This "Boring" Autumn Staple Is Now the Chicest Thing You Can Wear

My favourite time to get dressed is autumn. I love that period where it’s cool enough to reinstate layering, but it’s not yet double-sock cold. I love when dresses can be worn with bare legs and boots, and It knits can be tucked into jeans and finished with ballet pumps. This season is my sartorial sweet spot, and I plan on making the most of it.
As such, now is the optimum time to wear a trench coat. We all know the British wardrobe staple doesn’t hold up well in the depths of winter when the chill will go straight to your bones. Right now, though (and up until early November), it makes for the perfect cover-up. With its ability to also drape beautifully over attire, it’s little wonder the humble trench coat has a place in every fashion girl’s heart.
But even the most classic staple can use a seasonal refresh, which is why we’ve assembled an inspiring selection of influencers, each of whom is showcasing new ways to wear the trench. Keep scrolling for the chicest trench coat outfit ideas to try this year.
We’ve been eyeing up this JW Anderson check-trimmed trench ever since we saw it at London Fashion Week back in February. We love how Scandi style queen Jeanette wears hers with teal culottes and a button-up blouse for extra polish.
Turns out that trenches look just as chic layered over dresses as they do worn with strides. Make like Karina and finish your ensemble with tonal accessories for an expensive twist.
Make your trench work even harder by investing in one with a bright hue. Wear it with top-to-toe neutrals like Monikh for an incredibly sleek approach. Then counteract it with a pair of clunky worker boots.
This post was originally published at an earlier time and has since been updated.
Next up, our shopping editor just found the best autumn jacket from H&M, and it’s only £40.
Opening image: @slipintostyle
Maxine Eggenberger is Who What Wear UK’s Deputy Editor and has over fourteen years of experience in fashion journalism. She been creating engaging and authoritative content for Who What Wear UK since 2018, covering runway reports, emerging trends, long-form features, talent interviews self-styled shopping stories and columns, including her edit of the best new-in buys. She ensures the highest editorial standards are met across the site, leads the editorial team in their search and keyword planning, works closely with the fashion and beauty team on strategy and continues to pen many of her own articles. Prior to Who What Wear UK, Maxine's contributed to publications including Grazia, InStyle Marie Claire, Elle and Look, amongst others.
-
Simone Ashley Is in the Fast Lane
Since her breakout role in Bridgerton, our Spring Issue cover star has quickly risen to A-list status. Up next, she masters the rom-com leading lady.
By Liv Little
-
The Spring 2025 Shopping Guide: Where to Buy the Biggest Trends of the Season
Your short list of the season's key buys.
By Kristen Nichols
-
5 Chic Outfits From Parisians and New Yorkers That Are On-Trend for Spring
Next-level looks.
By Bobby Schuessler
-
I Styled 5 Chic Nordstrom Outfits for Under $400 to Wear This Spring
Elevated ensembles.
By Bobby Schuessler
-
These Are the 7 Stylish Shoe Trends Fashion People Will Be Wearing With Jeans This Spring
I see chic denim outfits in your future.
By Jennifer Camp Forbes
-
The Chicest European Women Have Convinced Me to Try This Effortless Accessory
Simple yet so chic.
By Jennifer Camp Forbes
-
So You've Heard Skinny Jeans Are Back—Here Are 6 Elevated Ways to Wear a Pair in 2025
Bring on the compliments.
By Jennifer Camp Forbes
-
Every Time I Go to L.A., I See Fashion Girls Wearing This Flat-Shoe Outfit to Dinner
Call it casual elegance.
By Allyson Payer
-
Espresso Martini: The Rich-Looking Color That's Already Everywhere
"That's that me espresso."
By Jasmine Fox-Suliaman
-
7 Anti-Trend Outfits I Always Spot on the Busiest People in Paris and New York
Perpetually in style.
By Natalie Cantell