How to Wear a Trench Coat

Co-authored by Tannya Bernadette

Last Updated: October 30, 2024

Trench coats have been worn for over 100 years and remain very much in style to this day. A classic trench coat is typically tan in color, fairly long, and has buttons on either side of the jacket. Trench coats do, however, come in many different types of materials, colors, and lengths. To wear a trench coat, choose the right trench coat for you and then decide whether you want to dress it up or down.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Choosing a Trench Coat Style

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Choose a long trench coat if you’re tall. Trench coats come in several different lengths, but this is a common length. Long trench coats can come down past the knee or even just above the ankle. Long trench coats are ideal for taller people, but they may make short people appear even shorter.
- Wear shoes with a heel if you’re a shorter person wearing a long trench coat.
- Choose a coat that comes just below the knee if you are shorter.
2
Try out a medium length trench coat. A medium length trench coat usually comes to mid-thigh. This trench coat length works for almost anyone, regardless of body shape or size. This length is especially ideal for shorter or curvier people, though.
- If you’re tall, wear a medium length coat with something body hugging.
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A short trench coat typically comes just above or below the hips. This is a great choice if you’re wearing pants with your outfit or want a more fitted look. This length isn’t the best choice for tall people, but it works especially well for shorter people that are not very curvy.
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Wear a trench coat with flaring hems for an hourglass figure. A flaring hem means that the bottom of the trench coat isn’t straight up and down. Instead, the hem extends outward on each side at the bottom of the coat. A flaring hem looks best with a medium length trench coat.
- This coat is also a good option for someone with athletic legs.
The lapels are located on either side of the jacket just below the collar. Wide lapels are a good choice for slim people that want to appear curvier. Wide lapels would not be a good choice for curvy people that do not want to look curvier than they are.
A classic, beige trench coat will go with a variety of outfits and styles. You can wear a beige coat with a suit, or with a T-shirt and jeans. Choose a black or dark gray trench coat if you are going for a formal or edgy look. A dark trench coat goes well with a dark, formal suit, light-colored suit, or all black outfit. Try out a blue, pink, yellow, or green trench coat if you are looking to add a stylish flair to your outfit.

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Dressing up in a Trench Coat

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1
Wear a long dress with your coat. A long dress can look good with most trench coats, especially knee-length trench coats. A long dress can look edgy or classy, depending on how you style it. Ideally, the dress should be ankle-length, and the coat should come just below your knees.^{[1]
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- For a formal look, wear a long black dress with high heels or ballerina flats.
- For an edgier look, wear a floral patterned dress with chunky black boots.
2
Button up your coat and tie your belt. This is a simple way to dress up your outfit and appear classy. Button up the coat all the way, but leave the lapels open. Make sure to tie the belt. A collared shirt with a tie and dress pants would be a good option to wear with your trench coat.
- Make the look appear more feminine by wearing stilettos or flats.
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Pair a cardigan with your trench coat. Creating layers under your trench coat is a way to make the outfit stylish, but dressy. This would be a great outfit to wear to the office. Wear a long-sleeved button-up underneath a cardigan. Button up most of the cardigan, but leave the last few buttons undone. Wear dress pants and pointy-toed shoes to complete the look.
- Wear a patterned cardigan with printed pants and bright shoes for a more fashionable look.
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Wear a suit and tie. This is a very classy and sexy look. Wear a medium-length trench coat, with a suit, tie, and dress shoes. You can wear a two or three-piece suit. A dark gray or black coat would look better with a dark suit, and a beige coat would look better with a brown or gray suit.
- A beige coat with a gray suit is a good look for a formal, but not overly dressy look.
- A dark gray trench coat with a black suit would be a good choice for a winter wedding.

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Going for a Casual Look

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Wear a T-shirt and jeans. A trench coat isn’t only for dressing up. Wearing a trench coat with a plain T-shirt, jeans, and sneakers is a comfortable and fashionable look.^{[2]
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Expert Source

Tannya Bernadette
Professional Stylist

Expert Interview. 10 May 2019.} You can trade regular jeans for black denim to make the look slightly less casual.
- Wear a beige trench coat with a white T-shirt, light jeans, and white sneakers.
- Throw a light gray sweater over the T-shirt in colder weather.
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Pair your coat with denim shorts and a button-up shirt. This is a great look for mild spring weather. Wear a pair of denim shorts, with a long sleeve button-up, and a medium length trench coat. Roll the cuffs of your shirt over the cuffs of your trench coat.
- Keep the look very casual by pairing this outfit with a pair of plain sneakers.
- Slightly dress up the look by wearing pointed-toe flats.
3
Try out a shirtdress with your coat. Pairing a shirtdress with a medium length trench coat is stylish and classy. Pair a beige trench coat with a black shirtdress and flats for a simple look. Wear a dark trench coat with a patterned dress and ankle boots for a slightly dressier look.
- Choose a brightly colored trench coat to liven up the look.
4
Put on sportswear. Sportswear isn’t worn only in the gym these days. You can wear nice athletic pants, shirt, and sneakers under a trench coat for a casual and comfortable look. Make sure the sportswear isn’t sweat-stained or torn. The sportswear should be nicer than what you would wear for an intense workout at the gym.
- Wear a matching track suit with a gray trench coat.
- You can also wear a plain sweater with your athletic pants and sneakers.

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What do I do with the belt if I want to leave the coat open?

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Generally, you can either leave it loose or remove it entirely. It's completely up to you.

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Trench coats typically aren’t supposed to be worn very tight. When trying on trench coats, make sure you could fit a thick sweater underneath it.^{[3]
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Black and beige trench coats can be worn with almost anything.

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