Natalie Hammond
As I write this, it'll most likely come as no surprise to hear that there is a flurry of rain outside my window. While British weather is unpredictable at the best of times, with autumn officially here, it's becoming even more so. With that in mind, there's one item your wardrobe desperately needs right now: a trench coat.
A staple of the super-stylish for decades, a transitional trench coat is the perfect investment piece for this season and beyond. First created for the military in World War One, as a lighter, waterproof alternative to heavy army coats, it has never strayed too far from its roots.
For that reason, it's the perfect cover-up for the current season where you’re never quite sure what you might be facing when you step out of the front door. You'll still find flap pockets, epaulettes, storm flaps and double-breasted details on most designs today, in a nod to heritage styles, while the lightweight gabardine fabric means you won't be left sweltering if the sun decides to make an appearance.
Yet, while its roots may be far-reaching, the cover-up still gets an update by designers every season. For AW25, we saw plenty of iterations on the catwalks.
Leather was trending, with Burberry (naturally, the OG purveyor of trenches), Vivienne Westwood and Balmain all showing styles in this durable fabric.
L-R; Burberry, Vivienne Westwood, Balmain
More traditional canvas versions were also seen at Balenciaga, Calvin Klein and Dior, proving that this is one item that never goes out of style even in its more classic form. (Calvin Klein also showed a trench coat on its most recent catwalk for SS26, a drop-waisted version without buttons that was elegance personified, which is no surprise when you consider how it's become the ultimate perennial.)
Of course, many of these trench coats have now started to trickle into stores and online (as well as some great options from the high street, too), and so, there's also plenty of inspiration on hand for how to style the silhouette.
A street-styler at Milan Fashion Week
At fashion month, the trench styling trick was to knot the belt either loosely or tightly around the waist so that whatever you're wearing underneath becomes inconsequential (great news if you're struggling to come up with an outfit one morning). Alexa Chung also wore hers to Burberry, again, styling it belted closed with sheer tights, checked heeled pumps and a top-handle bag for a ladylike ensemble that still had bite.
A street-styler at London Fashion Week
For daytime, the key is to lean into the trench coat's more classic side (even when it comes to leather and printed iterations), pairing it with contrasting blue denim, smart tailoring and simple wardrobe staples. Just take a look at Marilyn Nwawulor-Kazemaks, who teamed her check trench coat with a simple white T-shirt, capri pants and slingbacks for a chic everyday look.
I’ve scoured the shops to find the best versions available right now, from high street to designer. Trust me: your autumn wardrobe will thank you.
Shop the best trench coats
If you like a heavier-gauge trench coat, Me+Em's wool-blend style fits the bill. It will fall elegantly but, crucially, not crease as soon as soon as you slip it on.
Zara's trench coat is water-repellent as well as pleasingly elongated in cut.
The enlarged lapels, not to mention elegantly lower-calf hemline, makes this particular trench coat a winner for evening.
Mango's trench coat offers something a little bit different with the addition of contrast lapels in corduroy.
This classic style will work hard in your wardrobe for years.
The Frankie Shop's trench coat has a relaxed fit and detachable sleeves for added versatility.
For those who like a coat with a little added drama.
This rich chocolate brown cropped trench offers a playful twist on the classic coat.
Damson Madder's beige trench coat is so good it's been brought back for the new season.
Khaki makes a wearable alternative to light brown and beige tones.
The suede trend is still having a moment, so why not try a soft-touch trench coat to tap into it?
Practicality aside, this fresh white trench looks seriously chic.
This khaki-toned leather trench coat is an automatic add-to-basket.
Style this cropped trench coat with high-waisted jeans or trousers.
Ducie's suede trench coat has the kind of sweeping hemline that will look superb with flared or boot-cut jeans.
Puff sleeves elevate this sleek trench coat.
M&S's cropped trench is the perfect meeting point between a coat and a jacket, with a hip-length cut that will be flattering with any bottom half from jeans to miniskirts.
If a classic gabardine trench feels a little on the nose, Reformation's checked alternative could be the right coat for you this Autumn.
There's nothing run of the mill about this cropped, buckled and hooded trench coat from Ganni.
Toteme's cotton trench has been "garment-washed" to give it a lived-in feel and look, as well as the best oversized fit in the business.
Whistles's trench coat, available in regular and petite sizing, is a classic for a reason, with a fit and price that's pretty unparalleled on the high street.
