The Best Trench Coats For Fall

If in doubt, it’s always a good idea to start with the classics and no one does trench coats better than Burberry. The British heritage brand has been crafting them for more than a century – 170 years, to be precise – a feat that will be celebrated in a new exhibition at the Victoria and Albert Museum in London at the end of the month. Cut from cotton gabardine in a double-breasted shape with all the signature details, including buttoned epaulettes and a waist-cinching belt, this ‘Kensington’ style is the ultimate investment piece. Layer it over everything from tailoring and double denim to midi dresses. Although traditionally beige, trenches in navy, dark brown and olive green are just as timeless – look to Studio Nicholson and The Row for the sleekest options. When it comes to styling, echo fashion editors like Eva Chen by draping a printed scarf over your shoulders or use it to cinch your waist instead of a belt.

When we think of trench coats, styles that hit somewhere below the knee are usually the first that spring to mind, especially in the fall, but that’s not the case this season – shorter versions were seen on the runways at Ralph Lauren Collection, JW Anderson and Burberry, as well as on the front row, with showgoers making them the focal point of their fashion-week looks. One of our top picks is Max Mara’s double-breasted style, which comes in an elegant taupe shade and looks ultra chic layered over a pinstriped shirt in place of a blazer and a pair of tailored trousers or a silk skirt. Perfect for work, weekend and evening, Veronica de Piante’s ‘Charlotte’ trench is cut from glossy snake-effect leather that feels both on-trend and timeless.

Arguably the coolest trench coat to wear right now is one crafted from leather and few do it better than Parisian brand Nour Hammour. The brand’s ‘Camden’ style – a highlight from our NET SUSTAIN edit – is responsibly crafted from butter-soft black leather that only gets better with age. It comes in a minimal ’90s shape, complete with face-framing lapels and a belt to cinch your waist. Take cues from showgoers at Fashion Week by styling yours with red tights and heels. Magda Butrym’s version in brown textured leather is another highlight and looks so good paired with light-wash denim.