How to Style a Trench Coat

March 31, 2024

Spring Paris Outfit

A trench coat is a timeless staple that I believe every person should have in their wardrobe. Every Spring I look forward to pulling out my collection and donning them for warmer weather days – rain or no rain. They’re the perfect layering piece during the transition from winter to spring and from fall into winter. This is a piece definitely worth investing in in your wardrobe!

In case you’re looking to upgrade your trench or just want some fresh ways to style the one you already own – I hope you’ll find today’s post inspiring.

How to Style A Trench Coat

J.Crew Icon Trench

Incorporate different styles of trench. 

If you want to invest in a trench coat, reach for an iconic style but I also love owning several because they each go with a different type of outfit. I own a double breasted trench, a more drapey, menswear style, a colored style with cute tie-sleeves, one that has a fun lining, one that hits past my knees and one that hits just at them – you get the picture.

Pair your trench with stripes.

I love the French inspired styling of a trench coat with a striped t-shirt. I wear it so often! 

Dress them up. 

I think a trench coat over a little black dress with heels is so stylish. Add a chic umbrella and you’re good to go. I would choose a black trench to go over a black dress.

Pair with classic accessories.

Let the trench do the talking and pair your trench with simple, classic accessories that accentuate the timelessness of the piece.

Utilize the belt effectively.

I love a trench on a day when it’s not wearing and when I wear it this way – I tie the belt in the back of the jacket so it’s not hanging messily at my sides. 

J.Crew Icon Trench

J.Crew Icon Trench

Trench Coat Outfit Ideas

J.Crew Icon Trench

Dressed Down with Distressed Denim

I love the dichotomy of a super classic trench like the J.Crew Icon trench coat with distressed denim. Add sleek white sneakers and a striped tee and you’re ready to hit the streets of Paris – or just pretend you are! This is one of my most tried and true ways to style a classic trench coat. I also love that the J.Crew Icon trench is a trench coat with a hood that’s removable! Genius and so practical.

Everlane Drape Trench I wit & whimsy

Original Post
Mom Jeans and Kitten Heels

A cropped straight jean that hits high on your waist will add length to your shape when paired with kitten heels and an extra drapey trench coat like the Everlane Drape Trench styled here.

What to do in Paris When It Rains I wit & whimsy

Original Post
Business Attire

A trench coat is a great coat to top over more formal business wardrobes like black pants. I paired this menswear inspired style by MM.LaFleur with loafers and would lose the beret if I was headed to a meeting.

Meghan Donovan of wit & whimsy styles a trench coat

Original Post
The Trench with Heels

I love a striking camel trench paired with a great pair of pumps in black. So sleek and can be styled a myriad of ways. This look I had distressed denim but could also have done straight jeans or ankle length cropped jeans. 

Meghan Donovan of wit & whimsy wears a classic Fall outfit

Original Post
With Suede Booties and a Sweater

My trench coats come back in rotation when summer concludes and I begin layering them over my favorite sweaters and swapping out my shoes for my favorite booties. The above trench is from Club Monaco who makes excellent outerwear (I bought it back in 2015) but it remains a favorite of mine to this day.

Sarah Flint Natalie

Original Post
With Cropped Jeans and Feminine Flats

The Sezane Scott Trench Coat in camel is such a classic staple I know I’ll have for a long time and it pairs perfectly with a cropped jean and feminine flats. This trench also comes in a navy and a pretty green, too if either of those colors are more your style.

Sezane Trench coat with Striped Sweater Paris Outfit

With a Striped Sweater

I love pairing a camel trench coat with a striped sweater or striped tee. It is a timeless combination and can be worn with a variety of type of jeans and shoes.

Fall Outfit in Paris with a Trench Coat

With a Kitten Heel Mule

Dress up your trench with a kitten heel mule shoe. A black trench is a great way to make a more casual coat ready for evening as well.

Sezane Plaid Pants

With Plaid Pants

For more visual interest, try pairing your trench coat with a pair of plaid pants. This look is very Audrey Hepburn to me.

Bash Cropped Trench Coat

Cropped Style

A fresh, modern take on the trench coat is a cropped version. I think it pairs well with a variety of bottoms and looks great with jeans and trousers in particular.

Do you have a go to way to style a trench?

Shop the Post & More Trench Styles

 

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[Pret a Provost Photography; Carter Fish Photography; Katie Donnelly Photography]

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