Trench Coat Outfits: 19 Chic Ways to Wear a Trench Coat This Fall & Winter
There are few pieces in my wardrobe that I come back to every autumn quite as much as a trench coat. It’s practical enough for unpredictable fall weather, but it also has that rare ability to make even a really simple jeans-and-T-shirt outfit look instantly more polished.
And while the classic beige trench will always have a place in my wardrobe, there are so many more ways to wear the trend now. Olive, chocolate brown, black and checked trenches all work beautifully with the richer colours and textures we tend to reach for at this time of year.
A classic trench is also one of those pieces that works perfectly in a fall capsule wardrobe, because it can be layered over everything from jeans to dresses
Below I’ve put together 19 wearable trench coat outfits for fall, ranging from casual everyday looks to smarter outfits for work, dinner and those occasions when you want to feel a little more put together.
Are Trench Coats Still in Style?
Absolutely. A trench coat is one of those rare pieces that manages to be both classic and current.
The basic trench silhouette hasn’t really changed, and that’s exactly what makes it such a good investment. Instead, it’s the way we’re styling trench coats that keeps evolving.
For fall, I particularly like slightly relaxed silhouettes that leave enough room for a jumper underneath. They feel less formal than a very fitted trench and work particularly well with the looser jeans and trousers we’re wearing now.
We’re also seeing far more than traditional beige. Olive, chocolate brown and black trenches fit beautifully into a fall wardrobe, while checked styles are an easy way to add pattern if most of your wardrobe is fairly neutral.
But if you’re buying your first trench coat, I’d still start with beige, camel or stone. You’ll get far more wear from it, and as the outfits below show, it works with almost everything.
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Casual Trench Coat Outfits
Some of my favourite trench coat outfits are actually the simplest. Adding a trench is an easy way to make jeans, leggings and trainers look a little more intentional without sacrificing comfort.
1. Beige Trench Coat + Jeans + Grey Jumper + Trainers
This might be one of the easiest outfits in the whole post to recreate.
Start with straight or wide-leg blue jeans and a simple grey crew-neck jumper, then add a beige trench and neutral trainers.
There’s nothing complicated about it, but the trench immediately makes the outfit feel more put together. A structured tan tote adds some warmth and makes this a great school-run, shopping or casual work outfit.
2. Chocolate Trench Coat + Jeans + White T-Shirt
A chocolate brown trench is a gorgeous alternative to classic beige, particularly for autumn.
Because the coat makes enough of a statement on its own, I’d keep everything underneath simple: a white T-shirt, relaxed blue jeans and retro trainers.
The tan bag complements the chocolate brown without matching it exactly, giving the neutral outfit a little more depth.
This is an easy formula for those early fall days when you need a coat, but it’s still too warm for chunky knitwear. For even more ideas for dressing during those in-between weeks, these late summer to early fall outfits use lightweight layers that work when the weather is still mild.
3. Chocolate Trench + Jeans + Cardigan + Ballet Flats
Using the same jeans-and-trench formula, swapping a T-shirt and trainers for a cardigan and ballet flats creates a softer, slightly more feminine outfit.
The muted sage cardigan works particularly well against the rich brown coat, while the flats make the outfit feel polished without sacrificing comfort.
This would be an easy option for lunch, shopping or a casual day when you want something a little smarter than trainers.
If you’re never quite sure which footwear works with this shape of denim, I’ve put together a full guide to the best shoes to wear with wide leg jeans.
4. Trench Coat + Leggings + Sweatshirt + Trainers
A trench coat can work surprisingly well with athleisure too.
Black leggings and an oversized cream sweatshirt keep this outfit comfortable, while the classic beige trench makes it feel more intentional than a typical leggings-and-trainers combination.
Neutral trainers and a relaxed brown crossbody bag keep everything practical.
This is probably one of the most realistic everyday outfits in the post; ideal for the school run, errands or weekends when comfort is the priority.
Trench Coat Outfits With Jeans
Jeans and a trench coat are one of those combinations that are difficult to get wrong. The trick is changing the shoes, layers and accessories depending on how casual or polished you want the outfit to feel.
5. Beige Trench + Jeans + Cream T-Shirt + Burgundy Slingbacks
This outfit shows how much difference accessories can make to really simple basics.
A cream T-shirt and straight-leg jeans create an easy everyday base, but adding a structured dark bag and burgundy slingback heels instantly makes it feel more polished.
I particularly like the small hit of burgundy here. It’s an easy way to bring one of fall’s richer colours into your wardrobe without needing to build your whole outfit around it.
Swap the heels for loafers or trainers and the same combination would work for a much more casual day.
6. Olive Trench Coat + Black Jeans + Brown Loafers
Olive is one of those colours that looks as though it might be difficult to style but actually works almost like a neutral.
Here I’ve paired an olive trench with washed black jeans and a simple taupe top. Brown loafers soften the black denim and give the outfit a classic, slightly preppy feel.
The blue suede bag is an unexpected addition, but it works beautifully with the muted autumn palette and stops everything feeling too predictable.
7. Trench Coat + White Jeans + Navy Knit + Trainers
White jeans definitely don’t need to disappear once summer ends.
Pairing them with a navy knit, brown suede trainers and a trench immediately makes them feel more appropriate for fall.
The chocolate suede bag adds another autumnal texture and helps stop the navy-and-white combination from feeling too summery.
This is a great outfit for those mild September and October days when you’re not quite ready for heavy winter clothes.
8. Olive Trench + Yellow Jumper + White Jeans
This is one of the more colourful combinations in the post, but it still feels very wearable.
The soft yellow jumper brightens up the olive trench, while white jeans keep all those earthy shades from becoming too heavy.
Brown suede trainers and a chocolate bag ground everything and bring the outfit firmly into fall.
It’s also a good reminder that you don’t have to pack away all your lighter colours in September. White denim and softer shades can work beautifully in autumn when you combine them with richer seasonal colours.
Smart Casual & Work Trench Coat Outfits
A trench coat is particularly useful if you need clothes that can move between work and the rest of your life. Pairing one with tailored trousers or simply switching trainers for a smarter shoe can completely change an outfit.
9. Cream Trench + Brown Trousers + Taupe Knit
A lighter cream trench is a beautiful alternative to classic camel and works particularly well with chocolate and taupe.
Here, the taupe crew-neck jumper and chocolate brown trousers create a soft tonal base, while the cream coat keeps the outfit light.
Black ankle boots and a small black bag provide enough contrast to stop all the neutral shades blending together.
This would make a really easy casual work outfit for fall that’s polished enough for the office without feeling overly formal.
10. Beige Trench + Burgundy Trousers + Chocolate Knit
If you want to introduce more colour into your fall wardrobe without moving too far away from neutrals, burgundy is an easy place to start.
I love it paired with chocolate brown here. The colours are close enough to feel cohesive but give the outfit much more depth than sticking to one neutral.
The beige trench lightens everything, while the blue suede bag creates a small unexpected contrast.
Finish with burgundy ballet flats for a comfortable but polished outfit.
11. Black Trench + Burgundy Trousers + Slingback Heels
A black trench immediately gives an outfit a sharper feel.
Instead of pairing it with more black, I’ve used rich burgundy trousers and an ivory top to create some contrast.
The pointed slingback heels make this one of the dressier looks in the post, while the warm tan tote prevents it from feeling too corporate.
I’d wear something like this for work, dinner or any occasion when jeans feel slightly too casual.
12. Checked Trench Coat + Olive Trousers + Loafers
If most of your wardrobe consists of simple basics, your coat is an easy place to introduce pattern.
A subtle checked trench still feels neutral enough to wear regularly but makes a white top and olive trousers much more interesting.
Tan loafers give the outfit a timeless, slightly preppy feel, while the blue suede bag adds a small pop of colour.
This is a great example of a classic fall outfit that doesn’t rely entirely on beige, brown and black.
Trench Coat Outfits With Skirts & Dresses
A trench coat isn’t just for jeans. Its longer shape works well with skirts and dresses, and it’s one of my favourite ways to make lighter pieces work further into autumn.
13. Beige Trench + Black Dress + Knee-High Boots
A black midi dress and trench coat is one of the easiest ways to create a polished fall outfit without needing lots of layers.
Black knee-high boots continue the clean line of the dress, while a tan tote softens all the black and ties back to the warmer beige trench.
This would work well for the office, dinner or those occasions when you want to look put together without feeling overdressed.
14. Beige Trench + Black Mini Skirt + Knee-High Boots
If you prefer shorter skirts, a longer trench and knee-high boots are a great way to make them feel more wearable through fall.
The black mini skirt and fitted black knit create a simple tonal base, while the beige trench breaks up all the black.
A chocolate suede bag brings in another warm autumnal texture.
I’d keep the boots fairly streamlined rather than very chunky here as it gives the whole outfit a more classic feel.
15. Beige Trench + Satin Skirt + Taupe Knit
A satin skirt doesn’t need to be saved for evenings.
Pairing a black satin midi with a soft taupe jumper and classic trench makes it much easier to wear during the day.
I love the contrast in textures here. The satin gives the outfit a slightly dressier feel, while the knit, suede bag and boots keep it relaxed.
Chocolate knee-high boots work beautifully here, but there are plenty of other options depending on the look you want: see my guide to shoes to wear with a satin skirt for more ideas.”
16. Beige Trench + Blue Wrap Dress + Ankle Boots
A trench is one of the easiest ways to keep wearing dresses as the seasons change.
The blue striped wrap dress gives the classic beige trench a completely different feel, while tan suede ankle boots add warmth and make the dress look more autumnal.
This works well during early fall when the days can still be warm, but you need an extra layer in the morning and evening.
17. Black Trench + Burgundy Dress + Knee-High Boots
For something dressier, black and burgundy make a gorgeous autumn combination.
The fit-and-flare burgundy dress adds shape underneath the longer coat, while sleek black knee-high boots keep the whole outfit polished.
Keeping the accessories black allows the burgundy to be the focus rather than introducing another competing colour.
This would be a great outfit for dinner, drinks or an autumn event.
You can also find more ideas for pairing your favourite fall layers with ankle and knee-high boots in my fall outfits with boots guide.
Short Trench Coat Outfits
18. Short Trench + Jeans + Trainers
A short trench coat is a great option for those early autumn days when you want an extra layer without the weight of a full-length coat. I love how this olive-brown style looks with light-wash wide-leg jeans and a simple blue T-shirt; the blue and earthy brown tones feel particularly good together for autumn.
Retro trainers keep the outfit relaxed and practical, while the brown suede bag ties back to the warmer shade of the jacket. This is an easy casual fall outfit for school runs, shopping or weekends when you still want to look put together.
19. Short Trench + Striped Knit + Black Jeans
For a slightly more polished way to wear a short trench, pair it with black jeans and a classic striped knit. The navy and white stripes add some pattern without making the outfit feel busy, while the dark denim gives the cropped jacket a smarter feel.
Brown suede loafers work beautifully with the warm olive trench, and the blue suede bag adds a subtle pop of colour. It’s a really wearable casual chic fall outfit and a good example of how a short trench can work with simple wardrobe basics rather than needing lots of trend-led pieces.
How to Style a Trench Coat Casually
You definitely don’t need smart trousers and heels to make a trench coat work.
For a really easy casual trench coat outfit, start with the clothes you’d normally wear anyway, like jeans or leggings, a T-shirt, sweatshirt or jumper and comfortable shoes, and then use the trench as the finishing layer.
Trainers give a trench a more relaxed feel, particularly retro suede styles. Loafers or ballet flats are an easy middle ground when you want to look slightly more polished.
I also tend to leave a trench open with casual outfits rather than tightly belting it. The relaxed shape works particularly well with jeans and knitwear.
The important thing is not to add too much. A trench already gives a basic outfit some structure, so you don’t need lots of accessories to make the look work.
How to Wear a Trench Coat With Jeans
If you’re unsure where to start, jeans + simple top + trench coat is probably the easiest formula in this entire post.
Blue denim works particularly well with beige, chocolate and olive trenches, while washed black jeans look great with olive and stone. You can then change the feel of the same basic outfit through your shoes:
Trainers make it casual.
Loafers make it feel classic and slightly preppy.
Ballet flats soften the look.
Slingbacks or kitten heels make it smart enough for dinner or work.
This is also why I don’t think you need dozens of different clothes to create good fall outfits. The same jeans and trench can look completely different depending on the top, shoes and bag you pair with them.
If you’re trying to get more outfits from fewer pieces this season, you’ll also find plenty of more fall capsule wardrobe outfit ideas in my complete fall capsule wardrobe guide.
What Shoes to Wear With a Trench Coat
There really isn’t one correct shoe to wear with a trench coat.
For everyday outfits, trainers are probably the easiest option. Retro suede and low-profile styles work particularly well with the classic feel of a trench.
Loafers are ideal with jeans and tailored trousers when you want something smarter but still practical, while ballet flats create a softer, more feminine look.
Once the weather gets colder, ankle boots work well with trousers and dresses, while knee-high boots look particularly good underneath skirts and dresses.
For smarter outfits, a pointed slingback or low kitten heel gives a classic trench a more modern feel without needing a very high heel.
What Colours Go With a Beige Trench Coat?
Almost everything, which is one of the main reasons a beige trench is such a useful wardrobe staple!
Rather than sticking entirely to black and white, I particularly like beige with the richer and softer colours we tend to wear during fall:
- Chocolate brown
- Burgundy
- Navy
- Grey
- Olive
- Denim blue
- Cream
- Taupe
- Soft blue
And don’t worry about matching your neutral accessories exactly.
A beige trench, chocolate suede bag and tan shoes can look better together than three perfectly matched accessories. Those subtle variations in tone and texture give a neutral outfit much more depth.
How to Make a Trench Coat Look More Current
You don’t need to replace a classic trench every few years to keep it looking modern.
The biggest difference comes from the pieces you wear with it. Try combining your trench with straighter or wider jeans, relaxed tailored trousers, a satin midi skirt or a simple mini rather than relying on one very specific silhouette.
Footwear makes a big difference too. Retro trainers, streamlined loafers, ballet flats, slingbacks and sleek knee-high boots all give a traditional trench a more current feel.
Colour is another easy update. Chocolate brown, burgundy, olive, navy and softer blue shades all work beautifully alongside the traditional beige trench and give a neutral wardrobe more personality without making it difficult to mix and match.
The Easy Trench Coat Outfit Formula
Looking across all 19 outfits, there’s a simple formula running through most of them:
Trench coat + simple base + one interesting colour, texture or accessory.
That might be:
Beige trench + grey knit + jeans + trainers
Olive trench + taupe top + black jeans + blue suede bag
Beige trench + chocolate knit + burgundy trousers + ballet flats
or
Black trench + burgundy dress + knee-high boots.
You don’t need every element of an outfit to be interesting.
In fact, I think outfits often look more expensive when most of the pieces are fairly simple, and one or two details do the work.
Which Colour Trench Coat Should You Buy?
If you don’t already own one, I’d still choose beige, camel or stone first.
It’s the easiest option to style with blue denim, black, brown, navy, burgundy, olive and cream, and you’ll be able to wear it during spring as well as fall.
If you already own a classic beige trench and genuinely wear it regularly, that’s when I’d consider another colour.
A chocolate brown trench feels particularly autumnal and works beautifully with denim, cream, tan and muted greens.
An olive trench is surprisingly versatile if you wear lots of black, denim and earthy neutrals.
A black trench is a good option if your wardrobe is more minimal or you regularly need something that can transition between work and evening outfits.
And a checked trench is worth considering if most of the clothes underneath your coats tend to be plain.
I wouldn’t buy several trench coats simply because they’re trending, though. One really good neutral trench that works with ten different outfits will earn its place in your wardrobe far more than several statement coats you rarely reach for.
The biggest takeaway from these outfits isn’t that you need 19 different ways to dress.
It’s almost the opposite.
A good trench coat works because you can throw it over clothes you already wear and immediately make them feel more finished.
Wear it with leggings and trainers for the school run. Add it to jeans and a T-shirt for an easy casual fall outfit. Pair it with tailored trousers for work or throw it over a dress and knee-high boots when you want something smarter.
If you’re starting with one trench, I’d choose a classic neutral shade that works with the wardrobe you already own. From there, experiment with chocolate brown, burgundy, olive, navy and softer colours through your clothes and accessories.
And rather than trying to recreate all of these looks exactly, save the outfit formulas that fit your lifestyle.
That’s ultimately much more useful than owning a wardrobe full of individual outfits that only work one way.
And if you’re giving the rest of your wardrobe a seasonal update too, these fall nail colours are an easy way to bring some autumn colour into your everyday look.
For more fall outerwear ideas, check out these barn jacket outfit ideas!
