Zara Tindall has always had an eye for chic outerwear and as we move slowly towards spring, her sleek trench coat is the perfect partner for so many outfits. The best trench coats are neutral and timeless, so you can throw them on with everything from jeans and jumpers to dresses depending on the occasion.
The King’s niece once wore a cream trench to Cheltenham Festival in 2010 styled with knee-high boots and dark tights. The contrasting colours made her light coat stand out and the detailing was beautiful.
It was double-breasted and fastened right up to the top with black buttons, with a neat collar and epaulettes on the shoulders. The sleeves had buttoned tabs on them too and the design at the front was subtly asymmetrical.
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This classic coat is currently 20% off in the sale and - unlike many trenches - is completely showerproof. It's got a storm-flap at the back as well as shoulder tabs and the buttons are covered for a neat finish. The belt highlights the waist and it's made from a cotton-blend material.
You get two coats for the price of one with this reversible Zara piece, as you can wear it with the pale beige tone on the outside or the checked pattern showing more. It features long sleeves with tabs, a hem with a back vent and a single-breasted cut.
With an incredibly classic design that includes a double gun flap, notched lapels, epaulets and a double-breasted button closure, this is such an easy piece to style. The detailing is timeless and the soft creamy tone is similar to Zara's coat.
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Crafted from cotton-rich material, this belted trench is a gorgeous caramel-brown colour and is longline. The belted waist is a flattering addition, while side pockets add practicality. This button-through piece also has notched lapels, buttoned cuff straps and epaulettes.
Coming in a deep bitter chocolate colour that makes a softer alternative to black, this trench is double-breasted and perfect for winter-into-spring. It's got a straight shape and a wide lapel collar, as well as a waist belt which can be removed.
A black trench coat is a lovely option and tends to show marks less than a lighter shade. The Phase Eight Avalie coat comes in petite and regular versions and is tailored, with adjustable cuffs and a back storm flap. It's showerproof and double-breasted too.
Tan trenches are always popular and black coats naturally disguise marks the best, yet there’s something to be said for a pale hue like Zara’s. A soft beige, cream or ecru trench is even more versatile and would complement so many of the pastels that are big spring/summer fashion colour trends.
Darker coats can often look too stark against these shades which can limit the amount of wear you can get out of them in the warmer months when lighter and brighter colours become many people’s go-tos. Regardless what tone you go for, a trench coat is such a handy staple.
Zara Tindall showed how smart and sophisticated they look thanks to their structured silhouette and they’re more lightweight than a classic winter coat. She wore hers in March and to this day continues to wear trenches, often the suede Frances ones from Fairfax & Favor, to Cheltenham.
They instantly elevate your ensemble and back in 2010 Zara went quite edgy with her mini skirt and fold-over boots, so the coat was a clever addition to balance things. If you’ve never been sure how to style a trench coat then the good news is that they also look very elegant with jeans.
Many people would count jeans amongst their most-worn items which makes outfit pairings for trenches a little easier. Midi skirts and dresses are a lovely alternative, but it’s worth putting some careful consideration into lengths. When the trench lines up with the hemline or drapes over it, it’s so leg-elongating, whilst cropped styles can sit at the waistband.
Zara Tindall’s coat finished just below her skirt and she tied the look together with dark sunglasses, hoop earrings and a two-tone cream and brown bag. Back in March 2010 the royal had shoulder-length blonde hair and she wore it loose to the races, though nowadays she’s loyal to her bob hairstyle.
I can’t necessarily imagine her attending Cheltenham in 2026 wearing those particular boots, earrings or bag as her style has gently evolved since then. It’s a testament to the timelessness of a trench coat, though, that this is one piece that Zara could wear now and it would still feel very in-fashion.
