Fashion Experts Are Wearing Trench Coats on Repeat Again—Here's How

Like Breton tops or loafers, gold chains or blue button-downs, trench coats are one of those staple items you automatically reach for this time of year. However, just because these clever items become almost mandatory in your wardrobe doesn't make them exempt from having moments where they seem even more covetable than the month, season or year before. Just because a trench coat isn't new or different or a trend doesn't make it any less important this season. In fact, fashion experts appear to be relishing the effortlessness a plain mac can bring to dressing and are therefore leaning on them once more for easy-but-effective outfit builds.
This year's trench coat wave is one of the best winter coats for layering and it isn't full of gimmicks, restyling or reworked iterations. In the past, we've seen giant blouson sleeves, patchwork detailing, inside-out and upside-down pattern cutting or unusual colours, but in 2021, those who know best are keeping things as classic as can be. We're talking shades of tan in simple waist-cinched silhouettes that hover around the mid-calf and somehow manage to go with literally everything else you own. The only tweak that I can see is that there is a preference for looser fits and a penchant for scrunching sleeves up to the elbow. As proof of this comeback-not-a-comeback, and if you still aren't sure of how to breathe a little new life into your trusty old trench, I dove into the Instagram archives to bring you some perfect outfit ideas that are made all the better by the addition of this one coat. So keep scrolling to see what to wear with a trench coat now.
Shop the look:
Shop the look:
Shop the look:
Shop the look:
Shop the look:
Shop the look:
Shop the look:
Hannah Almassi is the Editor in Chief of Who What Wear UK. She joined in 2015 when she launched the UK sister site following a seven-year tenure at Grazia magazine as fashion news and features editor. With experience in print and digital across fashion and beauty, Hannah has over 18 years of experience as a journalist, editor and content strategist. Her opinion has been sought by the likes of CNBC, BBC, The Sunday Times Style, The Times, The Telegraph and MatchesFashion.com and she is often called upon for her take on trends, becoming known as a person with their finger of the pulse of what’s happening in the fashion space for stylish Brits.
-
In Paris, Stylish Women Prefer This Timeless Trend Over Bombers *and* Blazers
Here are 13 to shop.
By Eliza Huber
-
The 2025 It Girl's Wardrobe: 9 Highly Specific Brands and Buys They're All Wearing
From handbags to jeans to jewelry.
By Anna LaPlaca
-
Jamie Mizrahi's World: The Celeb Stylist's Favorite Red Carpet Look, Most Worth-It Shoe, and Album She Listens to on Repeat
A modern-day style expert.
By Allyson Payer
-
How Everyone Will Be Wearing Their Non–Skinny Jeans This Spring
Here's your outfit inspiration.
By Michelle Scanga
-
Suddenly, Women With The Row Style Are Breaking This Fashion Rule
You should too.
By Nikki Chwatt
-
Warning: You'll Regret Not Buying This 2025 Alternative If You Get a Basic Trench Instead
Guaranteed.
By Eliza Huber
-
I Want to Build a New Wardrobe—30 Incredibly Elegant Pieces I'm Eyeing From the Nordstrom Winter Sale
Bring on the chic outfits.
By Jennifer Camp Forbes
-
I'm a Professional Shopper—These Are the 3 Best Categories From the Nordstrom Winter Sale
These chic pieces are selling out fast.
By Jennifer Camp Forbes