How To Wear The Modern Trench Coat

The trench coat is a must-have for spring and fall. Traditionally, trench coats have been long and loose, made in tan cotton gabardine. But the modern trench coat comes in a variety of colors and shapes. If you’re planning to update your trench coat, here’s what to look for and how to style it…

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The Non-Traditional Color

The traditional trench coat is light tan or khaki, but this year, we have options like black, navy, olive, cream, icy blue, and pink. If you tend to wear neutrals, try a pop of color. If you think you’ll wear your coat often, choose your favorite neutral, so that it’s easy to style with everything in your closet. I bought the J.Crew Icon Trench in black, which is my go-to neutral most seasons.

The J.Crew Icon Trench is double-breasted, almost knee-length, with a storm flap and a removable belt. What’s different (and practical) is the detachable hood. I wore this trench coat on a cold, rainy spring day of shopping in Soho, New York, and it kept me warm, dry, and hands-free. I wore it with my bootcut jeans and sneakers that day, but I also plan to wear it with tailored pants and other jean styles.

This jacket is fairly fitted, so if you want to wear a heavier sweater underneath, you may need to size up. I’m wearing size 4. (I tried the 4P and it felt more like a 2P to me). It also comes in Vintage Khaki, in both Classic and Petite sizes. This style sells out quickly, but check again, as they do restock.

Note: J.Crew’s New Icon Trench is a much looser style, and the fabric is softer than the Icon Trench. It’s more of a traditional trench coat.

If you’re looking for a trending color in a modern trench coat style, take a look at this Sky Blue coat. Wear it with cream, tan, black, gray, or navy.

The Cropped Trench Coat

Cropped trench coats have been popular for the past few years, and are here to stay this year. This is a nice option for those of us who drive more than we walk, as we don’t have to sit on the bottom part of our coats. Cropped styles also tend to be the most affordable of the modern trench coat styles.

I’m wearing the Stretch Cotton Trench by Nordstrom in my usual size XS. I think that this style runs large, so I returned it and am considering getting an XXS. I liked the weight of this jacket (heavy, but in a good way). I also liked the thoughtful details, like the adjustable buttons.

The shorter length of this jacket makes it very versatile. Wear it with wide leg pants, straight-leg jeans, or even drawstring pants. (I’m wearing these organic cotton pants). Since cropped trench coats are more boxy in shape, you can wear a more voluminous sweater or blouse under it.

The Fitted Trench Coat

I’m also seeing single-breasted fitted trench coats this year, almost a cross between a blazer and a trench coat. I tried this Via Spaga Water-Resistant Trench Coat in XS, which was pretty snug on me even over a short-sleeved fitted t-shirt. (I would have bought the S, but the description indicated that it ran large.). This one is 57% cotton, 43% polyester and machine washable, so it’s one that’s easy to care for.

I styled this fitted jacket with wide leg jeans, but it would also work with slimmer pants. Of all the modern styles, I think this one looks best over a dress. Wear it open and choose a shorter dress (either just above or just below the knee).

One more thing! I had to include this Trench Coat Bag Charm, in case you’re not ready to commit to the real thing 😉

Which one of these modern trench coat styles is your favorite? Let’s chat ⬇️

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