The 35 best trench coats for your fall wardrobe, according to top stylists

If sustainable fashion is important to you, professional stylist Talia Bella recommends the Urban Renewal line from Urban Outfitters. “The entire line is designed with vintage fabrics and silhouettes,” she says, which makes each piece one of a kind. This boxy trench is available in two sizes and makes a great addition for throwing over chunkier fall sweaters or other layers.

For those deceivingly chilly mornings that turn into sunny, warm afternoons, you can trust that this cotton trench coat from Calvin Klein will keep your body temperature regulated through whatever weather is thrown at you. The oversized, casual fit gives you the option to expertly layer, while the longer length and waist tie will keep you shielded through the ever-changing seasonal elements, like rain in the spring and wind in the fall.

This Gap trench is simple, but, as its name implies, still gives you everything you need to nail that iconic trench look. Size down for a classic fit or rock the relaxed oversized look if you want a coat that hits closer to your shins.

"Trench coats are a classic; however, they’ve had a resurgence in recent years," says stylist Hallie Abrams. "The newest trench iteration for 2024 is the cropped trench. It pairs nicely with the wider-leg pants we’ve been seeing lately." And this short cropped trench can be yours for just $40, making it a perfect affordable layering piece for your fall closet. 

Underscored fashion and beauty editor Sophie Shaw is a major fan of this affordable Asos coat, and says she receives compliments every time she wears it. “It’s nice and oversized, so it’s good for layering,” she says. To offset the casual nature of the loose design, it also features sharp details like notched lapels, button closure and a sleek tie waist. 

Ranked number one on Amazon’s bestseller list, this inexpensive pick ticks off all the boxes to look for in a solid trench coat: It’s water-resistant, anti-wrinkle and constructed with tear-proof lining; includes an adjustable belt; and comes with a detachable hood. As a bonus, it’s also offered in a myriad of colors ranging from traditional beige to fun options like hot pink and mint.

Trench coats aren’t just great for the transitional weather; some designs — like this one from Allegra K — are superb for the colder months. The elegant black trench is made from a thicker faux suede fabric to keep you toasty when the temperatures dip. Style-wise, it features a more fitted silhouette and the adjustable belt will beautifully accentuate your waist.

Antonio has a full checklist when it comes to shopping for trench coats: “I look for durability — the material should be water-resistant and made from natural fibers like wool, cotton or cashmere; longer lengths — something below the knee or just right by ankle — because it looks more polished and keeps legs warm; and a belt is also key, whether tie or buckle, to cinch the waist.” This Banana Republic Factory design ticks every box and will quickly become a wardrobe cornerstone.

If you're always after that athleisure aesthetic, this Adidas twill coat is a fun play on a classic trench. It has all the elements that make it a definitive trench design, but also includes Adidas' signature three-stripe pattern down the sleeve and is made from recycled materials that will have you nailing that easy-breezy, laid-back look.

Neutral colors aren’t everyone’s forté, so if you want your trench to pop a bit more, consider this blue striped trench from Swedish fashion brand Na-kd. With the classic trench cut in a slightly oversized fit, this coat will give the perfect pop to your all-black office outfits or your casual weekend jeans and tees.

You’ll never question what coat to wear for a night out on the town when you have this faux leather stunner in your closet. Equal parts sleek and edgy, the soft material closely resembles real leather (but it’s machine-washable!) and the longer length will perfectly complement your favorite fall knee-high boots. Although the garment has minimal stretch, it will conform to your body, and the waist-cinching belt will help create shape for your figure.

Available in gray, brown and green, this Abercrombie & Fitch coat is a great choice if you're looking to make your first foray into trenches. Made of wind- and water-resistant nylon, it'll keep you protected from light showers and strong gusts, while still retaining all the chic details you want to nail that classic trench silhouette, all for under $200.

Who says trenches always have to be long? "I love having a cropped trench as more of a third layer than actual outerwear," says stylist Dacy Gillespie. "It’s so easy to throw on with jeans and a tee or all black and look completely polished. This one from Michael Kors comes in straight and plus sizes."

Gillespie says this Lands' End trench is practical for city dwellers who are out in the elements since it’s water-resistant. It's also got a ton of the classic trench coat elements: double-breasted with a waist tie and full stand collar, plus you can shop it in regular, plus and petite sizes.

If you're all about function over fashion, this Eddie Bauer coat will still get you that trench silhouette while keeping you dry no matter the elements. "[This] trench coat has StormRepel DWR finish which sheds moisture, keeping you completely dry and protected from the wind," says Gillespie, who also points out that you can shop it in petite, tall, regular and plus sizes.

"This trench is ideal for everyday wear as the weather shifts," says personal stylist Alex Lamb. "Its sleek, classic design combined with the water-repellent fabric makes it a perfect layering piece for crisp days." Lamb adds that while black might not be the default color when it comes to trenches, it can give you great versatility as you transition outfits from day to night.

Neutral colors aren’t everyone’s thing, so if you want your trench to pop, this Sam Edelman design comes in a range of hues beyond traditional khaki. Take your pick between toned-down feather gray or navy, or go bold in blush or orange poppy. Structurally, the coat is as classic as it gets, with a front button closure, belted waist, storm shield and double-breasted lapels.

London Fog crafts some of the best outerwear in the fashion industry, and its trench coats are the pièce de résistance of all its creations, seamlessly fusing style with functionality. This one is about as classic as they come. It's fully waterproof (making for a chic rain jacket) and the removable hood is a much-appreciated detail for those dreary weather days.

Available in brown, khaki and slate blue shades, this trench is outfitted for those days when you're in need of a bit more protection from the elements. "The removable hooded dickey on this trench gives it practicality and style, perfect for a windy day rain or shine," says Christy Beddingfield, a Nordstrom stylist based in Atlanta's Perimeter Mall. "For fall styling, add a classic white button-down, brown plaid wool pant, and a chocolate pump."

Crisp, clean and structured trench coats rule the trends, though there’s something so appealing about this pick from Madewell made from drapey twill. Maybe it's the lightweight linen blend that's sure to create beautiful movement when worn open, or maybe it's the simple details like minimal buttons, cuffable sleeves and sleek waist tie. Regardless, this is one of those coats you’ll find yourself reaching for constantly as the finishing touch to any outfit.

"This trench from Universal Standard is designed without a waist tie to give you that perfect open A-line shape all the time," says Gillespie. "The quality is high and the fabric holds its shape because it’s a poplin fabric instead of something more draped." Gillespie adds that Universal Standard is one of their favorite brands, since there are lot of inclusive options with sizes ranging from 00 to 40.

If you want all the features of a classic trench with the functionality of a lightweight raincoat, this Bernardo coat could be the one for you. "Trade in your shapeless rain jacket for this chic option in black or the rich brown hue," says Beddingfield. "For fall styling, layer this tailored piece over an oversized button-down half-tucked with relaxed-fit denim and loafers."

Made of faux, UnReal leather, this Aritzia trench looks like it came straight off a fall fashion runway. "An excellent alternative to a classic black trench, the mocha coat offers a dash of color," says celebrity stylist and TV personality Cindy Conroy. "Slightly louder than gray and navy hues, it’s the best of both worlds."

Who says your "headed to the gym" fit can't also be fashion-forward? Made from a mix of nylon and lycra, this Athleta trench will be your go-to workout jacket come fall and spring. Smooth and slightly stretchy, this coat still has all the classic structure you want, plus it's wrinkle-resistant so you can pack it down in your gym or yoga bag.

"For a more classic trench style, I love this belted option to give you the look of a defined waist," says Lamb. "Its polished and effortless aesthetic makes for a timeless piece that you can wear over and over again." Lamb recommends styling this coat over a dress for work or throwing it on with a pair of jeans for easy weekend wear.

"The details on this trench are what make it special, from the rich sand color and tortoiseshell buttons to the waist-cinching belt placement," says Beddingfield. "For fall styling, recreate the model’s look by pairing this trench with a white tee, black high-waist trouser, and Sambas."

This Boden coat is business in the front and party in the back with color-blocked black and red panels, plus a cheeky Union Jack patterned lining. With all the accoutrements of a classic trench, this coat is the ideal balance of posh and playful.

"As if the contrast stitching wasn’t enough, this trench is perfect for summer nights that fade into autumn," says Conroy. "The 100% recycled trench is good for your wallet and the planet. I’m obsessed." You can grab this trench in deep navy or more spring-forward colors like retro blue and pale wheat yellow.

The fellas deserve some trench options too. Nashville-based stylist, Bentley Caldwell calls this no-frills trench an absolute workhorse. Adding that it's a simple, classic, well-made piece, Caldwell describes this coat as "perfect for the guy who just wants the meat and potatoes. No gravy." 

Although trench coats are a foundational wardrobe piece, there are options that boast a more high-fashion aesthetic, like this one from Aligne. The relaxed fit has immense street style appeal and the jacket is reversible so you can rock the khaki waxed side for daily wear or the printed heritage check side when you want a pattern. Plus, the collar and cuff details give a luxe touch to an otherwise simple look. Try pairing this with a crisp button-down, dark-wash jeans and loafers for a super-chic, professional look.

Loving the simplicity of this Sézane trench, Lamb already ordered this coat to add to her fall wardrobe."The checkered lining adds a unique touch, and it’s effortless to style over a pair of jeans and your favorite white tee for a quick, go-to outfit," she says. "For another easy fall look, try layering it over an all-black monochromatic outfit."

For the slightly warmer days when you want something a bit more elegant than your standard jean jacket, Bella recommends this denim trench coat. “This can certainly be worn year round,” she says. Also, because denim never goes out of style, she thinks it will serve as a closet staple for years. The longer length especially makes it ideal for transitional fits — pair it with your favorite tall boots, and don’t be afraid to layer denim on denim. Wearing jeans or a denim skirt underneath will make for the chicest Canadian tuxedo you’ve ever worn.

Caldwell loves this jacket from the Alabama-based brand Billy Reid. "The hood and the waxed Halley Stevensons cotton give this jacket a rugged look," says Caldwell. "But tuck the hood into its zipper compartment and it's elevated and roomy enough to wear over a nice tailored outfit."

Out of every designer, Burberry has a true knack for trench coats. While they're certainly an investment, you’re guaranteed the utmost quality with each of the designs. Featuring Burberry's iconic check lining, this splurge pick will keep you shielded from showers and will never go out of style.

For a slightly shorter option, Burberry's iconic Kensington silhouette is about as classic as it gets, staying true to the structure and details found in the original coats worn on the front lines. Made of 100% water-resistant cotton, the slim-fitting jacket hits just above the knees, and with proper care, this piece will last a lifetime.