How to Wear a Trench Coat Casually
The humble trench coat is one of the versatile pieces you can possibly own. It's lightweight, layerable, and classic. This timeless wardrobe staple can be worn any time of year, as the trench coat outfits below will fully prove.
We can thank our British friends at Burberry for popularizing the plaid-lined tan trench coat that every fashion lover covets. Like many wardrobe classics, the trench began as a military uniform. But at the turn of the 20th century, the elements of traditional Burberry trench coat began to take shape: khaki color, gabardine fabric, mid-calf length, shoulder epaulettes, storm flaps, waist and wrist buckles, and metal D-ring closures.
Over the past 100 years, their signature outerwear style has secured its place in women's wardrobes everywhere. While British royalty may still style a trench with a dress and heels, we're all for wearing a trench coat casually in 2021.
For inspiration on how to wear a trench coat casually, we've turned to some of our favorite fashion bloggers and Internet style icons. Peep their easily recreate-able looks below.
For a lesson in how to create casual trench coat outfits, we’ve turned to a few of the most fashionable people on the Internet.
Over an Athleisure Set
For a fashion-forward casual look, throw a trench coat over a matching athleisure set. If you don't have a matching workout set, simply pair together a sports bra and leggings of the same color. Black or grey is an easy place to start.
Finish with your favorite pair of sneakers and a coordinating face mask.
With a Matching Sweatsuit
As the weather grows colder, it can feel difficult to style a lightweight trench coat. For a casual winter outfit that's perfect for a 40-something degree day, layer a lightweight trench over a matching sweatsuit. While any color will do, light grey sweatsuits always pair well with tan trenches.
Accessorize liberally with 90s-inspired sunglasses, chain necklaces, sneakers, and a statement bag. To make your fit even cozier on a chilly day, add a chunky knit beanie.
Over a White Tee + Jeans
What pairs better with a classic camel trench coat than more classics? A white tee and Levi's jeans are the perfect starting point for any casual 'fit. Add a lightweight jacket or winter coat, and you've instantly got a finished outfit.
The simple pieces are the perfect blank canvas to play with bold accessories. Accentuate a pair of statement boots or brightly colored sneakers; sport statement earrings or a fun hair accessory; or showcase an eye-catching designer handbag.
Over a Sweatshirt
When it comes to casual outfits, don't overthink it. A cozy oversized sweatshirt and simple bottoms will do just the trick. Your options are endless: solid-colored crewneck, tie-dye Zeitgeist hoodie, or vintage graphic sweatshirt. You name it, you can pair it with a trench coat!
With Biker Shorts
For a casual outfit in-between seasons, style your trench coat with a pair of biker shorts. On top, wear a long sleeve tee or crewneck sweatshirt depending on the weather. Pair with sneakers, tube socks, and a sporty baseball cap.
The key to mixing classic pieces like a trench coat with activewear is sticking to a cohesive color palette. Neutrals or earth tones help to elevate the look and tie everything together.
With Sweatpants + Crop Top
Let's face it, these days sweatpants are the new norm. On your next takeout run, style your trench coat à la Hailey Bieber in this ab-flashing streetwear look. Pairing a trench coat with sweatpants feels unexpected and surprisingly chic.
Again, the key is sticking to minimalist styles and neutral colors that feel intentionally put-together instead of haphazardly thrown on. Use gold jewelry, crisp white sneakers, and a luxe bag to elevate the otherwise casual trench coat outfit.
Over All Black
If you're ever unsure how to style an unworn item in your closet, follow this simple advice. When in doubt, wear all black.
Take it from the French, you can never go wrong starting with an all-black outfit. Whether it's a pair of black yoga pants and a sweatshirt or black jeans and a black tee, you'll automatically look chic. Finish the look with brightly-colored sneakers to keep things casual while adding a pop of color.
As a Dress
Paired with chunky sandals or retro sneakers, a trench coat feels surprisingly casual when worn as a dress. Simply button closed and cinch the belt of an oversized trench, and voila! Wear a ribbed tank and bike shorts underneath just in case.
Over a T-Shirt Dress
If you're in the mood to wear a dress but still want to keep it casual, try this trench coat outfit from Sophia Tuxford. Styled with lug-soled Chelsea boots and a trendy bag, the classic jacket feels perfectly on-trend for Spring 2021. Stick to a slim-cut t-shirt dress to balance out the oversized fit of the coat.
Zeitgeist's sustainable streetwear makes it easy AF to recreate these chic trench coat outfits.
Our signature bleach tie-dyed tees and sweatshirts are stylish, sustainable, and donates 25% of proceeds to a charity in our local community.
Cover image c/o @sofiamcoelho
