Our Style Director's Guide to Wearing Your Trench

There’s nothing quite like the trench coat. Thomas Burberry created the style during World War I for British soldiers, and it’s certainly come a long way from its origins. But aside from its fascinating history, what makes the trench so special to me is its versatility. No matter your style type—bohemian, classic, feminine—there’s always a way to rotate a trench into your look, and usually with pretty flattering results.

So when I came across Everlane’s version (it’s so good guys), I decided to assemble a quick-and-easy guide to making the most out of this wardrobe staple. Scroll down for four looks you can wear now, and if you like them you can shop them, too!

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#1
(Image credit: Jenna Peffley)

Nothing brings me greater joy than pairing a Breton striped shirt with blue jeans. The classic combination is effortless and polished, and when paired with a trench it gives off major French vibes. 

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(Image credit: Jenna Peffley)

To make it feel a little different, I scrunched up the sleeves and accessorized the look with of-the-moment glove heels.

What I'm Wearing: Everlane Trench Coat ($175); Kule Classic Shirt ($118); Levi's jeans; COS heels.

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#2
(Image credit: Jenna Peffley)

As temperatures drop, layering becomes a necessity. Unfortunately, the slimmer sleeves on trench coats don’t lend themselves to multiple outerwear pieces, so my workaround is the leather moto vest. I paired the two with a crewneck sweater and my favorite culottes and pumps for an easy, office-appropriate look.

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(Image credit: Jenna Peffley)

A leather moto vest transitions seamlessly from day to night, too!

What I'm Wearing: Everlane Trench Coat ($175); Veda vest and sweater; Cos pants; Marc Fisher LTD Tammy D'orsay Pointy Toe Pumps ($160).

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#3
(Image credit: Jenna Peffley)

One of my favorite street style trends as of late is the white tee upgrade. I love seeing this simple piece styled under splashy dresses and jackets, which is why I decided to test out the look with my ruffled slip dress.

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(Image credit: Jenna Peffley)

I draped the trench coat over my shoulders to give it more of an elevated feel, and accessorized with a pair of loafers for a masculine-meets-feminine finish.

What I'm Wearing: Everlane Trench Coat ($175) and Modern Loafers; Toit Volant Flore Dress ($158); Babaton Scout T-Shirt ($40).

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#4
(Image credit: Jenna Peffley)

Just because the weather calls for a trench coat doesn’t mean your outfit has to look gloomy. I tucked a striped turtleneck into a white A-line mini skirt and layered in a fitted denim jacket, creating an outfit that I’d wear on a date, out to brunch, and beyond. I accessorized with a pair of fishnet tights and Chelsea boots for a touch of edge.

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(Image credit: Jenna Peffley)

Leave all but one button undone for a dynamic layered look.

What I'm Wearing: Everlane Trench Coat ($175); Earl Jean jacket; Massimo Dutti Ribbed Sweater ($90); Zara skirt; Wolford Twenties Fishnet Tights ($48); Dune London Parrys Chelsea Boots ($149).

Shop the story!

Would you test out any of these looks? How do you style your trench coat? I want to know! Leave your thoughts in the comments.

Nicole Kliest
Freelance Contributor

Nicole Kliest is a freelance writer and editor based in New York City who focuses on fashion, travel, food, wine, and pretty much anything else that's amusing to write about. After graduating from Pepperdine University with a bachelor's in journalism and creative writing, she started her career back in 2010 as Who What Wear's photo editor and throughout the last decade has contributed to publications including Fashionista, Harper's Bazaar, Elle, The Zoe Report, PopSugar, Fodor's Travel, and several others. She also copywrites and has worked with clients such as Frame, Sea, 3x1, Intelligentsia, and others to develop brand voices through storytelling and creative marketing. She's very passionate about the ways we can improve our sustainability efforts in the fashion industry as well as cultivating content that's diverse and inclusive of all people. When she's not checking out the latest restaurant opening in her West Village neighborhood or riding her bicycle along the West Side Highway, she can be found scheming her next trip somewhere around the world. (Up next is Vienna.)