How to Style a Trench Coat Like French Women

ByIngrid Leo Updated on

The trench coat is a timeless classic and can be both stylish and practical. In this article, we selected trench coats of different cuts and colors and created outfits with each of them.

We will discuss the key aspects to consider when selecting a trench coat, how it can be styled with items already in your closet, and why accessories are an integral part of completing the perfect look.

Learning how to style a trench coat will help you to look put together no matter the occasion.

How to create outfits with a short trench coat?

An elegant spring look

For a visually elongated silhouette style a shorter trench coat with high-waisted wide-leg pants and pointed-toe heels.

In this outfit, we chose two monochrome light elements – a neutral trench coat and white pants – and a flower-decorated blouse to add visual interest.

For a contrast with the rest of your look, try opting for a handbag in darker shades such as burgundy or violet – like those seen on the blouse.

  1. Alexander McQueen: Belted Cotton-Gabardine Neutral Trench Coat
  2. Alice + Olivia: Jeannie Bow-Detailed Printed Cotton and Silk-Blend Top
  3. Valentino: Silk-Crepe Wide-Leg White Pants (Similar)

Pink outfit with a trench coat

The second outfit is playful and illustrates an example of how a classic trench coat adds elegance to the silhouette. Again, high-waisted pants visually lengthen the proportions of the body.

Complete your look with a dark brown handbag and shoes. This color contrasts with the green lettering of the sweater and repeats the shade of the buttons seen on the trench coat.

  1. Alexander McQueen: Belted Cotton-Gabardine Neutral Trench Coat
  2. Gucci: Wool-Jacquard Pink Sweater
  3. Alexander McQueen: Wool Wide-Leg Pink Pants

How to style a Thomas Burberry trench coat?

A classical look with a trench coat

The color of the trench coat is one of its most important features. This particular coat, with a soft light brown hue, is one of our favorites because it compliments an array of skin and hair tones. The collar presents not just the timeless Burberry design, but also what clothing elements and hues would create a harmonious ensemble.

We chose a crisp white shirt and paired it with checkered gray culottes. The handbag and shoes could be both dark brown and black. For a timeless Audrey Hepburn-inspired look, accessorize your hair with a silk scarf and classic black sunglasses. Or for an effortless Parisian style, wear red lipstick.

  1. Burberry: Belted Checked Cotton-Gabardine Light Brown Trench Coat
  2. Alaïa: Cotton-Poplin White Shirt
  3. Huishan Zhang: Martina Tweed Gray Culottes

A trench coat with a burgundy skirt

To demonstrate a blend of various materials and shades, we combined light brown cotton gabardine with ivory knit and burgundy leather.

This medium-length trench coat is versatile, as it can be combined with both knitted dresses and skirts. This style would go well with boots – from ankle to knee-high boots.

  1. Burberry: Belted Checked Cotton-Gabardine Light Brown Trench Coat
  2. Khaite: Kleon Stretch-Knit Ivory Top
  3. Cefinn: Tiana Burgundy Leather Midi Skirt (Similar)

Peachy trench coat

This peachy hue is one of the rarest colors you will find. We created an outfit by pairing it with navy high-waist wide-leg pants and a simple white shirt for an elegant base.

To finish the look, complete your ensemble with a light blue handbag and heeled pumps.

  1. Burberry: Belted Double-Breasted Cotton-Gabardine Beige Trench Coat
  2. Alaïa: Cotton-Poplin White Shirt
  3. Interior: The Vanguard Proportion Pleated Cotton and Wool-Blend Wide-Leg Navy Pants

A casual look with straight-leg jeans a trench coat

For the combination of style and comfort, we paired a timeless trench coat with jeans and added a multicolored sweater. Complement your ensemble with a handbag that includes the colors of the sweater. Opt for white sneakers.

  1. Burberry: Belted Double-Breasted Cotton-Gabardine Beige Trench Coat
  2. Missoni: Crochet-Knit Wool Turtleneck Sweater
  3. The Row: Eglitta Boyfriend Light Blue Jeans

How to create an outfit with a checked trench coat?

Tailored trench coat

Aside from the classic trench coats, the checked fabric is another stylish option to consider. Take a closer look at the details of its cuffs and belt as well as its unique cut on the back. Often these type of trench coats is embellished with golden details.

How to style a trench coat in checked fabric? We chose an ivory wool sweater and light-blue wide-leg pants to provide a pastel foundation. For additional appeal, contrast the brown trench coat with pieces like a dark green handbag or silk scarf to create visual interest.

  1. A.W.A.K.E. Mode: Belted Double-Breasted Checked Cotton-Blend Brown Trench Coat
  2. Nili Lotan: Artemis Pointelle-Knit Ivory Wool Sweater
  3. Khaite: Strannly Wool-Blend Wide-Leg Light Blue Pants

How to style a yellow trench coat?

Creating a color block

This long trench coat stands out for its oversized fit and yellow color. We created a color block with a dark green cardigan and a burgundy skirt. Different fabrics create visual appeal.

Complete your look with a neutral-colored handbag and black boots.

  1. By Malene Birger: Alanis Oversized Double-Breasted Organic Cotton-Blend Twill Yellow Trench Coat
  2. Proenza Schouler White Laber: Ribbed-Knit Dark Green Cardigan
  3. Cefinn: Tiana Burgundy Leather Midi Skirt (Similar)

How to create outfits with a classic beige trench coat?

A trench coat with a sweater dress

This trench coat combines a classic beige color and a modern silhouette. We paired it with a tan sweater dress and burgundy leather knee boots. A shirt dress could be an alternative.

To complete the ensemble, opt for a timeless black leather handbag.

  1. Partow: Mason Cutout Cotton-Twill Beige Trench Coat
  2. By Malene Birger: Favine Knitted Tan Midi Dress (Similar)
  3. Paris Texas: Croc-Effect Burgundy Leather Knee Boots

A style of French women

We created an outfit with a white shirt and wool flared pants and finished it off with a trench coat. To add elegance, choose a black handbag and high heels. For a touch of French sophistication, choose a red silk scarf or red lipstick.

  1. Partow: Mason Cutout Cotton-Twill Beige Trench Coat
  2. Alaïa: Cotton-Poplin White Shirt
  3. ChIoé: Wool Blend Flared Brown Pants (Similar)

An outfit for a special occasion

For the special occasion, we created an ensemble of a sequined sleeveless blouse and pencil skirt. To add definition, we added a beige trench coat.

Complete the look with neutral-colored pumps and a small gold handbag for sophisticated elegance.

  1. Partow: Mason Cutout Cotton-Twill Beige Trench Coat
  2. Carolina Herrera: Embellished Tulle Black Top (Similar)
  3. 16Arlington: Haile Sequined Tulle Lavender Midi Skirt

Conclusion

In this article, we have learned how to style a trench coat. From a classic beige trench coat to an oversized yellow piece, you can create different looks for every occasion.

When selecting a trench coat, pay attention to the fabric, color, cut, and length of the coat. A gabardine coat will create a sharp and elegant look, while a twill coat is more casual. The most timeless colors are beige and light brown or green. The most versatile is the midi-length trench coat.

Combine the trench coat with pieces of complementary colors and fabrics. Finally, choose accessories that can contrast the colors of the trench coat while still maintaining a cohesive ensemble.

Featured image by Aleksey Danilov.

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