How to style a trench coat: 7 outfit ideas to inspire your winter wardrobe

Ask any stylist about must-have wardrobe staples and I guarantee that a trench coat will be at the top of their list. A total classic and brilliantly versatile, once you’ve mastered how to style a trench coat, you’ll be wearing it on repeat for years to come.

Theres something about a trench coat that keeps it in the style spotlight and it has the ability to pull together even the most basic of ensembles for an instantly polished feel. I find myself reaching for mine as I head out the door on a daily basis, and I love how easy it is to wear.

A trench coat has the ability to be dressed up or down, and will make the ultimate outerwear choice for pretty much any occasion and season. Whether you’re looking to invest in a new coat and wondering which Burberry trench coat to buy, or you already own a timeless trench but are unsure about how to wear it it, you'll find top tips, tricks and street style-inspired outfit ideas below to help you get more from your belted jacket.

What makes a trench coat so special? The iconic silhouette most often involves a double-breasted front, wide lapels, storm flaps and a belted waist that has a smart feel, but the best trench coats are usually made from soft and breathable cotton which balances out the structured detailing and helps make them a little more wearable for every day. They were initially made for military purposes in the early 1900s, but have since become a style staple worn by countless celebrities and fashion icons including Anna Wintour and Kate Middleton. The traditional camel colour of a trench makes for a great match with everything including this season's leopard print trend as well as soft and feminine boho style, and will feel just as fresh in years to come.

As well as looking chic, trench coats are practical as they are one of the best waterproof jackets to wear during the autumnal months and can be worn with a whole host of outfits to take you from season to season with ease. A trench coat really is up there as one of the best and most-hardworking items in your style arsenal, so here's some inspiration on how to wear yours…

How to style a trench coat: 7 outfit ideas

1. How to style a trench coat over a dress

Trench coats and stylish dresses to hide a tummy work really well together, but you do need to make some considerations when it comes to the cut of each in order to nail how to style a trench coat. If your trench coat is very A-line, and flares out from the waist, this can look ultra-feminine when worn over a dress with a wide skirt, and will create a '50s feel. If you want it to feel more modern, pair an A-line hemmed trench coat with a narrower, more form-fitting dress. The length matters too. If you’re wearing a mini dress, then a shorter-length trench is fine, but something that hits mid-thigh when your dress continues towards your ankles can appear unbalanced. In general, a long, straight-cut trench coat is the best shape for teaming with dresses.

A styling tip… If you're wearing a dress that’s brightly coloured, top it with a trench in a neutral like beige or camel so that the two can work together, instead of fighting for attention.

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2. How to style a trench coat with jeans

The addition of a trench coat is a straightforward way to make denim pieces feel more dressed up. The structured shape is the perfect antidote to even your slouchiest, worn-out, lightest-washed denim, making it a great option if youre unsure about how to style wide leg jeans. There are no hard-and-fast rules when it comes to colour, as denim can be worn with trench coats in any hue. Take inspiration from the street style set and wear your trench open so you can see all of your jean-based outfits beneath, or button and belt so just a little of the best jeans for your body type peek out the bottom. For the chillier months, a soft white or cream wool jumper will look particularly chic under your trench, and then switch to t-shirts or blouses in the Spring.

A styling tip… The lighter your denim, the more relaxed it will feel. Stick to darker shades for smarter occasions.

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3. How to style a trench coat for work

Thanks to the military connotations and structured shape, trench coats are the perfect outerwear choice for work. They earn extra brownie points if you have a busy commute on public transport too, as the cotton fabric won’t leave you feeling as hot and flustered as being all wrapped up in wool coats. As most offices require some sort of dress code, this is the time to play it safe with your trench rather than pushing the sartorial boundaries. Choose one that’s true to size, rather than oversized, and complement the sharp cut with crisp shirts, trousers and tailored suits. Again, beige and camel are the obvious choices, while forest green will inject a spot of colour to liven up an otherwise monochrome look.

A styling tip… For added polish and to instantly make any coat look more expensive, swap matching-fabric belts for a belt with a statement buckle.

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4. How to style a trench coat for the weekend

We don’t know about you, but when it comes to getting dressed for a chilled Saturday or Sunday, comfort is always our top priority. Think a pair of the warmest leggings, oversized t-shirts, and slouchy knits for a laidback look. On paper, it would seem that a trench coat wouldn’t fit the bill for this kind of brief, but actually, it’s the perfect piece to pull these casual pieces together. Plus, the longer length of a trench will mean you can get away with wearing leggings with a shorter top without the fear of a see-through-fabric-related faux-pas. Win-win.

A styling tip… Want to add interest to your trench? Sling a knit over your shoulders or layer up with a fuzzy printed scarf.

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5. How to style a trench coat for the evening

When it comes to how to style a trench coat for the evening, trade in your trusty cotton design for something that feels a little more luxe. The faux leather trench has been having a moment for the past few seasons and remains popular this year. Choose a high-shine fabric to keep it more modern than Matrix, and don’t feel limited to classic black. There are lots of lovely versions available this season, at all price points, with deep reds and rusty browns remaining popular too. For an even bolder statement, try wearing a shouty patterned trench in leopard or zebra print, to add some oomph to even the most simple of evening outfits. If animal print or pleather feels too daring though, consider a wool, silk, or brocade trench or simply one in a brighter, more exciting hue instead.

A styling tip… Feel self-conscious in a shorter hemline? Adding a longline trench in the mix will look instantly glam and help you feel more confident.

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6. How to style a trench coat for the Autumn/winter

We might be in the depths of winter, but the temperatures outside don’t always reflect the time of year. If it’s too warm to be fully snuggled up in your beloved puffer jacket then learning how to style a trench coat will see you through autumn and into the winter season. The wide lapels create the perfect space for a roll-neck sweater, creating a look that’s both cosy and elegant. Longline trenches are your best bet for this time of year, as they give extra coverage and protection, and cover-ups with a hood will keep your dry during a drizzly day. A trench that’s too short won’t trap enough heat to keep you warm, so save these styles for spring.

A styling tip… Coordinate the rest of your outfit with the tones of your trench for a synergistic look.

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7. How to style a trench coat for spring/summer

It’s a rare occasion when at least one layer isn’t required as you shift from season to season. Enter (yet again) the trench coat. Warmer weather calls for more fluid shapes, shorter lengths, and even lighter fabrics (anything lined will likely be too warm) for a throw-on-and-go layering piece - look for unlined versions for a cooler wear. There’s something very fresh about the juxtaposition of shorts with a trench coat, just wear it with closed-in shoes like ankle boots, loafers, or trainers instead of sandals. Opt for a softer shade of trench coat, as it will feel more warm-weather appropriate.

A styling tip… Instead of buttoning and belting up, keep your trench open to show off your spring and summer outfits. You can always tie the belt around the back to nip your waist in and keep the look neat.

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FAQs

Are trench coats in style for 2024?

"Trench coats are always a good investment and for 2024, the classic trench coat is once again in style," says our fashion editor Rivkie Baum. "In part thanks to its elegant timelessness and due to it being the backbone of a Burberry collection, when you buy a trench coat you buy into fashion history and you can pretty much rest assured that your outerwear piece will be your go-to come spring and autumn month," she says.

"While you can opt for colour or print, to ensure your trench coat lasts from one season to the next I recommend opting for a neutral colourway such as black, beige or navy, as these three hues, combined with a classic trench silhouette, will never go out of style."

Do trench coats go with everything?

One of the best things about trench coats is that they go with just about everything in your wardrobe. This is especially true if you stick to the traditional colour of light beige, as this neutral shade won’t jar against even the boldest brights or busiest of prints. However, "styling these longer coats can feel awkward after styling shorter coats for so many years," says outerwear designer Liz Williams. To make the process simple, she recommends you "add a colour pop either on top or with trousers to help break up the long line of the coat."

The shape comes into it too, and the choice of wearing undone or buttoned up means you can switch up the way you wear it depending on what you’re wearing beneath. For example, wearing your trench buttoned and belted over a chunky knit would distort your frame, while wearing it open, with the belt tied at the back would just show off your jumper and still nip you in, in the middle.

Ultimately, trench coats are super versatile and will look just as good worn with a slinky mini dress and heels as with a knitted tracksuit bottom and jumper. Which is why they're one of the best coats you can own.

Our experts:

Rivkie Baum

With over fifteen years' experience, Rivkie is an accomplished fashion editor, writer and stylist. Covering international fashion weeks, and styling photoshoots all over the world, Rivkie loves translating the trends in an accessible way to make fashion available for all budgets.

Liz Williams

Outerwear Designer at The Checkroom, Liz Williams creates “Classic Inspired Statement Coats for Modern Women.” Liz is a former Instructor of Fashion Design at Columbia College in Chicago, where she educated students in fashion design, patternmaking, sewing, and fabric manipulation.