Trench Coat: The Ultimate Guide - How to Style, What & Where to Buy

The trench coat is the ultimate investment piece that bridges seasons, occasions, and decades with effortless sophistication. Born from military necessity in World War I, this iconic outerwear has evolved into fashion's most versatile hero piece, capable of elevating everything from weekend denim to boardroom blazers. After styling hundreds of clients over the years, I can confidently say that a well-chosen trench coat is the single most transformative item you can add to your wardrobe—but only if you know how to choose and style it properly.

Why Every Woman Needs a Trench Coat

The trench coat's genius lies in its adaptability. Unlike other outerwear that serves specific purposes, a quality trench seamlessly transitions from professional meetings to weekend brunches, spring showers to autumn chill. The structured silhouette creates an instantly polished look whilst the belt cinches your waist, flattering virtually every body shape. It's the Swiss Army knife of outerwear—functional, timeless, and endlessly chic.

Choosing Your Perfect Trench: The Essential Elements

Length Matters Most

The golden rule? Your trench should hit at or just below your knee. This length is universally flattering and works with both trousers and dresses. Petite women should avoid midi-length trenches that can overwhelm your frame, whilst taller women can experiment with longer styles. I always tell my clients: when in doubt, go slightly shorter rather than longer.

Fit and Silhouette

A proper trench should allow for layering without looking bulky. The shoulders should sit naturally without pulling, and you should be able to comfortably wear a jumper underneath. The belt is crucial—it should sit at your natural waist to create that coveted hourglass silhouette. Avoid trenches that are too fitted through the arms or too loose through the body.

Fabric Selection

Traditional gabardine cotton remains the gold standard for good reason—it's water-resistant, breathable, and ages beautifully. However, modern blends incorporating elastane offer better movement, whilst technical fabrics provide superior weather protection. Avoid fully synthetic materials that don't breathe and can look cheap over time.

Styling Your Trench Like a Pro

The Office Power Play

Layer your trench over tailored trousers and a silk blouse, leaving the belt loosely tied for a relaxed confidence. Roll the sleeves slightly to show your watch or bracelet—it's these small details that separate styled looks from merely covered ones. Choose neutral tones like navy or camel for maximum versatility.

Weekend Chic

Throw your trench over straight-leg jeans, a striped Breton top, and white trainers for that effortless Parisian vibe. The key is contrast—the structured coat against casual pieces creates visual interest. Belt it properly at the waist to maintain the polished aesthetic.

Evening Elegance

A trench coat over a midi dress is sophisticated perfection. Choose a sleeker style without excessive detailing, and consider darker colours like black or deep navy for evening wear. The coat should complement, not compete with, your dress.

Where to Shop: High Street to Designer

High Street Heroes

COS: Minimalist designs with excellent tailoring at accessible prices. Their cotton-blend trenches offer modern cuts without fussy details.

ARKET: Sustainable options with classic silhouettes. Look for their organic cotton styles that improve with age.

& Other Stories: Fashion-forward takes on the classic trench with interesting colour options and contemporary fits.

Mango: Excellent value with trend-conscious styling. Their premium line offers particularly good tailoring.

Premium Picks

REISS: Superior construction and sophisticated styling make these investment-worthy pieces that last for years.

Whistles: Contemporary cuts with excellent attention to detail. Their signature belts and hardware elevate the classic design.

Jigsaw: Beautifully crafted coats with unique fabric choices and flattering fits across various body types.

Sandro: French sophistication with modern twists. Their trenches often feature interesting textures and unexpected details.

Designer Investment

Burberry: The original and still the best. Their Heritage line offers timeless cuts that transcend trends. A true investment piece with the telltale classic check lining. Worth the investment.

Max Mara: Italian craftsmanship meets impeccable tailoring. These coats are heirloom pieces.

A.P.C.: Understated French elegance with superior materials and construction.

Ganni: For those wanting something different—bold colours and contemporary cuts whilst maintaining classic functionality.

Care and Maintenance

A quality trench coat should last decades with proper care. Always hang it properly on wooden hangers to maintain shoulder shape. Most trenches can be machine washed on gentle cycles, but I recommend professional cleaning for premium pieces. Store with the belt tied loosely to prevent permanent creasing, and rotate your storage to avoid permanent fold marks.

Common Styling Mistakes to Avoid

Never wear your trench fully buttoned—it destroys the silhouette and looks dated. Avoid matching your trench exactly to your shoes or bag; instead, choose complementary tones. Don't neglect the belt—it's what transforms a trench from a raincoat into a style statement. Finally, ensure proper fit through professional alterations if necessary—a well-fitted high street piece always looks better than an ill-fitting designer coat.

Never Struggle with Sizing Again

Finding the perfect trench coat fit across different brands can be frustrating—until now. Tellar.co.uk is the UK's leading sizing tool that matches your body exactly to over 1,500 brands instantly. No more guessing, no more returns, no more size guide confusion.

How Tellar Works:

Measure once using your bust, waist, hip measurements, or your existing brand size
Use their Store Size Lookup tool to get your precise size in any brand—COS, Reiss, Burberry, Max Mara & more
Always free, no downloads needed—works directly in your browser

Plus: The Tellar Fashion Hub

Beyond sizing, Tellar offers a comprehensive fashion library stacked with free posts from top stylists. Honest, unbiased, independent advice covering every fashion query—always free.

Helpful Resources:

Final Thoughts

The perfect trench coat isn't just about following trends—it's about understanding your body, lifestyle, and personal style. Whether you choose a £150 high street option or invest in a £1,500 designer piece, the key is ensuring it fits properly and suits your proportions. Remember, the most expensive coat in the world won't look good if it doesn't fit correctly, whilst a well-fitted affordable option can look like a million pounds.

Take time to try different styles and brands, use tools like Tellar to ensure perfect sizing, and don't rush the decision. A quality trench coat is an investment that will serve you for decades—choose wisely, and you'll wonder how you ever managed without one.