The best trench coats instantly make even the simplest outfit feel put-together and yet we often think of them as a purely spring/summer style. This doesn’t have to be the case and the structured silhouette of Meghan Markle’s navy trench looked sensational when she attended the Sundance Film Festival in Utah on 25th January.
This Heidi Merrick piece was made from 100% wool, meaning that the Duchess of Sussex was kept cosy, yet it still had all the classic elements we know and love about a cotton trench coat. Just as the Princess of Wales and Zara Tindall love supporting British clothing brands, Meghan flew the flag for California-based Heidi Merrick with this coat, yet it had an English twist.
Shop Wool Trenches
Available in black and mole, this tie-waist trench coat is single-breasted like Meghan's and has a neat collar. It's crafted from a wool-cotton blend for a breathable and warm finish, and has a yoke at the back. Style with everything from jeans and a jumper to a beautiful midi dress in spring.
You can fasten this wool-blend coat up high to create a funnel-neckline. It fastens with hidden buttons up the front and has a flattering belted waist. The silhouette is smart and timeless, and although it doesn't have some of the traditional trench coat details, it's a gorgeous alternative.
Coming in a deep chocolate brown colour, this new-in Zara trench coat is limited edition and is made from 100% wool yarn. It has a lapel collar, tie belt and front pockets. It falls to midi length and you can make it smarter or more relaxed depending on how you fasten it.
Shop Classic Trenches
This cotton-rich trench coat is a timeless addition to your collection. It's got a regular fit, with a secure double-breasted button fastening. A belt means you can cinch it in at the waist and it has added stretch in the fabric for comfort.
Longer trench coats aren't for everyone and this pea-length design is perfect for wearing with high-waisted jeans or trousers. The brown colour is very on-trend and it's double-breasted. There's a buttoned storm flap at the front and yoke at the back.
Made from cotton fabric, this trench is long and double-breasted. It features a wide lapel collar, long buttoned sleeves and a waist belt that's removable. The straight silhouette is very classic and it also comes in a grey-brown shade.
The Fog Coat is described as being "inspired by English tailoring" and it’s maxi-length, with raglan sleeves that are roomy enough for a jumper to go underneath. This is exactly how Meghan styled it, as we got a glimpse of her knitwear later on during the Cookie Queens film premiere.
The coat had a rounded collar rather than the lapels we often see on trenches, and a belt that cinched in the waist. This was a clever touch and if you’re going for a more oversized or roomy trench, it's worth picking a design with a belt as it gives extra shaping and definition to balance things out.
Wool coats like the Duchess’s are an investment for your winter capsule wardrobe, but they’re breathable as well as warm, and you can wear something this classic well into spring too.
Man-made fabric trenches can be more affordable and would also bring the cosiness you just don’t get from a cotton one. Whichever material you go for, a trench is such a useful outerwear option as they help transform even the most low-key of outfits into something that looks more put-together.
At the Sundance Film Festival, the Duchess of Sussex wore black Veronica Beard flared jeans and a beige cashmere jumper underneath her navy coat. The trench elevated things and this type of coat looks lovely as a contrast against the casualness of blue denim too.
The length can make a big difference, and Meghan’s maxi coat was leg-elongating and would complement maxi or midi dresses or skirts as well as trousers and jeans. A pea-length trench is equally versatile, whilst mid-length coats look elegant with hemlines that fall to the same point.
Ultimately, though, how you style a trench coat is completely up to your signature style and is more about what makes you feel confident and chic. Beige, camel and black are the most popular colours for cotton trenches and these are also great options when you’re choosing a thicker coat too.
These neutral hues work with pretty much any other colour and don’t feel specifically seasonal, so it makes styling quick. Duchess Meghan is a fan of pared-back, minimal outfits and the day before, she went to the Sundance Film Festival wearing a chocolate brown belted coat.
She and Prince Harry were there as they worked on the Cookie Queens documentary, which explores the tradition of Girl Scout cookie season and follows girls striving to be top sellers.
