Warning: You'll Regret Not Buying This 2025 Alternative If You Get a Basic Trench Instead

There's nothing wrong with a basic trench coat. I wear mine all the time. But if you're just now realizing that a trench is something your closet could benefit from or think yours is in need of an update, I hope you stop and consider all your options. Sure, you could buy any old trench coat, but a better idea, in my opinion, would be to buy a suede version. Everyone in fashion is doing it, even Emily Ratajkowski. A suede trench coat is warm, elegant, and luxurious—a triple threat to the outerwear world in 2025.

The model was spotted outside of the Coach show during New York Fashion Week wearing a tobacco-colored suede trench coat belted at the waist. It was knee-length, making it a perfect partner for her knee-high suede boots. She accessorized with a black patent-leather shoulder bag and matching sunglasses.

Emily Ratajkowski is seen arriving to the Coach fashion show during New York Fashion Week on February 10, 2025 in New York City.

(Image credit: Gilbert Carrasquillo/GC Images/Getty Images)

On Emily Ratajkowski: Coach Heritage C Plaque Suede Trench Coat ($1800) and Raquel Boot ($210)

Ratajkowski's look had a retro, almost '70s look to it, but suede trench coats won't always make you reminisce about past eras. In fact, a lot of fashion people have been styling theirs in very 2025 ways—with relaxed white denim for a bit of contrast and with brown leather accessories for a monochromatic look. The best part? Unlike what we always see in movies, a standard trench coat can't really be worn as a dress. A suede trench coat is far more substantial, though, making it a great all-in-one purchase.

@nlmarilyn wearing a black hat, brown suede trench, black pants, and black pumps.

(Image credit: @nlmarilyn)

Elsa Hosk wearing a brown Helsa suede trench coat with a black bag and gloves.

(Image credit: @hoskelsa)

Liv Perez wearing a Madewell x Alexa Chung trench coat with a black top and white jeans.

(Image credit: @livvperez)

Have I convinced you yet to buy a suede trench coat instead of a basic one? If so, scroll down to find the one that's right for your wardrobe.

Shop suede trench coats:

Senior Fashion Editor

Eliza Huber is an NYC-based senior fashion editor who specializes in trend reporting, brand discovery, and the intersection of sports and fashion. She joined Who What Wear in 2021 from Refinery29, the job she took after graduating with a business degree from the University of Iowa. She's launched two columns, Let's Get a Room and Ways to Wear; profiled Dakota Fanning, Diane Kruger, Katie Holmes, Gracie Abrams, and Sabrina Carpenter; and reported on everything from the relationship between Formula One and fashion to the top runway trends each season. Eliza lives on the Upper West Side and spends her free time researching F1 fashion imagery for her side Instagram accounts @thepinnacleoffashion and @f1paddockfits, watching WNBA games, and scouring The RealReal for discounted Prada.