It’s that time of the year again, when the leaves are turning orange, iced coffees are making way for pumpkin spice lattes, and the timeless trench coat is once again a stylish staple that will keep you warm while also elevating every outfit. Autumn is that transitional time when it’s not cold enough for woollen winter coats, but still chilly enough to need an extra layer and this is why the best trench coats with their waterproof exteriors and lightweight warmth are perfect for this season. While these pieces are effortlessly fashionable, it is still worth learning how to style a trench coat like a pro to bring out the best of your outfit for every occasion.
Whether you loved Claudia Winkleman’s trench coat outfit in that episode of Traitors earlier this year or you are fan of pairing it with the best midi dresses for mature women, there is a trench coat style for everyone. This is why our fashion team tagged along with our editor Claire Tapley handpicked the best pieces from M&S’s brand-new autumn collection to come up with 4 flattering ways to style a trench coat for every occasion, whether you are planning a formal look with trousers, going for a skirt and a jumper or opting for a casual outfit with a hooded sweater.
How to style a trench coat: 4 outfit ideas for every occasion
As far as trench coats go, a good beige or khaki one is a timeless classic that never goes out of fashion. So, we picked this Cotton Rich Belted Longline Trench Coat from M&S to create a style guide of the best autumn trench coat looks for every occasion that looks elegant and flattering on mature women.
M&Swww.marksandspencer.com
This Cotton Rich Belted Longline Trench Coat comes in a regular fit that is comfortable and roomy while also giving you a sharp, tailored look thanks to the classic details. With a timeless double-breasted front and epaulettes on the shoulders, this trench coat is perfect for those transitional months. Claire, our model, also mentioned that the full lining makes it comfortable and gentle on the skin. It also features buttoned cuff straps and a detachable belt for versatility. So, you can wear the trench coat as a loose over coat or prefer to tie it up for a more cinched and stylish look on colder days. The longline design gives extra coverage, warmth and protection and it also comes with handy side pockets.
Watch first, then shop our handpicked trench coats to make the looks your own.
1. How to style a trench coat for a formal look
If you are looking for inspiration to style your trench coat with a formal outfit, like the best wide leg trousers paired with a blouse, shirt or even a jumper, then this ensemble we put together from M&S is a brilliant way to keep it simple and elegant. Finished with a pair of boots, this outfit is the perfect template for a formal trench coat look where you can switch between different types and colours of tops and bottoms.
Pro tip: It would be best to opt for trousers or bottoms in a colour that complements the shade of the trench coat itself for a more cohesive and stylish appearance. Feel free to play around with fun colours for the tops. This would add a pop of character to the outfit too.
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This chic short-sleeved cardigan makes the perfect lightweight knitwear for autumn. It is crafted from air yarn, an innovative fabric that's lighter than traditional knits. Cut to a regular fit, the piece has a neat crew neckline and a modern cropped hem. The textured-finish buttons add a touch of sophistication to the piece.
M&Swww.marksandspencer.com
As a piece that can be worn all year round, these Jersey Elasticated Waist Wide Leg Trousers is a must-have wardrobe staple. With a roomy wide leg that gives a chic and stylish appearance while also creating a flattering, lean silhouette, these trousers come with an elasticated high waist and a hint of stretch for all day comfort.
M&Swww.marksandspencer.com
These Wide Fit Leather Block Heel Ankle Boots are both stylish and comfortable. The mid-height block heel gives you the chic appearance of heels while also being suitable for all day wear without discomfort. Ankle boots are a timeless autumn classic and pairs well with a range of outfits, from dresses to trousers. They are also wide fit to give your feet breathing space and prevent shoe bites and pains. It also comes with an antibacterial padding to keep your feet feeling fresh and it features a side zip that makes it easy to get them on and off.
2. How to wear a trench coat casually
There are several ways to style a trench coat with a casual outfit for a relaxed, but stylish look. If you feel most confident in chic loungewear or sportswear, along with the best trainers for all day comfort, then learning how to pair a trench coat with these outfits will elevate your style and create an effortlessly fashionable look for those casual events and gatherings. Bright block colours with a neutral bottom can create a fun look while pastels, beiges and light colours are always classic.
Pro tip: Styling a trench coat for a casual look is all about layering right. Go for different shapes and keep the prints and patterns understated for a clean, elegant look. Hoods, zip fronts, sweatshirts, and casual trousers are all pieces that will pair well with a trench coat. If you are going for a loose or baggy top, then keep the bottoms straight cut and if the trousers are wide leg, it could be better to keep the top a bit more structured for better shape.
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If you are looking for a lightweight cardigan with a hood, this Knitted Zip-up Cropped Hoodie is the perfect pick this autumn. It is stylish and contemporary with its regular fit, zip-up front, and cropped length for a chic look. The added stretch in the fabric also allows comfortable movement. This length and shape paired with a pair of casual trousers create a proportion that looks very appealing with a trench coat.
M&Swww.marksandspencer.com
Blending comfort and style, these Jersey Side Stripe Wide Leg Trousers are the perfect pick for casual and formal events. The material is stretchy and comfortable for all-day wear. The wide legs and an elasticated high waist that fastens with a drawstring ensure you can adjust the fit and tightness according to your comfort. The snug fit at the waist also flatters the natural curves of your hips and legs without being too body-hugging. This sporty yet stylish piece is a must-have this autumn.
M&Swww.marksandspencer.com
Have you been eyeing the New Balance 327s for a long time and never bought them because of the steep price point? These Suede Panel Lace-Up Trainers are said to be as stylish and comfortable as the New Balance trainers, and they also come with a design that is very similar. They currently rank #3 in the list of bestselling footwear in M&S and these versatile leather trainers are perfect for autumn. They can be styled for a sporty or a smart-casual look. The shoes are also equipped with Freshfeet™ technology that helps to minimise odour for all-day comfort.
3. How to style a trench coat with a skirt or a dress
Midi dresses are a definite style statement for autumn. They are warm enough for chilly days while also carrying a bit of that summer spirit into the next season. Pairing a trench coat with a dress brings a touch of feminine grace and elegance to the overall outfit, whether you are throwing it over your favourite denim dresses for mature women or going for a more formal look with a flattering dress for women over 50.
When paired with dresses or skirts, tying the belt of your trench coat in the front creates a more structured look with the cinched-in waist. You can also go for a more relaxed look by tying the belt on the back, but this is a style that pairs very well with dresses.
Pro tip: While wearing a trench coat with dresses or skirts, make sure that the hem line of the coat ends higher than the hem length of your dress or the skirt as that creates a flattering layered appearance that is graceful and structured.
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This soft jumper is made from supersoft yarn and is a classic wardrobe staple that can be paired with almost anything, from jeans to skirts. It comes in a regular fit, a timeless crew neckline and warm long sleeves. The textured knit on the shoulders are an intricate detail that adds an element of sophistication to the design.
M&Swww.marksandspencer.com
This Satin Pleated Midaxi Wrap Skirt is from the Autograph collection of this season and it is a statement piece that will stand out to create a memorable fashion look that you can keep on reinventing. It pairs well with a range of colours – from classic neutrals like whites, creams and blacks to bright colours like blues and greens. With a midaxi-length hemline, the skirt has a flattering wrap design and features a buckle fastening at the waist. There is also a self-fabric belt that completes the monochromatic look
M&Swww.marksandspencer.com
It is that time of the year when most of us are making the transition from sandals back to shoes and a stylish way to do that is with the best Mary Jane shoes. If you are a fan of the look and love animal prints, then these Snake Print Strappy Mary Jane Ballet Pumps are the perfect shoes to step into autumn with. These shoes are very much in demand this season and they come with a striking print, two straps with gold-tone buckle fastenings, and flat soles for comfortable all-day wear.
4. How to wear trench coat with jeans
Denim is one of the most preferred fabrics in autumn as the warmth and thickness is perfect for those transitional months. So, figuring out the best ways to pair your favourite pair of denims with a trench coat will help you create several classic outfits that can be worn for most part of the year. With jeans, you will be aiming for smart casual looks that perfect for semi-formal events like day parties or brunches.
Proportions are everything when it comes to pairing your trench coat with jeans. You can usually never go wrong with a pair of straight-cut jeans and a simple top. However, if you are going for skinny jeans, make sure to keep your top super baggy and finish off with high boots, as this will create a balanced look. On the other hand, if you are opting for wide-leg denims, keep the top more structured and fitted.
Pro tip: Belts are a great accessory to complete this look as they highlight and define the waist to create a flattering silhouette. Baseball caps also pair really well with this look. You can use accessories like hats, bags and belts to add a pop of colour to these outfits as well.
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M&Swww.marksandspencer.com
This cardigan is sure to be a lovely addition to your autumn and winter wardrobe with its luxuriously soft and cosy feel. Made with Alpaca fibres, this piece comes in a regular fit with added stretch for a comfortably flexible fit. The short sleeves and cropped length make it ideal for layering, which works great with a trench coat. It is also long enough to comfortably tuck into a skirt or trousers for a different look as well. The knot-detail buttons in a polished gold tone add a touch of glamour to this cardigan.
12.
The Mom Jeans
M&Swww.marksandspencer.com
A pair of classic white denims is a must-have that pairs well with a wide range of colours and shapes. So, if you are looking to invest in a pair of high-quality jeans, this is the one to go for. Available in extra-short, petite, regular and long fits, you will be able to find a size that perfectly fits. These retro jeans are high-waisted, slim at the hips and softly tapers through the leg, creating an effortlessly flattering silhouette that suits almost every body type. They’re made from cotton and has the right amount of stretch for comfortable wear all day.
Are short trench coats in style?
Short trench coats are one of the biggest trends that started off this spring and is now taking over autumn as well. Inspired by their classic counterparts, these short or cropped trench coats have become stylish and more versatile versions of the same. The shorter length gives them a more contemporary and edgier look compared to the elegant look of the classic trench coat. They are also perfect for those transitional months when you don’t need a full-length coat yet but still need a light layer.
How to style a cropped trench coat?
Cropped trench coats are considerably easier to style and manage, too, as they pair well with skirts, trousers, and even dresses. They also come in a range of colours, cuts, and styles to choose from. As the short length gives them a more chic look, cropped trench coats are great for creating stylish, casual, or smart-casual looks when paired with t-shirts, shirts, jeans, trousers, and skirts.
FAQs
What is the difference between a trench coat and an overcoat?
Overcoats are usually built for winters when you need a thick, warm layer to protect against dry, cold weather. This is why traditionally overcoats are made with materials like thick wool. These coats also have a more formal, tailored look.
Trench coats on the other hand are designed for use during transitional seasons like spring and autumn when it tends to be a bit chilly and rainy. This is why trench coats are mostly water-resistant and much lighter as it’s usually not cold enough for overcoats. Trench coats are much more versatile than overcoats and can be used to create a range of smart-casual looks too.
How long should a trench coat be?
While short or cropped trench coats can be as short as the hemline ending somewhere close to the waist or in most cases, ending at your hips, traditional trench coats come with hemlines that usually fall mid-calf. However, you can also find a range of options with lengths that end anywhere between the knees to even ankle length.
Akhila Thomas is a digital writer at Yours.co.uk and her areas of interest are beauty, fashion, food, wellness and lifestyle. She has previously written for magazines like Leftlion, Women’s Health and t’Art and worked extensively with art, culture, fashion and social media trends. She also likes to travel and explore new cultures and cuisines.