The Spring Trench Coats Worth Adding To Your Capsule Wardrobe

By Charlie Colville

4 weeks ago

The official uniform of the season has arrived. Slot one of these super chic trench coats into your spring capsule wardrobe.


Things might be heating up in the capital, but spring still hasn’t quite sprung in the UK. Between the clouds, fluctuating temperatures and occasional bouts of rain, there isn’t much room for a ‘no sleeves’ moment; instead, we’re reaching for those layering essentials that make us feel both stylish and warm. And a quick look around for the city’s style set will reveal one key staple for this year’s spring wardrobe: a trench coat.

Now, we know this isn’t exactly a new trend, but that’s the beauty of a trench coat: it never goes out of style. Just look at the Burberry trench; the blueprint for the modern trench, this is where most people start their search. The first one was created over 100 years ago, and was worn by WW1 soldiers before it hit the mainstream decades later thanks to a series of chic cameos on the silver screen. (Audrey Hepburn’s trench in that kissing-in-the-rain scene from Breakfast at Tiffany’s? Yep, that’s a Burberry trench.)

And while there’s been a few changes to the design over the years – bolder colours, contrast linings, oversized silhouettes and, more recently, a cropped, boxy look – it still remains a recognisable sartorial staple.

The trench is also wonderfully low maintenance; the ultimate ‘throw on’ piece, there’s minimal styling needed to make an outfit look good. Whether draped over the shoulders, left loose and open, or conversely buttoned up and belted, a trench never fails to look chic. However you choose to style it, make your spring feel fresh with one of these seasonal trench coats:


The Edit: Spring Trench Coats

Cropped trench

Burberry

Cropped Gabardine Mayfair Trench Jacket, ÂŁ1,460

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Brown coat

GANNI

Camel Bonded Cotton Trench Coat, ÂŁ675

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Multi-toned trench

Max Mara

Weekend Beige Colour Block Trench (Size UK 4), ÂŁ424

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Cropped jacket

Chloé

Short High-Neck Trench Coat In Cotton Poplin, ÂŁ2,420

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Caramel trench

M&S

The Trench, ÂŁ95

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Wool coat

Baukjen

Ingrid Belted Wool Trench Coat, ÂŁ369

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Wardrobe Inspiration: How To Style A Trench Coat For Spring

 

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Ballet Flat Combo

Two of spring’s biggest staples in one look. A classic trench will always pair wonderfully with a dainty pair of ballet flats, whatever the style. This combo instantly elevates a relaxed ‘jeans and a nice top’ look.

 

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Contrast Trim

For a more playful touch, think gingham. A contrast lining on your otherwise neutral trench will add that pop you’ve been craving – and lets you get away with sticking to simple underneath.

 

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Cropped Trench

The style set’s latest obsession. Pavement-sweepers will always remain a favourite style for the beloved trench, but this spring has seen a revival of cropped coats with dramatic collars and oversized silhouettes.

 

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Office Ready

And, of course, a trench coat is the perfect pairing for your workday wardrobe. A classic for a reason, a trench will always look cool pulled over a sharp shirt and tie. (Yes, you might look like a vintage member of MI5 – but nobody will say you lack in style.)

 

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Monochrome Layers

Who said you had to wear pastels all spring? Those craving a more low key colour palette can lean into the neutrality of a classic trench and layer up with similar hues – brown, khaki, black – for something that feels pared back and put together.

 

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Preppy Layers

A staple of British preppiness, it makes sense to see a trench coat styled with a loose shirt, loafers and a knitted jumper (preferably worn over the shoulders).

 

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Colour Pop

Colour-seekers, meanwhile, can get their fix by pairing up their trench with a colourful knit – casually layered underneath for the perfect peekaboo. Stick to the one colour pop, or keep the flow going by colour drenching the rest of your fit.

 

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Spring Dress Moment

Yes, it’s tempting to dive straight into your collection of spring dresses – but make sure not to leave the house without your trench for backup. This duo can turn a spring outfit into a spring moment.


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