Capsule classics: 15 trench coats we wish we could wear right now

Versatile, practical and lightweight to layer, the best trench coats are more than transitional heroes: they’ll see you through almost every situation, in any season.

Audrey Hepburn in Breakfast at Tiffany’s, Meryl Streep in Kramer Vs Kramer or Kate Moss in countless Burberry campaigns – the trench coat has been in en vogue for over a century. And, despite being created for military purposes back in 1912, its appeal has lasted through decades of different dress codes. Because, thrown over everything from jeans and a Breton top to slinky evening dresses, its functionality immediately translates to effortlessness (a look more coveted than any It bag).

The wardrobe staple hasn’t changed much in that time. So you can still find heavy cotton-gabardine numbers with the trademark storms flaps, buckles and and belting everywhere from Off-White to Arket. However, with so many re-interpretations debuting on the catwalk every season, it’s hard not to be tempted by fresh styles. At the autumn/winter 2021 shows, trenches were tailored to ladylike perfection at Erdem, panelled with quilted satin at Chloé, and re-worked in glossy vinyl and gold metallics by Isabel Marant and Chanel.

Still, when you’re spending money on a capsule classic, you need to think smart: invest in something with longevity, but don’t be afraid of subtle twists or playful details. From glossy leather and vinyl to organza designs, we’ve rounded up 15 of the best trench coats that are both timeless and on-trend at the same time.

SHOP NOW

We had to kick things off with the OG trench: the military coat first dreamed up by Thomas Burberry in 1916. It's shape shifted a little since then – the Chelsea design has a ladylike A-line fit and a nipped-in waist – but all the signatures we know and love remain. Made from waterproof cotton-gabardine, each one is detailed with epaulettes, storm flaps, buckled collars and cuffs, then lined with that iconic check.

The Chelsea Long cotton-gabardine trench coat, £1,450, luisaviaroma.com

SHOP NOW

The leather trend is still going strong from 2021, so if you've already got the skirt and trousers hanging in your wardrobe, it's time to graduate to outerwear. Remain's matte trench has a decidedly Seventies feel with its tan hue and boxy cut, but the fuss-free snap fastenings keep things feeling modern.

Leather Trench Coat, £490, Net-a-porter.com

SHOP NOW

Searching for the perfect oversized trench coat on vintage sites to no avail? Arket just dropped this boxy design with all the bells and whistles – storm flaps, a buckled belt, epaulettes and cuffs – that looks even better than the original Eighties styles. It's mostly cotton, but is also woven with recycled synthetic fibres (derived from plastic waste) to lower its carbon footprint.

Oversized trench coat, £175, arket.com

SHOP NOW

The traditional trench is only showerproof, so if you need something more reliable for wet weather vinyl is the way to go. The Frankie Shop's over-sized number also has a hood, so it's got you covered when it comes to the UK's temperamental spring weather. Don't be put off by the cream colour: this glossy coat is also wipe-clean, which means it's anything but high-maintenance.

Patent trench coat, £395, mytheresa.com

SHOP NOW

Break away from beige with Max&Co's dark-blue denim trench. The generous fit, balloon sleeves and sweeping notched lapels on this coat feel so Seventies, but the snap-fastening pockets and bungee toggles give it a 2021 update.

Denim Trench Coat, £305, harrods.com

SHOP NOW

Richard Quinn has been lorded for his hand-painted prints since his days at Central Saint Martins. Now, Moncler Genius has teamed up with the designer to create a range of intricately patterned pieces with a Sixties edge. Take this laminated coat, for instance, with its retro florals, fit-and-flare shape, neat collar and diamanté buckles.

Floral-print woven coat, £1, 865, net-a-porter.com

SHOP NOW

Rejina Pyo's trench is defined by its dramatic wide sleeves that maintain their structure thanks to the stiff cotton-twill fabric; combined with the minimalist single-breasted shape and sash belt, they nod to Japanese kimonos. If you're bored of the basic trench, switch things up with this modern incarnation.

Hadley Cotton Trench Coat, £695, brownsfashion.com

SHOP NOW

Perfect for evenings out or big events (once restrictions are lifted, that is), Sandro's trench is a little work of art. The crepe upper is cut to perfection and punctuated with all the trench signatures, while the plissé satin skirt creates beautiful movement below – cinch it with the embroidered belt to enhance the A-line shape.

Vino belted satin-crepe coat, £559, selfridges.com

SHOP NOW

If you can't quite stretch to Rejina Pyo levels right now, we've found a similar trench at & Other Stories. This coat has the same simple construction, forgoing storm flaps, buckles and epaulettes for lapels and a self-tying belt, and ultra wide sleeves to create a dramatic silhouette.

Relaxed Belted Cotton Trench Coat, £120, stories.com

SHOP NOW

If you're looking for a cover-up for weddings or summer parties (yes, we're already planning), a lightweight trench is ideal. Traditional gabardine styles are too weighty, whereas organza's gossamer finish is light as a feather – and sheer, so you can still show off the outfit beneath.

Checked organza trench coat, £100, yoox.com

SHOP NOW

One of Rosie HW's go-to brand, Low Classic knows beige better than most. This oatmeal trench is cut from breezy linen, making it ideal for warm spring days or layering over ocassionwear.

Linen trench coat, £530, mytheresa.com

SHOP NOW

H&M's take on the trench feels so fresh. Made from a super lightweight sage-green weave, it fastens asymmetrically with buttons through the front and cinches with drawstring waist ties. This one also comes in beige if you like to keep things classic.

Trench coat, £49.99, hm.com

SHOP NOW

Claudie Pierlot's trench is defined by its contrast checked storm flaps. The knee-length hemline and structured A-line shape means it will work with retro and punky looks alike (think combat boots).

Gardien double-breasted trench coat, £450, selfridges.com

SHOP NOW

Virgil Abloh has taken the oversized trend to new heights with this trench: the waist belt and shoulders are dropped, and the sleeves trail dramatically over the hands. The industrial yellow lining and graphic embellished patches let you know instantly that is this is an Off-White design.

Patch-embellished oversized trench coat, £1,480, farfetch.com

SHOP NOW

If you prefer modern khaki tones (what we now call olive green, rather than the Eighties' sludgy shade of beige), this Whistles trench is perfect. The small tort buttons and circle buckle belt are an elegant touch.

Izzey trench coat, £199, whistles.com