level of print bravery. Wear one with otherwise simple separates and let the coat do the talking, or lean into the pattern with tonal knits and accessories for a more considered autumn look.
The cape trench
For something a little more fashion-forward, meet the cape trench. With its relaxed, draped shape and generous sleeves, it’s a softer take on traditional outerwear that looks particularly chic thrown over tailoring or a chunky knit. There are also practical options in this edit, including shower-resistant and waterproof styles, proving that you don’t necessarily have to sacrifice function for fashion. The result is the sort of coat that makes even a very ordinary jeans-and-boots outfit look instantly more considered.
The funnel-neck trench
The funnel-neck trench is having a serious moment, and I can see why. Swapping the traditional lapels for a high, sculptural neckline gives the classic coat a much more modern feel, while also making it particularly good for those in-between days when you don’t quite want to reach for a scarf. There are plenty of versions to choose from, ranging from the more minimalist designs at COS and The White Company to playful checked styles from Damson Madder. And yes, that £28 Primark option really does look considerably more expensive than it is.
The faux-leather trench
A faux-leather trench is the easiest way to give your outerwear wardrobe a little edge. The classic cut keeps things polished, while the glossy finish makes the whole look feel instantly more directional. Chocolate brown is particularly good this season, but there are also rich burgundy and croc-effect options if you’re after something a little more statement-making. Wear yours with denim and ankle boots for an easy everyday look, or throw it over a dress when you want to make more of an entrance.
The car coat
Technically not all car coats are trenches, but the two have enough in common – structured silhouettes, smart collars and that same effortlessly polished feel – that I couldn’t resist including them here. They’re generally a little less fussy than a traditional trench, often with a simpler single-breasted front and straighter cut, which makes them ideal if you prefer your outerwear to feel relaxed and understated. Think of them as the trench’s cooler, slightly more minimalist cousin.
The supermarket trench
Don’t overlook the supermarket when you’re shopping for a trench coat. Some of the best high-street finds can be hiding in the most unexpected places, and these affordable options from Tu at Sainsbury’s and George at ASDA prove you don’t need to spend a fortune to get that classic polished look. At £38, £48 and £50 respectively, these are particularly tempting if you’re looking for an everyday coat without the investment – and, frankly, you’d never guess the price from looking at them.
The investment trench
If you’re prepared to spend a little more, a really good trench coat is one of those purchases you can justify as a genuine wardrobe investment. These are the styles you’ll reach for year after year, and the timeless silhouettes mean they’re unlikely to suddenly feel passé next season. Holland Cooper, Maje and Polo Ralph Lauren all make a strong case for spending more, with beautifully cut designs, considered details and fabrics that give them that unmistakably luxurious feel. Yes, the price tags are significant, but if you’re looking for a forever coat, these are the ones to consider.
