5 Trench Coats to Consider This Autumn

Words by Sophia Miller

Say what you want about the capsule wardrobe – there are some staples that we’re confident genuinely will never go out of style. And there’s no better example of that than the trench coat. Originally developed for British Army officers in the early 1800s, it’s a piece that has been reworked and restyled over time, earning its status as one of British fashion’s greatest-ever inventions.

The best trench coats today still make use of those distinctive practical features – think storm flaps, raglan sleeves and adjustable tie belts – while lending a sense of pulled-together prep to even the most casual of outfits. Such is the power of a good trench – it really can be worn with anything. Keep reading for our guide to the top trench coat styles to consider for AW26, and how to pick the right one for your transitional wardrobe.

Our Trench Coat Edit

The Burberry Trench

If there’s one name that comes to mind when you think of the classic trench coat, it’s Burberry. And for good reason – it was 21-year-old Thomas Burberry himself who first developed gabardine, the innovative water-repellent twill that made trench coats much more lightweight and comfortable than their rubberised predecessors. In 2026, the era of Daniel Lee and the 170th anniversary of the Burberry trench, it’s still the place to go for your investment piece – and you just can’t beat that flash of a checked lining. The brand offers six key styles, each named after a London neighbourhood and with a slightly different cut.

Shop Burberry Trench Coats

The Car Coat

Looking for something even simpler and cleaner-lined? Consider the car coat. Made from the same material as a trench coat, but doing away with its wider double-breasted lapels and waist belt, the car coat has a straight cut, a neat single collar and often a concealed button fastening. With its slightly more 1960s-inspired inclinations, it’ll appeal to you if you prefer a minimal look rather than anything too preppy – or if you want to wear it over a busier outfit that would be crowded by the buttons and belts of a classic trench.

The Leather Trench

Not traditional, but fast becoming a new icon of its own, the leather (or suede) trench coat takes the time-tested shape and gives it new energy. It’s a great option to see you through into the colder months, as leather offers a touch more insulation than gabardine and its bedfellows. As for how to wear it? Just think of it as a longer leather jacket – throw one over T-shirts and knitwear for a contrast in texture that feels effortlessly cool.

The Cropped Trench

Next, the AW26 hero of the list: the cropped trench coat. Featuring all the same details as its longer-length sibling, this style can be less daunting if you’re petite or not used to ankle-sweeping hemlines. Avid fans will appreciate having both in their collection, though – a short trench pairs well with wide-leg trousers for a smoother line, and works for better-weather days, while a longer style is a good option in autumnal drizzle or to add balance to short dresses and skirts.

The Statement Trench

Maybe you already own a classic trench, love the shape and want to add something bolder to your collection. Or maybe you’re just drawn to fashion with a point of difference. Either way, this season’s collections offer plenty of options beyond beige. The trench coat’s timeless associations mean that it lends itself well to pattern and texture without ever appearing ‘too much’ – just take Loewe’s canary-yellow lambskin number or Etro’s paisley cape as examples. Equally, navy, green pink or red trench coats are sharp options if all you want is a pop of colour. All the better to cheer up a dreary day.

Shop Trench Coats

Your Trench Coat Questions, Answered

A trench coat is one of the indisputable staples of any transitional wardrobe. The styling rules are easy: focus on light layers that you can mix and match depending on the temperature, and think of your trench as the finishing touch. T-shirts, jumpers and even denim jackets all layer easily under a trench coat. But the appeal of this piece is really its versatility – it works just as well over workwear as it does off-duty denim. Read our guide to autumn dressing for more layering outfit ideas.

The most classic style of trench coat reflects the kind first designed in the 1800s. The prototypical trench is double-breasted, knee-length or longer, and features military-inspired detailing such as epaulettes, storm flaps and a buckle waist belt. As for the colour? A neutral shade of beige.

It’s really up to you – the trench coat was originally designed to be worn buttoned and belted as efficient protection from damp weather, but today’s slouchier styles look equally good worn unbuttoned. In fact, a trench coat worn open is the most common way to style one today, and is easy to throw on during busy mornings.

The trench coat is an incredibly versatile wardrobe staple, and works with almost all the shoes and accessories you likely already have in your wardrobe. Lean into the heritage vibe by opting for leather loafers, brogues or Chelsea boots, or embrace autumnal styling with a pair of chunkier knee-high boots. Equally, a more laid-back Parisian vibe suits trench coats well too – try ballet flats or even low-profile trainers for a casual weekend look. The main thing to consider is that trenches are typically a daytime option, so evening bags and glitzy stilettos will look out of place.

Beige is a neutral that pairs easily with plenty of other colours. Black, white, brown and navy are all natural siblings to wear with a trench coat for a muted palette – but if you’re looking to take things one step bolder, try the primary colours. Red, yellow and cobalt blue all work surprisingly well with a classic beige trench without being too in-your-face.

Think of a car coat as the trench coat’s understated younger sister. Instead of the typical double-breasted buttons and wide lapels, it has a collar and a single-breasted fastening, often hidden with a placket for a clean-lined look. It’s also unbelted, meaning it falls to a straight, A-line shape.

How to Layer for Autumn: 8 Outfit Ideas

Looking for a little refresher when it comes to transitional dressing? These are the capsule wardrobe staples to rely on during the in-between season.

Read & Shop