A Complete Guide to the Best Trench Coats to Shop Now and Wear Forever (2024)

A classic, beige trench coat is a wardrobe staple that will never go out of style. Not only are the best trench coats for women a quintessential component of a minimalist’s capsule wardrobe, they’re also an item you can wear and hold onto forever. Thanks to their timeless details and neutral color palette, the best trench coats can do no wrong. They are hardworking outerwear pieces that can transition through the seasons with ease, working for a variety of climates and weather changes (impromptu rain showers, for one!).

The trench is a coat that has been relied on for decades. In 1879, Thomas Burberry invented gabardine, the weather-proofed, cotton textile the coats were infamously constructed from, making fashion history. Technically, he was outfitting the military, not the style set at the time, but over the years, the coats have become a stylish staple, featured in many Hollywood films—such as Audrey Hepburn in Breakfast at Tiffany’s to Meryl Streep in Kramer vs. Kramer—and pop culture moments, eventually making the trench coat a bonafide fashion item.

Vogue’s Guide to Must-Have Trench Coats:

• The Investment Classic: Burberry long Kensington heritage trench coat, $2,950
• The Perfect Mac: Everlane the Mac coat, $178
• The Caped Crusader: The Row Hellen belted cotton-blend trench coat, $7,250
• The Cropped and Cool: Cos short twill trench coat, $190
• The Modern Leather: Toteme croc-effect leather coat, $3,000
• The Pleated Wonder: Sandro pleated trench coat, $745

Since then, there have been many updated interpretations of the trench coat, making modern day options all the more interesting. The spring/summer 2024 runway collections showed us the endless possibilities. It wasn’t surprising to see the trench take center stage at Burberry—the whole collection was peppered with the heritage, beige staple plus lots of fresh finishes and prints to boot—but the extensive lineup at Christian Dior, with variations that ran the gamut from collarless to cape-detailed, puff sleeves, and more, was a little more unexpected.

Of course, you can always keep things classic with traditional styles—simple, belted options or button-front, Mac coats are always on-trend—but brands such as Khaite and The Row have proven that experimentation with color, fabrics, and silhouettes can result in some seriously chic attire, as well. Below, find our ultimate edit of the best trench coats for women, featuring every style imaginable.

Traditional Trench

When it comes to a heritage coat, it’s hard to miss. These beige, double-breasted, belted, and collared styles are as timeless as ever and are a staple when it comes to outerwear. And there is one at every budget. These are the investment trenches you will cherish for years to come.

Stylish Signatures

In addition to the foundational elements that make a trench a trench, these modern interpretations of the beige coat include updated details like two-tone paneling, sharp knife pleating, and modern twists. They are sure to liven up the darkest of rainy days.

Capes and Collars

What were once trend-driven styles reserved for the runway, collared trenches and cape silhouettes have now become stylish must-haves for today’s minimalist. Offering a refined take on the “scoat,” these draped silhouettes add a dramatic focal point that feels entirely modern.

Made for Matrix

When made from leather, whether it be real or faux, the trench coat transforms from its heritage roots to downright, downtown cool. These ultra-luxe looks are loved by supermodels and fashion girls alike, with the right amount of edge to keep things from feeling too boring.

Quintessential Coats

Because of their water-resistant fabrication, trench coats are a common style choice for spring’s rainy days. This selection of single-breasted silhouettes is similar to that of a Mac coat, streamlined with no extra bells and whistles. They are simply renowned for a button-front and straight silhouette.

New Neutrals

While it’s mostly the beige, camel, and khaki shades that give the trench coat its signature versatility, dark neutrals color are just as timeless. Navy and chocolate brown would be a good place to start, while one in a gray would certainly diversify your outerwear.

Cropped Coats

By now, you’re familiar with the trench coat, but what about the trench… jacket? Similar to the hemlines of the season’s dresses and skirts, even trench coats are going shorter. There are both cropped styles and standard jacket lengths, in classic cotton and gabardine.