Hailey Bieber just stepped out in Los Angeles looking the epitome of French girl chic. A striped breton top, black cigarette pants, point-toe heels and thrown effortlessly on top, a classic beige trench coat. C’est magnifique.
The trench is a necessity in every woman’s wardrobe — light enough to layer, shower-proof for an unpredictable climate (particularly helpful in the UK) and the ability to give the most casual of outfits a smart edge, it certainly ticks a lot of boxes.
Despite the origins of the design dating back to the 1820s, the trench coat is a timeless silhouette that is reimagined and reinterpreted by designers every season. For Autumn/Winter 2025, Balmain opted for oversized leather versions, Burberry for fringed velvet brocade and Balenciaga for classic canvas.
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Basically, there’s a trench to suit everyone’s personal style — scroll down to discover the best ways to wear one for Spring.
Stripes and pointed pumps
Why fix what isn’t broken? This is a tried and tested look that's simple to put together, but with high impact results. A striped top and slim trouser is the French girl's uniform for a reason, forming a base outfit that's easy to dress up or down. Bieber’s trench is an archetypal, button down style that will live in your wardrobe for years to come.
Studio Nicholson
H&M
The Fold London
Saint Laurent
Cropped with a maxi skirt
A cropped trench is a different take on the trend which allows you to show off more of your outfit. Make the most of that with a statement maxi skirt (perfect for spring) and bejewelled loafers with a chunky sock. Tinted aviator sunglasses complement a high collar, for a seriously cool look.
Albaray
Monokel
Shirt, tie and contrast collar
There's no denying that the shirt and tie combo is having a moment. Clash your prints by mixing stripes and leopard print, and finish off with a wide leg suit trouser to show you really mean business. A trench with a contrasting collar and cuffs is a major power move, and the perfect finishing touch to this ensemble.
Toteme
Bottega Veneta
Leather and baggy denim
As we said, a trench has the ability to dress up even the most casual of outfits. A black leather one adds some serious polish and is one you'll reach for time and time again. This butter soft option from Nour Hammour is more than worth the price tag. Pair with baggy skater style jeans and chunky trainers for balance, creating the ultimate high-meets-low look.
Nour Hammour
Diesel
Draped jumper and boots
The draped jumper trend just won't let up. We love how this wearer has layered hers over her double-breasted trench coat, in tonal shades for a seriously stylish look. The burgundy boots add a warmth depth to the overall outfit, topped off by tortoise shell sunglasses. This is how you do transeasonal style.
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Sezane
Saint Laurent Venetia leather knee-high boots
Bottega Veneta
Stripes, ruffles and trainers
Trenches don't always have to look ultra-grown-up. Mixing prints and ruffles textures add a more playful feel, especially when paired with wide-leg denim and trainers. A sage green colour is a different take on the traditional sand colourway, and rolling back the cuffs to expose a patterned lining adds a pop of interest.
Sezane
Agolde
New Balance New Balance
Layer with a blazer
How many jackets is too many jackets? Honestly, the limit does not exist. A black blazer worn underneath a classic stone trench, with a traditional Oxford shirt, is a modern take on traditional office-wear (which is seriously trending right now). Add feminine touches with statement jewellery and a top handle bag, and keep the overall outfit casual with barrel leg denim.
Marks & Spencer
Reiss
With Nothing Underneath
H&M
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