A must-have wardrobe staple for any woman interested in classic style is, you guessed it, the classic trench coat. Though trench coats are usually thought of as a Parisian piece, you don’t have to be a Francophile to benefit from the sophisticated look a trench coat brings to even your most basic everyday wear. Here’s why you need one, where to find the best ones, and of course, easy-to-copy trench coat outfits to help you know what to wear with a trench coat!
Quick history of the trench coat
A trench coat has been around for centuries, and fashion-wise, it’s not going anywhere. Though now we think of a trench coat as a fashion statement, it actually originated as a sport coat for British men and then was turned into military uniforms for its ease to be worn “in the trenches”.
After the war, the trench coat stuck around and soared in fashion popularity when Humphrey Bogart wore it in Casablanca. And of course, once Hollywood picks up on something, designers rush to put it on the runway, and eventually, it gets in the hands of us everyday consumers.
Why your wardrobe needs a trench coat
A trench coat is a great way to elevate a casual look, dress down an outfit for formal events, and even just channel the class of women like Audrey Hepburn. Not many outerwear pieces give you as much versatility or as many different ways to style them as the trench coat does.
It can be worn in fall, winter (depending on your climate), and even in slightly warmer weather, like spring and summer. This piece is the best way to look pulled together and add French flair to your look!
How to style a trench coat
1. With an all-black outfit
trench coat | bag | pants | sweater | earrings
The color beige pops against an all-black outfit, making it a great pairing for an LBD or even basic black jeans. Try styling a tonal look to get the full effect with black jeans, a black sweater, and black loafers. This is a slimming outfit idea that will look elegant and sophisticated with the timeless trench coat on top.
Keep your accessories minimal with an Italian box-style crossbody bag, and a pair of gold stud earrings. The result is an easy, chic look that would work well for a number of occasions. Plus, there’s something about an all-black look that always screams “high-fashion look”!
2. With jeans and sneakers
trench coat | sneakers | bag | jeans | sweater | earrings
For an elevated look on your casual vibes, wear your trench coat with something like blue jeans and sneakers. A good trench coat will instantly make this look more sophisticated. Even if you’re just running errands on a Saturday morning, the trench coat ties everything together and makes your simplest looks appear more thought-out. Plus, it’s a practical layer for transitional weather. Even during the chilly, rainy months, a trench coat will keep you dry and warm, without adding too much heat or bulk.
Accessorize with a pair of gold hoop earrings and a black shoulder bag. If a baseball cap is part of your personal style uniform, you could add one to this look as well.
3. With a skirt and knee-high boots
trench coat | boots | bag | shirt | skirt | headband
If you want to look preppy, pair your coat with a skirt and knee-high boots. On top, try a striped button-down shirt and tuck it into your skirt – or leave it out if you prefer an oversized look. As for your shoes, try a pair of tall boots. They will help to make your lower half look more proportional and balance out the short length of the mini skirt.
When it comes to your handbag, go for a nostalgic and vintage-inspired top-handle bag. Finally, finish your look with another nod to the preppy aesthetic – a tortoiseshell headband.
4. With a white-button-down and slim pants
trench coat | button-down | flats | tote bag | belt | earrings | pants
For a tailored look, a trench coat pairs perfectly with a white button-down and skinny pants. This is a style that Audrey Hepburn would definitely approve of – she loved pairing a white button-down with slim cigarette pants and feminine shoes. If you love classic design and elegant street style, this is the perfect outfit idea for you.
Add interest to your look with a statement piece – leopard print Mary Jane flats are perfect. Then, add a pair of pearl stud earrings, a black belt, and a leather tote bag. This is a look that is also perfect for the office. It will stand the test of time and outlast any trend!
5. With a little black dress
trench coat | flats | dress | tights | bag | earrings
From cocktail hour to the office to lunch with friends – you can’t go wrong with a little black dress and a classic beige trench coat! This combination is ideal for so many different occasions, and you can dress it up or down depending on what accessories you choose.
If you want a more casual look for sightseeing or exploring in style, try a classic pair of white sneakers with this look. If you’d like to dress it up for date night or workwear, try a pair of slingback flats or heels. And when it comes to grabbing a quick lunch with friends, try a classic and feminine pair of ballet flats.
6. With leggings and a striped tee
trench coat | striped tee | bag | flats | sweater | claw clip
If you love a good casual outfit, a trench coat is the perfect layering piece to elevate your laid-back looks. Even leggings look great when incorporated into trench coat outfit ideas! If you’re looking for fresh ways to spice up your go-to leggings outfits, try adding a trench coat on top for a touch of sophistication.
For the rest of your look, try a striped tee with a red cardigan. You can either wear the cardigan as usual or tie it over the shoulders of your trench for a fun pop of bright color. On rainy days when you just want to be comfortable (while still looking put together), this is the perfect outfit idea.
7. With a denim shirt and white jeans
trench coat | jeans | shirt | clogs | boat tote | earrings
Neutral-colored trench coats can complement nearly any aesthetic – and this applies to the coastal style too! If you love East Coast fashion, try adding a trench coat to your favorite denim button-down, white jeans, and clogs. Don’t forget a pair of pearl stud earrings and a classic boat tote, and you’re ready for a spring walk on the boardwalk.
8. With tailored shorts and a sweater
trench coat | sweater | loafers | socks | bag | earrings | shorts
If you like to think outside the box when it comes to your weekend style, try this next look. First, start with a pair of tailored trouser shorts. On top, try a cozy gray knit. Then, add a pair of knee-high socks and lug sole loafers. This is a great Parisian style look to try in transitional weather!
Of course, you can’t forget your trench coat on top. If you want to try a more modern take on the timeless staple, try an oversized trench coat.
9. With a midi shirtdress
trench coat | shirtdress | loafers | tote | earrings
If you’re dressing for spring or summer, a midi shirtdress is a great choice for modest dressing. The short sleeves and loose silhouette will keep you cool, but still make you look sophisticated enough for the office. Then, complement the minimalist look with a sleek pair of loafers, and a pair of pearl stud earrings. It’s an understated look, but so classy!
10. With a white skirt
trench coat | boat shoes | skirt | mariner tee | bag | scarf
You’ll find that the traditional trench coat is one of the most versatile pieces hanging in your closet. It can complete so many types of outfits and fit right in on so many different occasions. If you want to lean into a feminine, French-inspired look for spring, try this next outfit.
First, start with your classic neutral trench – or swap it out for a navy trench if you want to mix things up. Next, add a long white skirt and a striped mariner tee. Then, accessorize with a few French girl favorites: boat shoes, a neck scarf, and a woven bag. Voilà ! You have the perfect Parisian girl look.
11. With a pleated skirt
trench coat | skirt | sweater tee | heels | bag | earrings
One of the best ways to elevate your skirt and sweater combo is by choosing a pleated skirt. It will add a tailored element to your outfit. Plus, the vertical pleats on this skirt are so flattering! They extend an unbroken vertical line on your body, which will make you appear slimmer and taller.
On top, create a monochromatic foundation with a coordinating sweater tee in navy. Then, accessorize with classic pieces like cap-toed heels, pearl earrings, and a top-handle bag.
What to look for in a trench coat
Every season, new iterations of the trench coat make their way into the fashion world, and though picking up an elevated version of this staple piece can be fun, the classic beige is the one worth investing in! Keep in mind that the coat color may matter for your skin tone, so it’s important to find one that complements it, whether that’s a warm beige or a cool beige.
If a beige or khaki color really doesn’t flatter you, then look into a different shade or another neutral color, such as off-white, navy blue, brown, black, olive green, and even grey. The key is to find a color that is neutral enough but still flattering for your skin tone!
When shopping, take your body type into consideration as well. A trench coat comes in varying lengths, and depending on your height, there may be a length that is more flattering for you than others. Also, a trench coat belt is a good thing to have for most body types, as it can highlight and accentuate your waist, keeping you from looking like you’re wearing a brown tent!
A lot of the trench coats today still have the same classic details that they started with, such as a storm flap. Its original purpose was to protect from rain and the kickback of a rifle. Now, it’s supposed to help with airflow and prevent any sweaty backs. You can choose how many classic details you may or may not want on your trench coat, but generally, the more classic, the better!
If your wardrobe already has the classic beige and you’re looking for an elevated basic, you could consider getting a leopard print one or a bold red number for a pop of style in your wardrobe.
The Trench Coat: The Must-Have Wardrobe Staple
There’s so much to love about the classic trench coat! It’s the perfect wardrobe staple for layering, and can add a Parisian touch to any look. Whether you wear your trench coat to top off your relaxed looks or to emulate that timeless and iconic style, it’s a wardrobe staple that you can never go wrong with.
Want to style your trench coat like a Parisian woman? Up Next: 13 Chic Ways to Wear a Trench Coat Like a French Girl
What CAN’T you wear with a trench coat!
Exactly!
Trench coat
Excellent!
Newport outfit for this time of the year, April