The best trench coats for spring include Claudia Winkleman's M&S favourite
Like white T-shirts and midi dresses, the trench coat is a transitional staple – and given how unpredictable the British weather can be, you really need some form of outerwear on hand all year.
The trusty trench has been around for over 100 years – and it hasn't changed much since. First created for the military by Thomas Burberry in 1912, classic styles will still have the storm flaps, epaulettes and buckled hardware, but the trench has now transformed from a purely practical piece of clothing to the height of timeless chic.
Don't get us wrong, this coat can be very functional, but its true usefulness lies in its versatility. We like to wear our trench coats layered up with knitwear when it's still chilly outside, with tees and shirting come spring, and slung over a dress on a rainy summer's day. It can also be thrown over loungewear and jeans to give your casual look instant polish.
Ah, but which trench coat to choose? Lightweight duster styles work best in summer, while heavyweight lined alternatives will see you through the colder months. Of course, a Burberry trench is a smart investment that'll never date, but if you need a more affordable alternative, we recommend looking at H&M or Mango.
The best trench coats to buy now
Pure Cotton Belted Trench Coat
As seen on Claudia Winkleman (always a good thing), this chic, caramel-cream trench from Marks & Spencer's elevated Jaeger line will look chic over a cream cashmere roll-neck. It has a water-repellent finish for extra practicality points, too.
Layered Double-Breasted Trench Coat
You can always trust COS when it comes to classic styles with an edge – and this trench coat is no exception. Perfect for transitional season when it's still quite chilly out there, this double-breasted, belted design comes complete with a detachable khaki inner lapel for a pop of green.
Trench Alma Beige et Léopard Café
This cool trench coat is on Red editor Sarah Tomczak's shopping list this month. 'How gorgeous is this trench? I just love the collar which makes it feel really special,' she says.
Windsor Heritage Mac Hazelnut Brown
Trust Boden to put a playful twist on the traditional trench, while, of course, still keeping things timeless. We love the colourful checked lining that peeks out at the collar and cuffs when the sleeves are rolled up.
Cotton Rich Belted Longline Trench Coat
Just landed at M&S is this hero trench coat that feels like a steal for under £80. Fully lined for warmth, it features all the classic detailing you'd expect from a staple trench, and also comes in black for a twist.
Suede Leather Trench Coat
Suede coats are set to be big for this coming season. If you’re looking to invest, this design from Massimo Dutti is made from 100% goat skin leather and looks super sophisticated in grey – a chic alternative to classic beige.
Barnaby Reversible Trench Coat
Two coats in one? Yes please! This versatile design from Aligne is reversible with an elegant stone colour on one side and classic navy on the other. Plus, it's full of lovely details like its oversize patch pockets and contrast stitching. The brand's designs tend to sell out fast, so we'd advise you to act quickly.
Detachable-Hood Short Trench Coat
We couldn’t resist adding another option from COS to our trench coat round up – the Scandi brand is king of outerwear at this time of year, after all. For a modern take on the classic trench jacket, look to this new-in cropped style featuring a scarf-inspired hood that can be knotted at the front.
Short Trench Coat Jacket
If you find trench coats tend to swamp a more petite frame, you're in luck; we've found a shorter, boxy version from & Other Stories.
2-in-1 Trench Coat
We love the oversized design of this Arket trench, which immediately gives it a cool edge. It comes with insulating liners that can be worn either individually or fastened into each other, meaning it's a trench you'll be able to wear on all-weather days.
Clyde Trench Coat
Sezane's trench coat combines two of our favourite things – a sophisticated chocolate brown colour and a playful touch of leopard print.
The Modern Trench Coat
Available in four colours, this longline trench will quickly become a staple piece in your wardrobe. The structured fit makes it smart enough to wear to the office, but it’ll also work unbuttoned thrown over activewear and denim.
Twill Trench Coat
H&M has just proved that a good trench coat doesn’t have to cost hundreds of pounds. We love the detachable belt detail on this style.
Flap-Pocket Trench Coat
The oversized patch pockets on this & Other Stories trench gives it a real utility feel. The oversized, ‘borrowed-from-the-boys’ fit and buckle belt get big ticks from us, too.
Panelled Trench Coat
A reimagining of the brand's bestselling Nelson trench coat, Jigsaw's jacket features contrasting sleeves for a deconstructed look. This style is also fully lined and water-resistant, so it will see you through the showery autumn months.
Kensington Organic Cotton-Gabardine Trench Coat
A Burberry trench coat is a once-in-a-lifetime purchase that'll stand the test of time – hence the price tag. If you are going to splurge, then we recommend opting for a timeless design like the Kensington – the structured fit makes it perfect for layering over workwear.
£1890.00 at net-a-porter.com.uk
Cropped Hybrid Trench Coat
We've recently waxed lyrical about cropped trench coats – they are the perfect way to bring a fashion twist to basic outfits. Tap into the trend with COS' lightweight cotton iteration and wear it over everything from white shirts to slip dresses.
Belted Trench Coat
With its double-breasted silhouette, epaulettes and belted cuffs, Albaray's belted trench coat is about as classic as it gets – and, at £165, it's a very reasonable option too.
Cotton Rich Short Trench Coat
This stylish (and affordable!) cropped M&S style is perfect for the warmer seasons. Crafted from water-repellent fabric, it's just what you need thrown over your white tee or shirt on a rainy summer's day.
Belted Leather Coat
Bored of beige? Arket's leather trench feels super sleek – and will translate come evening, too.
Scott Trench Coat
Sézane's trench takes its inspiration from the OG '80s Burberry styles with that sludgy, khaki neutral and oversized fit.
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