Do you have a trench coat in your wardrobe? They’ve come a looong way since the days of Inspector Gadget and Columbo ?  Trench coats are not just a spring staple, they really elevate and add some pizazz to your outfits. Plus, they’re super easy to style. And despite what you might be thinking, they are not only for rainy days. Trench coats are that chic third layer you can wear with jeans, dresses, skirts, shorts…you name it. From the classic trench to trendy and unique styles and everything in between, we’re sharing 10 outfit ideas to get you excited about wearing or upgrading your trench coat.

A denim jacket is another must-have third layer. Check out this post for some stylish denim jacket outfit ideas!

Trench Coat Outfits

Trench coats can be worn in all seasons and for casual or dressy occasions depending on the style you choose. They come in SO many different styles, fabrics, and lengths. And they make a great layering piece for travel. Keep scrolling for trench coat outfits you can easily recreate.

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How To Style A Trench Coat

#1) Cropped Trench, Blazer & Jeans

First, we wanted to share the latest and greatest trench addition to Erin’s wardrobe…this versatile cropped trench by Steve Madden. If you don’t truly need the functionality of a long trench to protect you from the rain, this chic cropped trench is such a stylish and flattering option. It’s double-breasted with cool notched lapels and belted cuffs and has a waist-skimming length. It has those traditional trench features like welt pockets, epaulets, oversized buttons, and a pleated back flap. But since it’s a shorter length, it’s less heavy and bulky than a traditional trench. And the best part? It’s really affordable at $109!

Erin styled it here with a pretty tweed blazer, a pair of classic straight-leg jeans, and some gorgeous heels. See how this outfit is just kicked up a notch when styled with the cropped trench? This would be a great look to wear for casual Friday at the office or out to lunch. Swap the heels for sneakers or sandals for a day of shopping or appointments. Keep scrolling for 2 more outfit ideas with this same trench…

#2) Cropped Trench & Pleated Skirt

Here’s the same Steve Madden cropped trench styled with a pleated skirt (it also comes in a pretty pale green!), a basic white tee, silver sandals, and an everyday tote. If you like scrunching up the sleeves of your trench and having them stay (but a hair tie is too tight), check out these stretch armbands!

#3) Cropped Trench & Denim Shorts

Now for a really casual way to style the Steve Madden trench…some cool denim shorts by Pistola, a Veronica Beard striped tank, and some of Erin’s favorite (affordable!) sneakers (you can read more about them here). We weren’t kidding when we said this jacket is super versatile!

#4) Pleated Trench & Elevated Loungewear

Next up, is this Sandro pleated trench that Erin has owned for a few years. Imagine our excitement when we saw it back in stock! It’s simply exquisite and has the most gorgeous, elevated touches that really make it a standout piece. The pleated skirt has such beautiful movement, and the draping is very flattering. This is an investment piece for sure, but you’ll wear it year after year. We’ll also link a similar option that’s more budget-friendly below.

In this look, Erin styled the Sandro trench with some basic loungewear pieces and some comfy Golden Goose sneakers. This is the perfect outfit for busy moms who are constantly on the go running errands, picking up kids, etc. It’s simple, easy to duplicate, comfortable, and very chic. It’s also the perfect travel outfit! Erin has worn a version of this look on multiple long European flights. It’s an elegant yet comfy outfit.

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#5) Pleated Trench & Mini Dress

In this look, Erin styled the Sandro trench with a chic mini dress by Zadig & Voltaire (out of stock but we’ll link similar!) and the same comfy sneakers. This is another outfit from a few years ago but you can see how timeless this trench really is. Don’t worry too much about the length of your dress under the trench. Wear what you feel good in. Depending on the season, you could easily swap out the sneakers for a pair of booties, knee-high boots, sandals, or heels. Add a chic necklace and some statement earrings and you have the perfect day-to-dinner outfit. What makes this look so put together and polished? The trench!

#6) Pleated Trench & White Jeans

We wanted to share one more outfit idea for the pleated Sandro trench that would be easy to recreate this spring. In this look, we paired it with a pair of wide-leg white Pistola jeans, Erin’s go-to See By Chloe espadrille wedges, a cropped striped button-down in brilliant blue, and some chic accessories.

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#7) Classic Trench & All White Separates

If you prefer more of a classic trench, these next 3 looks are for you! These images are a bit older, but do you see how timeless the trench coat is? Erin’s wearing a belted trench by Veronica Beard from several years back, but we’ll link some similar classic trench options below. She paired it with a crisp white button-down, white wide-leg pants, and a matching handbag. The neutral taupe against the all-white pieces is an elegant look you can likely easily create with pieces you already own.

The *gold standard* of classic trenches is the popular Burberry trench. Make sure you check out Erin’s honest review of it here.

#8) Classic Trench & Black Trousers

This is a fun casual way of styling your classic trench. This trench coat by Mango is water-repellant, perfect for those rainy spring days. The pleated trousers might look familiar…Erin owns them in both black and tan and LOVES the fit and quality. She wears the “shortie” version, but they also come in a regular length. You can see how Erin styles them in a few different ways in this post. We could see this look as a travel outfit, for commuting to/from work, an on-trend spring shopping day outfit, or just for looking extra elevated on a lunch date or while running errands.

When it comes to tying your trench, you can knot it in the back or tie it in the front with a half bow. Here’s a quick tutorial on how to tie the half bow…it’s SO chic.

#9) Classic Trench & Rainy Day Separates

Here’s the same Mango trench from the previous look styled with some rainy-day essentials including a water-resistant tote bag and some stylish Hunter rain boots…proving you can still look pulled together even when the weather isn’t cooperating!

#10) Statement Trench & Basics

If you have your classic trench covered and want something super fashion-forward, you can get creative with a leather trench, denim trench, or a deconstructed trench like Erin is wearing above. Her exact trench is from her trip to Paris last spring, and sadly no longer available, but you can recreate this look SO easily…the outfit formula is pretty simple. Just pair your basics (jeans, white button-down or t-shirt, basic LBD, etc.) with your statement trench and let it do all the talking.

When you’re wearing a jacket with super exciting and unique details like color-blocking, cutouts, or unique fabrications, keeping the rest of your look classic and quiet is always a safe bet when it comes to styling. We’ll share some statement-making trenches below.

Let’s see how far back we can go…have you had a trench for years that you still love and wear? If so, how old is it?? Please share in the comments below. Curious to put an actual number on “timeless”.

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