The Anti-Trend Spring Jacket That Embodies Elevated French Style

What makes fashion so exciting is how the approach to personal style varies from city to city—the staples and trends beloved by Tokyo’s fashion set are different from those beloved by the Milanese. But no matter where one resides in the world or what’s trending for the season, come springtime, there’s one tried-and-true staple that’s always relevant: trench coats. Long before the trending sound on TikTok became the recanting of a viral Instagram post, the fashion set was already wearing their trench coats "buttoned to the top." Over the centuries, we've seen this jacket's purpose evolve from being a functional coat for men during wartime to the backbone of the capsule wardrobe. Although you can spot anyone sporting this classic coat in cities across the world, there's one specific place we've come to associate with this staple: Paris.

One might assume that this classic outerwear is more of a beloved staple in the streets of London, New York, or even Copenhagen. It's not a wrong assessment; it's just not the whole picture. Unlike other cities, so much of the allure of Parisian fashion can be attributed to the fact that timelessness supersedes any current trends in the eyes of this style set. Therefore, it only makes sense that the trench coat remains the one spring jacket style they'll always wear (despite trending TikTok sounds). Frankly, we get the dedication. Trenches may not be groundbreaking, but the French have always understood that they're one of the most versatile pieces you can purchase for spring. Not only do they come in so many colors, prints, and textures, but with so many varying design elements, they can be styled with anything, worn anywhere, and incorporated into any wardrobe.

Basically, trench coats are the spring staple. However, if you find that the viral TikTok sound has made you doubt whether this has that je ne sais quoi, let us change your mind. Ahead you’ll find 12 spring trench-coat outfit ideas from Parisians (and even other city dwellers), styling tips, and a curation of the best jackets to buy right now. If these ensembles and trenches don’t make you realize that living without this staple is unbearable, nothing will.

Trench-Coat Outfits (on the French Set)

WEAR: Brown Aviator Sunglasses + Tan Trench Coat + Beige Leather Blazer + White T-Shirt + Tan Trousers + Creme Handbag + Beige Ankle Boots

Styling Notes: If you want to glean the most from this wardrobe staple, don’t be afraid to embrace monochrome tones. You can emphasize the tailoring of your trench by styling it with other neutral-hued tailored separates, such as a beige leather blazer, tan pleated trousers, and a formfitting T-shirt. Bonus points if you keep the palette minimal by finishing the look with a beige handbag, matching boots, and brown aviator sunglasses.

WEAR: Black Sunglasses + Gold Hoop Earrings + Trench Coat + White Tank Top + Watch + Straight-Leg Jeans + Two-Tone Crossbody Bag + Black Ballet Flats

Styling Tip: Capes are notoriously seen as the staple piece of heroes, but really, it should be the trench coat. Whenever you’re in a rush to get out of the house, throwing on this jacket with a tank top, straight-leg jeans, and ballet flats will ensure you're serving a look sans extra effort. It is every Parisian's unsung wardrobe hero.

WEAR: Aviator Sunglasses + Hoop Earrings + Tan Funnel-Neck Trench Coat + Turtleneck + Black Leggings + Black Pointed Pumps + Black Handbag

Styling Notes: What's the best thing about trench coats? They make anything feel fancy—see the proof above. Pairing your favorite leggings with pointed pumps, a turtleneck, a clutch bag, and a trench coat is the perfect way to evoke the feeling of rolling out of bed without looking like you did.

WEAR: Tan Cropped Trench Coat + Black Blouse + Black Belt + Black Straight-Leg Jeans + Black T-Strap Pumps

Styling Notes: When in doubt, remember that simple is always better when styling a trench coat. For a night out, pair a cropped trench coat with a black blouse, matching jeans, and black T-strap pumps, and you'll look effortlessly fabulous—that’s the magic of the piece.

WEAR: Black Sunglasses + Gold Earrings + Black Trench Coat + Black Sweaterdress + Black Tights + Black Pointed Pumps + Black Carryall Bag

Styling Notes: Consider this a reminder that trenches don’t have to come in camel and chocolate hues, as black's another classic color beloved by the French set. Nothing replicates that French je ne sais quoi as effortlessly as a black trench coat, especially when you style it with other black pieces.

WEAR: Gold Hoops + Black Leather Trench Coat + Black Turtleneck Sweater + Straight-Leg Jeans + Black Pointed Mules

Styling Notes: The most straightforward way to stay warmer on a chilly spring day is by adding a leather trench coat to your ensemble. We recommend layering it over a black turtleneck sweater, straight-leg jeans, and pointed mules for a cozy yet chic look.

More Trench-Coat Styling Inspiration (From Around the World)

WEAR: Black Sunglasses + Wrap Trench Coat + Black Dress + Black Opaque Tights + Black Pumps + Black Structured Handbag

Styling Notes: A tried-and-true trench pop this spring is to play two things: silhouettes and shades. Don't be afraid to opt for a trench coat with a unique shape, such as a cropped hemline, built-in scarf, or deconstructed elements. Alternatively, choosing an alternative neutral besides tan, olive, or black is a great way to add depth to this piece. Bonus points if you chose a trench coat that does both (as shown above).

WEAR: Black Headband + Black Sunglasses + Gold Earrings + Suede Trench Coat + Black Top + Black Capri Pants + Black Heeled Mules + Black Structured Handbag

Styling Notes: Prefer color over neutrals? Lucky for you, colorful suede trenches aren’t going anywhere anytime soon. Opt for a coat in your favorite bright hue—bonus points if you pair other trend-forward items such as a stretchy headband, gold earrings, black capri pants, and black heeled mules.

WEAR: Black Sunglasses + Funnel-Neck Tan Trench Coat + Slip Dress + Black Bowler Bag + Gray Socks + White Slingback Heels

Styling Notes: Don’t be afraid to transform this "simple" staple into a statement piece. You can achieve that aim in two steps: shopping for a jacket with a unique silhouette and getting creative with your styling. A funnel-neck trench coat can feel even more fabulous when worn as a dress with contrasting gray socks, slingback heels, and a bowler bag.

WEAR: Black Sunglasses + Tan Trench Coat + White T-Shirt + Black V-Neck Sweater + Black Leggings + White Sneakers + Brown Woven Handbag

Styling Notes: Want to get more wear out of the trendy pants you just bought? Opt for a cropped trench coat instead of covering them up with a longer jacket. Finish off your look with a tank top, oversize sunglasses, and cool kicks for a look that will put your favorite new pants front and center.

WEAR: Black Sunglasses + Tan Trench Coat + White Minidress + Black Shoulder Bag + Black Ballet Flats

Styling Notes: Are you looking for a spring outfit idea that perfectly balances layering and showing off a little skin? Enter the ensemble above. Pairing your trench coat with a white minidress, black shoulder bag, and ballet flats is the perfect outfit for a stroll around the garden.

WEAR: Black Sunglasses + Tan Trench Coat + White T-Shirt + Black V-Neck Sweater + Black Leggings + White Sneakers + Black Woven Handbag

Styling Notes: Hopefully, by now, we've proven that this anti-trend spring jacket can make anything look chicer. However, if you need a little more convincing, we recommend referencing the spring trench coat outfit above. With this staple, even something as simple as a black sweater, white T-shirt, black leggings, white sneakers, and woven handbag can be suddenly elevated. It's proof that no matter what zip code you call home, trench coats are a must-have for every closet.