How to Choose the Perfect Trench Coat for Your Style
Trench coats are loved by chic women around the world. They’re super versatile and instantly makes anything you wear look more polished and pulled together.
This spring the classic trench has been reimagined in dozens of fresh new ways, from romantic to edgy, classic, sporty and dramatic!
Here’s how to choose the perfect trench coat that feels uniquely you!
1. The Pink Trench Coat – Romantic
If you like a perky-looking spring coat, imagine how cute you’d look popping into the grocery store or picking up the kids in this pretty pink trench coat. Talk about a feminine spin on this classic military style coat!
This pink trench coat is perfect for the gal with a Romantic style personality who love feminine clothes and light colors. The pink is gentle and soft, but the classic shape and knee length make it polished and professional.
Trench Coat Tip – A trench coat should not pull across the bust when buttoned up or you know it is too small.
2. The Animal Print Trench – Sexy
If you fashion tastes run a little on the wild side, this chic animal print trench coat is for you. Animal print is always a little edgy and is the perfect match for gals with a Sexy style personality who like to dress a little more alluring.
I love this black and white Cheetah print trench coat which is a nice change from leopard and feels like and fresh in black and white.
Trench Coat Tip – Look slim and chic in a print or bright colored trench coat by wearing all black underneath, head to toe.
3. The Relaxed Trench Coat -Chic
A slouchy trench coat like this is as comfortable as a bathrobe but far more stylish. This style is looser, less structured, and more easygoing than a traditional trench.
The look is perfect for gals with a Chic style personality. Relaxed trenches make great layering pieces because they’re light and fluid.
Trench Coat Tip – The mark of a good fit is that the lapels lie flat. The stitching on the lapels should also be impeccable.
4. Cropped Trench Coat – Sporty
Here’s a trench that is perky and and fun -a cropped trench coat in this sunny yellow shade. The perky swing cut and double breasted style make this coat perfect for Sporty style types.
Trench Coat Tip – A double-breasted trench looks fantastic on most, but if you are big-busted, it will make you look top-heavy. Try single-breasted instead.
5. Short Trench Coat – Classic with a Modern Twist
If cropped feels too short and classic length feels too dowdy then a short trench coat is for you. I love this smart check trench coat that ends just above the knee and is perfect for gals who have modern, classic style.
Trench Coat Tip: A short trench like this look great on everyone but is ideal for petite women who can look swamped in a long trench coat.
6. The Sleeveless Trench – Dramatic
Sleeveless coats that look like long vests are becoming increasingly popular, so it makes perfect sense to now see a sleeveless trench. This one is is cool and classy with strong military influence. It’s perfect for Dramatic style personalities who love to be the center of attention.
Here’s a Fun Fact: Did you know the trench coat was created by Thomas Burberry as a warm-weather coat for British Officers during WWI. Today Burberry is still famous for its trench coats, but almost every other big-name designer has done some version of the trench coat at once or another.
7. The 3/4 Length Sleeve Trench Coat – Natural
Women with Natural style personalities love clothes that are practical, and these two trenches sure are.
The orange techno trench has roll tabs to hold your sleeves in place and khaki trench has sleeves that can easily be rolled up. They’re both sporty, cute – perfect for natural types who want clothes that do the job and look cute too.
Trench Coat Tip – Three-quarter length sleeved trench coats or trenches with sleeves are sporty. Sporty will make a 40+ gal look more youthful!
The Final Word on Trenches
The Classic trench coat will never go out of style, but that doesn’t mean it has to be boring. With trench coat styles for every personality type you’re sure to find one that feel like you, and gets you noticed.
Trench Coat Tip: Don’t be afraid to spend a bit more on a good trench coat that fits you to a “T.” A trench coat is a classic piece and will last you a long time, so it is worth the investment.
What style of trench will you be wearing this spring?
The blue trench coat from Amazon featured above is of excellent quality. I purchased it in the fall and have been delighted with it. It is waterproof as well.
I found an adorable trench coat with the perfect shape for my body type, and I love the cut! I wanted a tan color, but the shade was too kicky for my blond hair and skin tone. Would the black seem too harsh to wear at 65?
Hi Anna,
Black can look harsh, but some gals can pull it off. If you find black drains or highlights dark circles, then navy is a great alternative. It’s a little fresher and livelier. Your mirror will tell you!
Cheers, Deborah
I have four short trench coats, two beige, one black, and one deep purple, all with sexy silk linings in zebra and leopard prints. I especially love purple, my favorite color. I loop them in the back when I don’t want to tie the belt around my waist. I’ve done this for years.
I love the colorful trench coats. I have seen more of the nature-friendly color -green lately, so this rainbow combination surprises me. I might buy my trench coat this coming week, so the tips on choosing coats will help!
How many of you have a trench coat? It is one item you don’t have to replace very often but wants to ensure that the one you have is updated! You all have been sending in some great tips!
The trench coat-style jacket is a staple item. They can be worn casually or dressed up. I have purchased a few different styles at my local Marshall’s. Marshall’s carries a variety of designer jackets at a discounted price. In the coming months, those same jackets will be even at a deeper discount when they go on clearance.
Hi everyone, how do you feel about seeing the blog? I want to shay own idea about the blog. Visiting the blog, I want to buy the pink color of the trench. I love it and give a gift to my friends.
Seriously, I love your work looking through your blog. I send you love and strength for giving the valuable information.
I am thanking you.
I also love the bright colors for spring. I have an essential color wardrobe and add color with accessories, jewelry, shoes, and the occasional bright-colored at. I live in Boston, so a blast of color during late winter and early spring here in the North East is just what the doctor ordered.
I love the idea of bright colors but tire of them quickly. I like brights for accents — and prefer neutrals for essential investment items. I have a black trench (just above knee length) that I’ve enjoyed for a couple of years. I also own a classic beige trench — which I’ve had even longer and never regretted the splurge. To add trendy bright colors, I love buying colorful scarves and tops.
Good point, Cindy; however, I bought a bright orange trench over ten years ago and never have tired of it! Because I don’t wear it that often when I put it on, it always brightens my day!
I found a vast bright yellow trench at Target a few weeks ago. I had stopped in there with my friend who is in her mid 60’s (I’m in my early 60’s). She convinced me I should get it, but it didn’t take much convincing. My only regret is that it is so hot where I live that I won’t get to wear it as often as I’d like. There was also a red one, which doesn’t look good on me but would work wonders for many over 40’s.
Hi Emily,
Good for you for grabbing that yellow coat! You are right about red. It can be a tricky color to wear. Many of us are dying our hair these days, and it can become brassy and make trying to wear red problematic.
I tried the white house black market trench on sale for around 80.00. It was adorable – short, black with creamy white piping. It ran very small in the bust – or I would have got it. Super cute if you can make it work for you.
Hi Cathy, We are SO proud of you for having the restraint to NOT buy this coat because of fit! It sounds like it was adorable, but you are always better off not getting things if you are not 100% happy with them. Thanks for sharing your story! Way to be a savvy shopper!!
My 17-year-old daughter picked out the cutest pink and white trench coat for me. She said it looked great on me and not too young. I am not a fan of the belt either. My trench has an excellent cut and fit, so I just removed the strap and removed the loops.
Hi Paula, You will love, love, love your white trench! Yes, taking the belt off can help, or if you ever feel like you need one because you took the loops off, you can always add a genuine leather belt!
I just went and picked myself up the pink one at TJ Maxx for $40. While there, I saw one that had NO belt, just a straight cut. So keep looking, ladies.
Hi Celeste! Saw your cute coat on our FB page!!! Thanks for sharing your comments…always enjoy seeing you on FAF, your little fashionista!!!
I love all those excellent cheerful colors!
I love the look of trench coats but am always at a loss on what to do with the belt! Your tips for selecting a trench are great and the colors shown are so fun! I love the Mackage coat that Nicole posted the link for.
I like the idea of a tan trench with hood. I also cannot wear belts, it just looks awful.
As a size 14 to 16 forty something, I am finding it hard to find a trench that suits me. Preferably, I would prefer one without a belt because the belt makes my hips look too Wide. If anyone has any suggestions, (apart from a diet) don’t hesitate to let me know! :)
I love trenchcoats. They really pull an outfit together. You can weather with skinny jeans/flats and my work wardrobe. I have a black one and a light blue. Love them both!Thanks for the post!
“Don’t be afraid to spend a bit more on a good trench that fits you to a “T”. A trench coat is a classic piece and will last you a long time, so it is worth the investment.”
But isn’t a trench in a bright color “trendy” simply because of the color? Won’t it seem too 2012 a few years down the road? (I think the colors are marvelous, btw!)