Fashion trends may come and go but there’s one coat silhouette that always remains, the trench.
Trench coats have become a pillar of British style. The waterproof, utilitarian outerwear garment was initially crafted for British Army officers during the First World War and subsequently gained popularity among soldiers in the trenches. Hence the name.
The classic style featured a gabardine fabric in some variation of khaki, a double-breasted silhouette, ten frontal buttons and a storm flap. The final touches came in the form of a belt to frame the waist, raglan sleeves and wide lapels.
Today the trench coat’s reputation is steeped in luxury connotations. British fashion house Burberry is widely credited with putting the trench coat on the fashion map. Thomas Burberry aimed to reinvent traditional, clunky rainwear, in turn producing the lightweight, worsted-wool spun trench which his brand became synonymous with. World War One brought the trench coat to life, but Burberry brought the trench coat to the masses.
Trench coats are still a house motif for Burberry today. Yet over the years they have wavered between chic and cheap. The Noughties witnessed Burberry’s iconic Nova check run wild, with Eastenders star Danniella Westbrook’s head-to-toe Burbs look (pram and toddler included) hitting the front pages of the tabloids to the brand’s alleged dismay. Likewise, WAG culture welcomed Burberry with open arms. Victoria Beckham was partial to a dollop of Burberry back in the day, be it in bikini or trench form.
However, trench coats were also famously sported by sweethearts of the silver screen such as Audrey Hepburn in Breakfast at Tiffany’s and Marlene Dietrich in A Foreign Affair. Jackie Kennedy Onassis was a fan, as well as Twiggy and Brigitte Bardot.
Later on, we’d see other stars don the functional fashion statement, including Natalie Portman, Gwyneth Paltrow, the Princess of Wales and many, many more.
Of course, high street brands listened up and went hell for leather. Conventional beige trench coats started popping up in the shop windows of Mango, Cos and M&S, while more unique designs were reserved for luxury names such as Burberry, Stella McCartney and Aquascutum.
Without further ado, let’s get down to business. Read on for the best women’s trench coats to shop this season.
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Burberry Faux Fur-trimmed Cotton-gabardine Trench Coat
Kicking off with a classic, if you have the funds, the Burberry trench coats are the best of the best. This faux fur-trimmed edition is sourced from the brand’s autumn/winter 2023 collection, Daniel Lee’s debut as creative director. A relaxed cut is shaped by a belted waist, which is further enhanced by classic raglan sleeves and a wearable beige hue.
Buy now £2690.00, Net-A-Porter
& Other Stories Relaxed Trench Coat
A classic cut can never go wrong. This & Other Stories relaxed trench coat has a timeless design. Duo welt pockets and a traditional belted finish create a low-key yet elegant touch. Pair with straight-leg blue jeans and a crisp white shirt for the chicest aesthetic.
Buy now £165.00, & Other Stories
Aligne Jamison Denim Trench Coat
What happens when you take a traditional trench and put a Gen-Z spin on it? Aligne’s Jamison Denim Trench Coat, that’s what. The must-have piece has all the foundations of a typical trench, but is cut from Nineties-style denim. Featuring a longline design, horn buttons and contrast stitching, this autumnal staple is going straight on our wishlist.
Buy now £249.00, Aligne
Cos Checked Utility Trench Coat
Check this out. Cos’ utilitarian trench is ideal for those looking for a touch of embellishment. It’s decorated with multicoloured checks and has a relaxed silhouette, perfect for layering chunky knits. Other eye-catching elements include an oversized flapped pocket and a fabric belt for cinching the waist.
Buy now £225.00, Cos
Victoria Beckham Pleated-back Silk-habotai Trench Coat
Leave it to Posh to produce the trench coat of dreams. Rendered from silk habotai with a pleated back, this garment from Victoria Beckham’s eponymous collection breathes femininity into the original trench coat silhouette. A storm flap will protect the wearer from the British elements, while the khaki hue makes it easy to style for everyday use.
Buy now £1342.00, Farfetch
Arket Short Trench Coat
A throw-on option for chic coffee dates, Arket’s shortened trench comes in a twill-woven blend of linen and cotton. A myriad of neat details include the shoulder epaulettes, sleeve straps, a rain guard and a gun flap. Embrace spring showers and step out in style.
Buy now £169.00, Arket
Acne Studios Cow Print Trench Coat
We have been lusting over this Acne Studios cow print trench ever since we first laid eyes on it. This is probably due to the double-breasted cut, all-over farmyard-inspired design and sleek button closure which all culminate in a striking overcoat made to last.
Buy now £770.00, MyTheresa
Weekday Julie Linen Mix Trench
This loose-fitting and double-breasted trench is made from a blend of ultra-soft viscose and linen for the utmost breathability. The springtime staple is unlined and therefore perfectly airy, and is also adorned with delightful tortoise-shell buttons for a subtle pop of colour.
Buy now £115.00, Weekday
AllSaints Kikki Oversized Trench Coat
Do away with classic beige and black colourways. This AllSaints trench is a show-stopper, featuring a pale pink hue and a sweeping, light longline form. Not a ‘think pink’ kind of gal? Choose from other tempting tones such as petrol blue, burning or sesame brown.
Buy now £279.00, AllSaints
Stella McCartney + NET SUSTAIN Double-breasted Snake-print Nylon Trench Coat
If you’ve got the cash to splash, look to Stella McCartney. The designer is a pioneer of sustainable fashion, so it’s a given that her clothes are always going to be top-notch in every aspect so they form a staple part of your wardrobe for years to come.
Sourced from her pre-fall 2023 collection, this faux snakeskin trench is cut from recycled yarn developed using plastic bottles. A double-breasted fit exudes conventionality, while the dazzling print serves up contemporary charm.
Buy now £1610.00, Farfetch
& Other Stories Belted Trench Coat
Though some may not consider a trench coat to be a solid winter jacket, layering up with a stylish, lighter piece of outerwear can be a brilliant way to beat the commuter cold sweats. You know, the horrible feverish rush of heat you get after running for the train in the heaviest of winter coats.
This classic, double-breasted RWS-certified wool-blend trench will keep you protected from the elements all winter long.
Buy now £139.00, & Other Stories
M&S Stormwear Belted Single Breasted Trench Coat
M&S has the other end of the price scale covered. The brand’s trench coat is a solid pick for those wanting to keep their wallets in check. A single-breasted silhouette, a durable cotton-blend texture and the innovative Stormwear technology will effortlessly protect the wearer from the drizzle.
Buy now £55.00, M&S
Lindex Cropped Denim Trench Coat
A denim trench will always tickle our fancy. This leisurely number merges Nineties denim with a suave trench silhouette. It’s double-breasted, plus features raglan sleeves and slim lapels. Go for a double denim look or style the piece out with a preppy mini skirt and brogues.
Buy now £27.99, Lindex
Hush Stella Short Trench Jacket
A piece fashion editors can't keep their hands off, Hush’s cropped trench has taken social media by storm. The easy-wear jacket boasts a loose design, which is ideal for throwing on for laid-back coffee dates and walks. Note the belted waist, buckle detailing, notched lapels and premium cotton blend set to last a lifetime.
Buy now £159.00, Hush
Sacai Shell and Cotton-Blend Gabardine Jacket
A divine halfway house between a timeless trench and a trendy bomber, Sacai’s gabardine jacket is both luxurious and leisurely. Panels of shell and cotton-blend gabardine are complemented by ribbed trims to temper the slightly loose fit. Wear yours daily and let the compliments flow.
Buy now £1100.00, Net-A-Porter
Desigual Oversize Belted Trench Coat
One of our favourite high street picks, Desigual’s oversized trench is a seasonless staple piece. Assert your authority in the style department with its gently ruffled sleeves, lapel collar and rich khaki hue. Military à la mode.
Buy now £214.00, Desigual
