8 Chic Trench Coat Outfits to Copy This Season
4 min readPersonally, I like to have a little fun with my capsule wardrobe. Sure, foundational touchstones like a white tee and a great pair of barrel jeans have a place in every season. But as someone who can’t resist a dose of maximalism, I need to sprinkle in bolder colors and patterns so I don’t eventually get bored with my rotation. (This summer, those additions have included a blue-and-brown striped button-down and a vibrant floral midi skirt, which I’ve paired with nearly every white top in my collection.) My approach will be much the same this autumn, especially when styling a forever fall staple: the trench coat.
While wearing a classic khaki or neutral-toned trench, I won’t stop at basic straight-leg jeans and loafers. Instead, I’m giving mine a slightly irreverent edge with in-the-know accessories and unexpected layers. Some of the most stylish stars align with this train of thought: Rihanna, Hailey Bieber, Jennifer Lawrence, and Kendall Jenner are each prime examples of how to nail the cool-girl trench coat outfit by adding a tailored midi skirt and headscarf, flirty kick flares, or a pair of floor-skimming trousers.
Looking to switch things up even further? Take a cue from recent runways, Fashion Week attendees, and stars like Sarah Pidgeon and reach for a more dramatic trench silhouette—perhaps in a bright color, patent finish, or maxi length—and pair it with equally striking (yet surprisingly versatile) pieces.
To give you fresh inspiration for your trench coats, see eight chic outfit ideas incorporating the transition-weather staple that will make autumn and winter dressing all the more exciting.
Downtown Darling
A lightweight trench, baseball cap, and denim trio is one of those easy, casual-chic fall outfits that never goes out of style. Rihanna perfected the formula with a crisp white button-down, baggy bootcut jeans, and slim chestnut-brown sneakers, finishing the look with a color-blocked cap and chunky chain necklace for a touch of bling.
Elevated Kitsch
You don’t have to stick to the classic trench palette of cream, beige, and black. Even the quintessentially khaki brand Burberry made the case for bright, printed trenches on its spring/summer 2027 runway, so we have a feeling this trend is just getting started. Consider centering your outfit around a punchy red trench and, instead of pairing the silhouette with basics, lean into its playful spirit with eye-catching accents like a vintage-inspired graphic tee, a tiger-print belt, and PVC-embellished mules.
Modern Minimalism
For anyone looking to take a minimalist approach, I suggest emulating street-style savant Jennifer Lawrence, the master of interesting, immaculately undone looks. Here, she wears a sweeping dark gray trench, relaxed satin trousers, a fitted white tee, and a chunky navy sweater casually draped over her shoulders. A sharp square- or snip-toe ballet flat adds a little sculptural intrigue as well.
Patent Persuasion
When light showers are in the forecast—or you’re simply in the mood for a more daring trench ensemble—look to Sarah Pidgeon’s super sleek, rain-ready getup. Earlier this year, the Love Story star stepped out in an oversized navy patent leather trench, glossy knee-high boots from Le Monde Béryl, and shield sunglasses by Jimmy Fairly. For a similar look, I found a glossy black silhouette from Frame worth snagging.
French Girl Sophistication
Like a good pair of trousers or sweatpant jeans, ponte kick-flares are the kind of pants you reach for when comfort and polish are equally important—and when you want a feminine flair. Hailey Bieber’s ultimate French-girl formula, featuring a relaxed-fit kick-out style, a classic striped top, a khaki trench, and black pointed-toe flats, is one I’ll happily repeat—and remix with other pieces in my wardrobe—all season long.
Groutfit 2.0
Tailored, monochromatic gray looks will continue to trend from last fall, as seen on runways like Calvin Klein and on celebrities such as Zoë Kravitz and Kendall Jenner. Jenner’s take puts a sleek gray wool trench front and center, complemented by a matching midi pencil skirt, no-frills black loafers, and a dark brown wool headscarf from Almina Concept, delicately knotted beneath the chin.
Opposites Attract
Think balloon pants only belong in summer? Think again. A sheer style, like The Frankie Shop’s crepe pair, creates a cool contrast in tone and texture against a Matrix-esque black leather trench. Plus, it offers a nice balance of fabric weights while temperatures are still more moderate. Remove the coat, and you’ve got a breezy transitional-weather outfit, complete with a coordinating fitted long-sleeve top. Geometric heels tie the whole look together.
Funnel-Neck Phase
Funnel-neck trenches are once again dominating brands’ coat racks this season, and it’s not hard to see why. The impossibly sleek style looks just as alluring with jeans and booties as it does with a maxi skirt and statement heels. And the popular chunky aviator sunglasses-and-trench pairing is certainly one of my favorites.
Pro tip: If you want an exaggerated look, go for options with deliberately oversized collars. Otherwise, trench coat lapels can be buttoned up to create a similar effect.
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