TRENCH coats are one of our all-time cult wardrobe classics when it comes to outerwear.
Made popular by Burberry, the transitional trend has been replicated by retailers from John Lewis to Mango, and whether you are investing in high-end or high street a trench coat is a timeless staple to style with any look year after year.
The classic trench is a double-breasted coat in beige or camel, but there are many modern takes on the design, with many coming in a variety of shades and cuts, as well as single-breasted, or duster designs, which are buttonless, plus cropped creations too -
One thing's for certain: a trench coat is as classy now as it was when Audrey Hepburn wore one in Breakfast at Tiffany's.
So if you haven't already, make sure you add one to your wardrobe - a trench is a classic that will never date.
The ultimate transitional item, a trench is the ultimate piece to wear through transitional seasons from spring into summer and summer into autumn.
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Its lightweight design makes it super easy to layer underneath while remaining comfortable.
In the autumn you can layer over jumpers, and even over a PVC trench with the collar poking out, which we have seen many people do, for a double-layered look - and extra warmth.
In the spring you can wear it with jumpers, t-shirts, jeans, trainers, boots, or heels, and in the summer you may just want to loosely drape it over your shoulders for when the chill starts to set in the evening.
You can button up and belt up for a full fastened official look, keep it unbuttoned but loosely tied at the front, or leave it open with the belt fastened at the back, for an extra layer but still give your body a great shape.
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To help you find your perfect match, we've found the best trench coats that won't cost a fortune.
Best women's trench coats
1. M&S Cotton Rich Longline Trench Coat
When it comes to shopping trend pieces, outerwear, and garments we want to last a lifetime we head straight to M&S as it is a longstanding retailer we trust.
M&S has outdone itself with this stunning Longline Trench Coat, which features all of the classic detailing I expect from a trench coat.
If you are an eco-conscious shopper M&S uses responsibly sourced cotton, as part of M&S's Better Cotton Initiative, as well as elastane to provide comfort and stretch too.
M&S' Trench Coat is high on our radar because it boasts the regular fit we look for when shopping the trend.
As a tall girl, I am looking for a longline trench coat for fuller coverage, and to avoid that in-between length.
Not only does the longer length provide coverage, and look stylish, it provides more protection from the elements.
M&S has paid extra attention to detail with the buckle belt around the waist, which you can wear tied up at the front or loosely fastened at the back.
This trench also features a storm flap at the back, which is said to keep any rain away from your body, as well as buttoned epaulettes on the shoulder.
- Cotton Rich Longline Trench Coat, £79 from M&S - buy here
2. Uniqlo Trench Coat
Uniqlo has stolen our hearts, and finances, in recent months because of its impressive range of fashion staples and accessories - yes, we are guilty of buying the round-shoulder bag everyone has been wearing.
Uniqlo is our go-to, as the array of outerwear utilises genius technology to ensure the wearer is warm and dry.
So when we are looking for a stylish item, but also want it to be made from high-quality fabric that will keep us warm and dry, yet also come with a reasonable price tag, Uniqlo is where we head to.
Uliqlio's Trench Coat is super chic and perfect for anyone of any age, or style.
We love the relaxed fit of this design, and how wide the arms are as it makes layering underneath super easy.
It comes in three colours, including cream, black and olive green, and we want one in every colour we love it that much.
- Trench Coat, £99.90 from Uniqlo - buy here
3. Gilda Maxi Trench Coat
If, like us, you like to shop trends but want investment pieces then Aligne's Trench Coat may pique your interest as much as it did mine.
A unique take on the classic structured trench, we consider Aligne's design to be a worthy investment to shop to stand out in a crowd of trench coats.
When worn undone this trench coat resembles the classic trench styles; it features long lapels and a wide-spread collar, wide sleeves with an adjustable cuff, belt detail, and double-breasted front fastening and is long - so is great for longer lengths, or petite shoppers wanting an oversized design.
When you button up this coat it tightens the collar to fit more like a shirt, which we think is uber stylish, and it creates a more structured fit appearance that is different to other trench coats we have tried.
The jacket, when done up, also features a quaint chest pocket, and the double-breasted buttons are concealed so it looks super chic and luxe.
- Gilda Maxi Trench Coat, £189 from Aligne - buy here
4. Topshop reversible stripe and cotton trench
Topshop will always have a soft spot in my heart after spending years working in the store as a teenager.
Especially when I came to learn how long-lasting and durable the fabrics are while delivering on-trend pieces.
More and more fashionistas are turning to oversize trench coats instead of fitted, or straight, designs and this is a great option.
Whether you prefer a more relaxed fit or an oversized design, this cut is one we are bookmarking.
The best part is this design is reversible, so you can opt for the light grey colour all over, or wear it inside out with the pinstripe sleeves on display.
This reversible element to the trench intrigues us as it makes the coat more cost-effective, and more playful, perfect for those on a budget or who enjoy being creative with their looks.
- Topshop reversible stripe and cotton trench, £95 from ASOS - buy here
5. Leather-effect trench coat
Mango has an array of trench coats to shop from longline to cropped designs, classic versions and leather trench coats.
Speaking of, the Leather Effect Trench Coat from Mango is high on our wishlist as a failsafe design to shelter the wearer from the elements.
We have seen PVC and croc-effect faux leather trench coats over recent years, and it seems the trend is going nowhere - especially when the weather is more wet and wintery than a classic style may protect from.
Stylistically this design shares many similarities with classic trench coats, as it features a lapel collar, long sleeve, button front fastening and long length.
What makes this design different is the faux leather fabric, which elevates this look for day or nightwear.
- Leather-effect trench coat, £109.99 from Mango - buy here
6. Trench Coat
John Lewis has pulled out all the stops with their own Trench Coat, which we are adding to our basket straight away.
It may be a higher price point, but you can trust John Lewis' quality when we want a product to stand the test of time.
It ticks every box in our opinion, it is mid to long length perfect for all heights, has a double breast front fastening, as well as a belt, and long lapels, and comes in the classic stone and black colour.
What we love most is it has a more oversized look, which is perfect for every shopper to not only feel more comfortable, but to look formal and on-trend without crossing into looking sloppy as the cotton blend fabric makes it breathable and lightweight, but also moveable.
We would recommend shoppers size up if you want more of an oversized look, or to wear over more layers.
- Trench Coat, £125 from John Lewis - buy here
7. PLT Khaki premium woven hooded oversized trench coat
If Molly Mae's wearing it then you know that this trench is going to be the one to own, and recycle every autumn, spring and summer.
Coming in Khaki or Stone, it dresses up any outfit, whether that's full loungewear or a nice dress, making you feel like an influencer yourself, for just over £40. Result.
This design is super lightweight and is more of a relaxed fit, perfect to pair with a tracksuit set, loungewear, or more formal occasion.
If, like us, you are conscious of your spending this year, this PLT creation is the most cost-effective design we have found.
- PLT premium woven hooded oversized trench coat, £40.80 (Was £68) from Pretty Little Thing - buy here
8. Buckle-Belt Trench Coat
When shopping for more formalwear we head to & Other Stories because anything we have purchased from the label is still as good as new even after years of wear, so we know any garment will stand the test of time.
This trench from & Other Stories screams high fashion, with its long collar lapels, length, and structured fabric, though we didn't expect anything less from the label.
Crafted from 100% cotton, with a polyester and viscose lining, this trench coat is a sturdy and failsafe outerwear essential that will see you through all occasions, and keep its shape too.
It looks great done up with a pair of long boots, or trainers, even worn loosely open over a white t-shirt, jeans and a sandal. Before you know it, this will be your everyday outfit for almost every season.
- Buckle-Belt Trench Coat, £165 from & Other Stories - buy here
9. Warehouse Premium Trench Coat
Warehouse currently has a huge sale on.
However, we're not only flocking to the brand for the mega discounts but the chic styles to shop too.
This classic trench coat has been created from 100% polyester and is fully lined also, for a more structured design.
It also features collar lapel detail, as well as chest flap details for added dimension, and protection.
The double-breasted detail, combined with the belt tie allows us to get creative with the styling - wear buttoned up or undone, tied up at the front or loosely at the back.
- Premium Trench Coat, £64.50 (Was £129) from Warehouse - buy here
10. Elevated Trench Coat
If your budget doesn't stretch to hundreds of pounds for a Burberry number, never fear, because A&F has answered all our prayers with this chic design.
From the large lapels to the double-breasted front, and the array of colours, we love everything about this design.
What we love is this creation is made from nylon fabric that makes this wind and water-resistant to protect you in the unpredictable British weather - an absolute must in our opinion.
It may be a shorter length, but it is still super stylish.
Plus, A&F members will be able to save even more as it will be available to shop for £106.25.
- Elevated Trench Coat, £125 from Abercrombie & Fitch - buy here
11. Weekday
Weekday has a variety of garments to shop to fill your wardrobe with the trendiest looks, including trench coats, and a retailer we often head to for the classic staples to forge a capsule wardrobe.
This double-breasted coat is stylish whether it is buttoned up or worn undone for a relaxed fit.
The waxed BCI cotton fabric is a welcome alternative to cotton designs, which, contrasts the cord collar, for a luxe look you can dress up or down.
This design is one I have been eyeballing because it is a more vintage take on the classic trench coat, I love the softer texture of this design.
- Jones Waxed Coat, £140 from Weekday - buy here
12. BURBERRY The Chelsea Long cotton-gabardine trench coat
Burberry are famed for their iconic trench coats and are the one item on everyone's wishlist, well, ours anyway.
A Burberry trench coat is timeless and versatile, if you can get your hands on a brand new design, or vintage, you have struck gold.
The Chelsea Long Gabardine Trench Coat is double-breasted and features several buttons running down the front, as well as a belt fastening.
The piece de resistance is the signature Burberry print lining inside.
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It's a classic - who doesn't lust after the designer outerwear staple?
- The Chelsea Long cotton-gabardine trench coat, £1,890, from Burberry - buy here
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