I love hard-working fashion pieces that you can easily incorporate into your existing wardrobe. For me, one of those items is the classic trench coat and in this post I’m sharing a bunch of trench coat outfit ideas.
A trench coat is a classic silhouette that has been around for generations, and it’s easy to see why. It’s a versatile piece that allows you to layer it with most items you own, and you can wear one across multiple seasons for years to come.
Trench coats are the perfect layering piece to add to your outfits during those transitional times of the year. You can wear a trench coat during fall and into winter, or as it starts to warm up into spring. It’s the perfect outwear choice for cooler mornings and those fall days with warmer weather. A trench coat is a truly effortless closet staple that works with everyday wear, and it’s worth the investment for your wardrobe.
Whether you need advice on how to wear a new trench coat or just want some different ways to style one you already own, these trench coat outfit ideas are here to inspire you! Find and shop my favorite trench coats in this post.
Trench Coat Outfit Ideas
How to Style a Trench Coat
Start with the Classic Trench
If you’re new to the trench coat game, I recommend first investing in the iconic long beige trench coat. The traditional trench in a neutral color and longer length is universally flattering on all heights and body shapes. It’s the most classic look of trench coats, and is basically the little black dress of them.
When searching for an optimal long trench coat, try to find one that hits below your right around your calves. This length is the most versatile in terms of proportions (more on this below). There are a lot of lengths of trench coats; but the best way is to try several to fit your personal height. Of course a Burberry trench coat is the most iconic, but in today’s fashion world, you can find lots of other great options.
Dress it Up or Down
One of my favorite things about a trench coat is its versatility. You can wear a this classic design with casual looks like a sweatshirt and leggings just as easily as you can over a dress or skirt.
Don’t be afraid to throw on your trench coat with just about everything you own. Experiment with creative ways to wear it and find what you like! Some of my favorite trench coat outfits were originally unexpected combinations for me!
Try a Black Trench Coat
While most trench coats are available in tan or khaki, don’t be afraid to go with another classic color: black. A black trench coat is a great, dressy option if you’re looking for a nighttime trench coat for dinner, the theater, or the ballet.
How to Belt a Trench Coat
If your trench coat has a belt, style it effectively. On cooler days, you’ll likely wear your trench buttoned up and belted. You can tie a simple knot or if you want to dress it up, try a bow. However, on warmer days when you leave the trench coat open open, tie the belt in a knot or bow in the back. This prevents the belt from sliding out on either side, and the belt from looking messy.
Keep it Simple
A trench coat is iconic, effortless, and easy. Don’t overthink your clothing or accessories; keep them simple, too.
Mind Proportions with Skirts and Dresses
When wearing a long trench coat with a skirt or dress, mastering the proportions between the two is what can take your outfit from just okay to great.
Without making things too complicated just remember that the hem of your trench coat should fall below or above the hem of your skirt/dress. Avoid having both pieces fall at the same length. Try to have several inches difference between the two for a deliberate effect.
Trench Coat Outfits
SHOP THe Look: Striped Sweater | Tan Trench Coat (similar here and here) | Jeans | high top converse sneakers | White t-shirt
Layers With a Tee and Sneakers
One of the easiest ways to wear a trench coat is simply with a t-shirt and sneakers. I always love high-top Converse with straight-leg jeans for a casual, effortless feel.
To make this trench coat outfit feel more complete, add layers with accessories via a striped sweater over your shoulders and a baseball cap.
This is a perfect transitional look for both spring and fall.
SHOP THe Look: Wide Leg Jeans | Tan Trench Coat (similar here and here) | White t-shirt | studded bag | white sneakers
white with tan trench coaT
Tonal outfits are always super chic; for spring or even summer, try pairing a tan trench coat with all white or ecru for a monochromatic look.
Shop The Look: Cropped Collared Shirt (Similar) | Tan Trousers | Trench Coat | Adidas Samba Sneakers | sunglasses
Collared Shirt and Trousers
This is the ultimate smart casual outfit and is an ode to the French aesthetic. To get that effortlessly cool look, leave your button down unbuttoned or opt for a cropped version to create interest.
SHOP THe Look: Striped Sweater | Tan Trench Coat (similar here and here) | Jeans | Brown Loafers | Pink Bag
With a Striped Sweater
Although the trench coat originated in the UK, it has become a popular outerwear staple throughout many countries, including France. To give your trench coat a French-inspired twist, pair it with a another French favorite: stripes.
This striped sweater from French fashion brand Sezane is a classic that they sell year-round.
SHOP the look: Black Turtleneck | Tan Trench Coat (similar here and here) | Jeans | Black Kitten Heels
Trench Coat and Heels
This understated, casual yet elevated outfit features a classic color palette of tan, black, and denim. I opted for cropped, wide leg denim to show off my black kitten heels, then added a belt to this black turtleneck outfit for extra polish.
SHOP THe look: Tan Trench Coat (similar here and here) | Dark Denim Wide Leg Jeans (SIMILAR) | NEUTRAL Sweater | Adidas Samba Sneakers | Pink Bag
With Dark Wash Wide Leg Jeans and Sneakers
This trench coat outfit with wide leg jeans, a sweater, and sneakers is my ideal casual fall outfit. I love dark denim in the fall; it makes even the most casual outfit look just a tad fancier than a lighter wash.
Shop The Look: white cotton tee | Black Trousers | Adidas samba sneakers | trench coat
With a Cotton Tee and Black Trousers
Black trousers are a wardrobe staple and I love the contrast of them against a white tee and tan trench coat. It’s easy and chic! If you don’t own black trousers, wide leg black jeans can also create this look.
SHOP THe look: Black Trench Coat | Black Booties (similar here)
Black Trench Coat Over a Dress
If a tan trench coat feels too casual for your outfit or wherever you’re going, try a black trench coat. I’m. a big fan of a trench coat over a dress, and a black trench coat is a perfect, dressed up outerwear option.
SHOP The look: Tan Trench Coat (similar here and here) | Faux Leather Pants (similar here) | Strappy Sandals (similar here)
With Leather Pants
If you’re looking for a date night twist with a trench coat, try an all-black ensemble with faux leather pants and strappy heel sandals.
SHOP The look: Tan Trench Coat (similar here and here) | TAN WIDE LEG TROUSERS | WHITE OVERSIZED BUTTON DOWN SHIRT | SUNGLASSES | WHITE SNEAKERS
Neutral Wide Leg Pants Outfit
Another wide leg pants outfit, but this time with neutrals and a crisp white button-down shirt. These wide leg pants from Sezane are my favorite pants from the brand. I also own them in a few colors.
SHOP THe look: Tan Trench Coat (similar here and here) | Plaid pants (similar here) | Black Chunky Loafers
With Plaid Pants
To inject a bit of pattern into your trench coat outfit, also try some plaid pants. This is a great business casual option when paired with black loafers or black ballet flats.
Over a Floral Dress
Any time spring is on the horizon, I break out the floral dresses. Pairing a trench coat with a floral dress is one of my favorite ways to style a trench coat for spring. (Note the proportions here: my dress is a few inches longer than the hem of the coat.)
SHOP the look: Tan Trench Coat (similar here and here) | Wide Leg Jeans (similar) | Denim Shirt | Tan Boots (similar here)
Denim on Denim
I will always say yes to a denim shirt. Denim on denim is a tried-and-true classic pairing. So why not add another timeless piece into the mix by throwing a tan trench coat over it? Also, try a fun pop of color with your handbag for spring.
SHOP the look: Tan Trench Coat (similar here and here) | Denim Shirt | Straight Leg Jeans | Black Belt | Black Ballet flats
With Straight Leg Jeans and Ballet Flats
Here’s another trench coat outfit with denim on denim. But this time, I added black accents with a black belt, black ballet flats, and bag.
SHOP THe look: Tan Trench Coat (similar here and here) | BLACK LEGGINGS | BLACK GRAPHIC TEE (similar HERE) | SUNGLASSES (SIMILAR HERE) | WHITE BASEBALL CAP | WHITE SNEAKERS (SIMILAR HERE)
Casual Trench Coat Outfit with Leggings
If you’re looking for a casual trench coat outfit for the weekend or for running errands, try black leggings, a graphic t-shirt, and sneakers. This is one of my favorite trench coat outfit ideas. The combo is very model effortless and the trench coat elevates the active wear. Anine Bing is a personal favorite for modern, cool-girl graphic tees.
