A trench coat is a wise wardrobe investment, the fashion item that transcends trends, occasions and even seasons. Autumn and spring are when a trench coat really earns its keep, and if you have found yourself missing an appropriate jacket for this in between weather, its time to enter your trench coat era and find your perfect one. The cost per wear will be mere pennies.
- The high street trench coat: New Look Trench Coat
- The black trench coat: M&S Trench Coat
- The cropped trench coat: Mango Cropped Trench Coat
- The suede trench coat: La Redoute Suede Trench Coat
- The khaki trench coat: Mint Velvet Double Breasted Trench Coat
Royals and celebrities alike love a trench coat for its chic, put together appeal. Meghan Markle, Queen Camilla and Princess Kate are all owners of a trench coat or two, usually in the traditional beige but they've been known to dabble in a khaki green trench coat or black, too.
There's a reason royals and celebrities are often spotted wearing a trench coat. Loved for its chic, put together appeal, Meghan Markle, Queen Camilla and Princess Kate are all owners of a trench coat or two. Royals usually choose one in the traditional beige but they've been known to dabble in a khaki green trench coat or black, too.
The trench coat trend du jour is to wear one cropped; you'll find short trench coat styles all over the high street as an ideal segway into autumnal fashion. Plus suede trench coats are becoming popular, thanks to the 2024 love affair with all things suede; I'd go for one in dark, mahogany brown and be sure to protect it with a specialist spray.
Trust me when I say high street's best trench coats for women are going to be your BFF every season, acting as the cover-up of the moment, whatever you're doing. Here at HELLO!, the team love them so much that they tracked down Cat Deeley's go-to and Michelle Keegan's favourite too.
Royals wearing trench coats
The royals love a trench coat - and I mean love. Princess Kate's preferred style is a Burberry trench, which instantly adds an elegant finish to any look.
Meghan Markle's also a Burberry fan (particularly a silk trench coat) and Queen Camilla's £630 Bristol trench by Camilla and Marc has been spotted on the royal on numerous outings.
How I chose the best trench coats
- Design: Traditionally, trench coats are made from heavy-duty, waterproof material but as needs and trends change, they're now made in a range of fabrics and I've only listed coats that look, in essence, like a trench coat. They might not all be waterproof, but stylish they are.
- Colour: Yep, there's the traditional beige/neutral colourways but don't dismiss other shades, like blue, green, red and pink. You'll find a variety below.
- Style: If you thought a trench coat was only double-breasted, think again. The high street is full of trench coats, both double and single, and I've included both styles to suit your preference.
- Price: Designer trench coats can retail for upwards of £3,000 - to include all budgets, you'll find a range of price points in this selection so you can spend a little or spend a lot.
1/9
New Look Belted Longline Trench Coat
- Sizes: 6 - 22
- Colours: Stone and dark grey
- Fabric: 73% Cotton, 27% Polyamide
- Lining: 100% polyester
Editor's note: "New Look's trench coats can't be beaten on price or style, and this classic belted style is a surefire winner. Coming in under £50, it has all the markings of a timeless piece - the belt, the double-breasted fastening and the stormflaps."
2/9
M&S Cotton Rich Belted Longline Trench Coat
- Sizes: 6 - 24
- Colours: Black, Beige
- Fabric: 98% cotton, 2% elastane
- Lining: 100% polyester
Editor's note: "Trust M&S to produce this absolute classic trench coat, in black, a much punchier shade than camel. Featuring a double-breasted front and double lining, it's a great one to buy and repeat wear throughout the seasons."
3/9
Mango Cropped Trench Coat
- Sizes: XXS - XXL
- Colours: Beige
- Fabric: 62% cotton, 38% polyester
- Lining: 100% polyester
Editor's note: "If a shorter, jaunty trench coat is your bag, we love Mango's cropped trench coat for pairing with high-waisted jeans. Everyone on socials is wearing one, and I'm going to have to give this one a go."
4/9
Next Belted Trench Coat
- Sizes: 6 - 22
- Colours: Beige and black
- Fabric: 58% Cotton, 35% Polyester, 7% Nylon
Editor's note: "This timeless trench from Next, under £100, is an ideal buy if you're looking for a classic trench coat to see you through seasons."
5/9
La Redoute Suede Trench Coat
- Sizes: 6 - 24
- Colours: Tan
- Fabric: Leather
Editor's note: "Suede is big news for AW24 and I am obsessed with this stunning trench coat in the fabric. The oversized shoulders give it a contemporary feel and when paired with denim, j'adore."
6/9
Karen Millen Leather Trench Coat
- Sizes: 6 - 16
- Colours: Black, burgundy
- Fabric: 100% Leather
- Lining: 100% Polyester
Editor's note: "Adding something into the mix is this leather trench coat, in black. It has all the same design points as a traditional heavy-duty trench, but created with a leather- look fabric, complete with belt, double-breast and stormflaps."
7/9
Mint Velvet Khaki Trench Coat
- Sizes: XS - XL
- Colours: Khaki
- Fabric: 100% cotton
Editor's note: "I love the khaki green of this Mint Velvet trench coat, for something non-beige but muted. The relaxed, oversized shape gives a contemporary feel."
8/9
John Lewis Denim Trench Coat
- Sizes: 8 -20
- Colours: Denim
- Fabric: 100% cotton
Editor's note: "This denim trench coat really does look as stylish as anything, with its dark wash and flattering silhouette."
9/9
Burberry Chelsea Long Organic Cotton-Gabardine Trench
- Sizes: 4 - 18
- Colours: Beige
- Fabric: 100% organic cotton
Editor's note: "If you're looking for the trench coat of the royals, there's only one label to go for - Burberry, the creators of the original fashion trench and the luxe label loved by Princess Kate, Meghan Markle and more."
Trench coat outfit ideas
It's the best jacket for throwing on over jeans, dresses, workwear, partywear, loungewear… you name it, a trench goes. Don't worry if you're not so keen on a traditional trench coat in camel – they look equally as cool in black, navy and pink too while leather, suede and denim finishes are still having a moment. Or go for cropped, like stylist Ingrid Fagerli Edvinsen, for a cute look.
© InstagramNot sure whether to go single breasted or double? In theory, a single breasted trench coat has a more slim, modern and streamlined look, as seen on Hollie Mercedes, while a double breasted trench is a classic fit that suits all figures, and has a more formal look.
