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The trench coat is a wardrobe staple that no closet is complete without. It has an inherently classic silhouette and a built-in practicality. But, with its long lines and complex aesthetic—not to mention all the buttons and vents—a trench coat can visually take over a look. This makes it difficult for some to fully realize its outfit-staple status, and figure out what to wear with it. However, there are endless trench coat outfit ideas, meaning it can easily work with a variety of personal styles.
The trench coat first popped up in the early 1820s as a waterproof outerwear option worn by top-ranking officers in the military. Over time, the original rubberized coat shed its heavy fabrication, transforming into a more breathable, water-repellent style that became a fixture in '40s Hollywood movies—and cemented it as a permanent fashion icon.
The trench coats of today are way more versatile than they might appear, and will go well in plenty of everyday situations, from ultra-casual to formal. Here are some ways to style a trench coat, complementing whatever direction the rest of the outfit goes in.
Trench coats are perfect for not only complementing, but anchoring, your smart-casual looks (especially when seasons are switching). Pair a trench with a cashmere sweater and beloved denim, and add a suede loafer or a pair of designer sneakers, for the perfect laid-back-yet-luxe look. Or use a trench coat to top off a button-down, chinos, and a pair of derbies or Chelsea boots. When it truly starts to warm up, a midi skirt and strappy sandals will nod to springtime.
For a dressier evening out, the trench coat rules are actually much the same as for work. Whether over a blazer with relaxed pants or jeans, or a dress, keep the trench coat medium length, fitted but not too fitted, and in a neutral color that’s either contrasting or exactly matching the color of what’s underneath. Bonus points if they are all in the same color family. One of the easiest rules for looking immediately polished is, after all, following a monochromatic palette. As always, a pair of heels helps transition the look into nighttime territory.
Here’s one caveat, though: For ultra-formal events (black tie or white tie), a trench coat is generally not recommended. While trench coats work well with many formal suiting looks, they are not quite formal enough for your most glam moments. For those, choose a dark-colored wool or cashmere overcoat with clean lines, or for women, more formal evening or cropped jackets (depending on season or weather) meant to be worn over an evening gown.
A trench coat can be worn to work, whether your office has a more formal dress code or a casual one. Basically, you can just substitute it for any other overcoat you would wear. But here are a few pointers for getting the look right.
Let’s start with color. If you are wearing a full suit or a blazer to work, you have two ways to go here. Either match the trench coat color to your suit’s color for an effortlessly stylish monochromatic look, or sharply contrast the colors to create visual interest and keep things interesting. (Some ideas on that latter front: You can do a navy trench coat over light blue and/or gray, a camel trench over navy, or a khaki trench coat over black and white.)
Again, color-matching or sharp contrast—one or the other—is key. What you don’t want to do is pick a trench coat color that’s just a shade or two different from your work outfit. It’ll look like you tried to match but got dressed in the dark (or left one in the wash a little too long).
Lastly, stick to classic trench colors for work: like khaki, camel, navy, and gray. If you keep things neutral, a trench coat will always work seamlessly with your work looks. This probably isn’t the time to try out that very particular shade of lime green.
For work, you’ll want to go with a classic fit that’s slightly roomy. Choose clean, classic lines that fit close to the body, but also have enough room so that your work outfit doesn’t feel crunched underneath.
As far as length options, the variety is just as wide: from waist-length all the way down to below the ankle. Again, for work, a happy medium is the best option here. Choose a longer length that goes just below the knee and you basically can never go wrong. Wearing a trench coat that’s too short will be too casual and look incomplete over a layered work look. And a coat that’s too long (especially if it’s both long and oversize) will come off sloppy. Stick on the longer side of mid-length and you’ll be in a good place.
Not only are trench coats perfect to wear with smart-casual looks—they’re also great for elevating outfits that are fully in the casual zone. Yes, you can wear your trench coat with a T-shirt and polo shirt or black jeans, with loafers or sneakers. The trench coat doesn’t simply work with casual looks; it can actually define a casual look, adding structure and visual interest. You just want to avoid wearing a trench coat with shorts… Otherwise it’ll look like you’re, well, wearing only a trench coat. Best to save that for Valentine’s Day.
When it comes to fit, you can go oversize when pairing a trench coat with casual looks — whereas that might look sloppy with work looks, a slouchy aesthetic can be a good style match for casual outfits. Going too oversize can cross the line into disheveled territory, though, so keep it at least somewhat tailored.
Length is a similar story: there are options. You can opt for a long trench coat or short trench coat depending on your outfit or style, but shorter generally works better with casual looks, which tend to be less long-lined than work and suiting looks. To add a casual edge, roll up the sleeves, tie the belt loosely, pop the collar up and go about your day in an effortlessly chic fashion.
When it comes to choosing a color, match the trench to a key item in your outfit, or go with a contrasting color to make a statement. And, unlike with work outfits or formal looks, this is a great way to experiment with a little more color. For those who lean towards a more maximalist style aesthetic, the options are endless: Designers are embracing the rainbow with coats in colors like bubblegum pink, icy pale blue and even exuberant, head-to-toe prints.
For those who love contrast, this is your section. Pair a classic honey, khaki or beige trench coat over a bright bold sweater or leather pants. Think an emerald-green cashmere sweater, a cobalt blue sheath dress… The options are endless. Or, contrast the trench with a brightly colored hat or fluorescent designer sneakers. The trench’s neutral hue will make the bold color look even more vibrant—adding up to a sophisticated, standout look. For another approach, there’s always the colorblock coat, such as one which splices up a crisp beige with patches in another, bolder hue.
As is likely clear now, the trench coat has cemented itself as an outerwear icon over the years for a reason. Thanks to its versatility, the trench coat suits every palate, ranging from the traditionalist who loves a crisp and classic beige trench to the maximalist with a penchant for color, prints and oversized fits. Needless to say, the classic trench coat is one of many fashion trends that’s here to stay.