Style Tips: 5 ways to style a trench coat

When it comes to dressing for the ‘four seasons in one day’ weather that the days between seasons bring, few pieces fit the brief more perfectly than a timeless trench. Our fashion expert and team stylist, Chloe, shares her top tips on getting that effortless “oh I just threw this on” outfit, using everyone’s favourite: the trench coat.

Top five ways to style a trench coat

A classic trench coat is a style staple every closet needs. It never goes out of date; it carries you seamlessly from winter to spring as well as from summer to autumn; and a trench can be dressed down or up - to take you wherever you need it to take you. Whether yours is a designer icon, a vintage treasure or a high street find, your trench is a little sartorial wonder that ticks the transitional style box, effortlessly.

Photo credit (right): @megan.carole

Simply Does It
Keep the look under your trench coat simple and elevated. Think crisp white jeans and camel knitwear layered over a classic white tee. Then add a pop of colour with your scarf for a chic spring outfit that can take you just about anywhere.

The Perfect Pair
Trench coats and denim are a match made in heaven! Style your classic trench with this season's relaxed fit or wide-legged jeans, your favourite spring sweater, a colour pop trainer and a neutral scarf for a timeless spring look.

There is no sleeker transitional look than a polo + midi-skirt + knee-high boots teamed with a trench. Just add a scarf for that final touch of polish.

Say hello to clever layering by numbers. Steal Social Media’s 2X2 formula. Take two more formal pieces (your trench and a pair of tailored trousers) and pair them with more low key items like a slouchy sweatshirt and your favourite trainers. Perfection.

Whichever way you choose to wear your trench - a scarf is the finishing touch that takes you and your trench from outfit to ‘look’”. Here are Chloe’s top trench and scarf pairing tips.

How to style a scarf with a trench coat

• The classic go-to on days when layering is a must is a blanket scarf. Choose a herringbone, tartan or check, wrapped around and around your neck, for an overall preppy vibe.
• One of my favourite stylists and content creators, Graham St, has a clever hack for chic trench dressing - matching your coat and scarf, exactly. Hannah says: “It’s a super simple hack for women on the go. If your coat is navy, wear a navy scarf. If it is pale blue then wear a pale blue scarf.”
• Dull days need a lift so brighten up your classic trench look with a colour pop. Even better - choose a trench in a colour pop and layer on even more colour with your scarf.

Need a steer on how to wear your scarf? Check out our Five Ways to Style Your Scarf feature.