
5 Fresh Trench Coat Style Tips Straight From a Fashion Editor’s Dream
I donโt know about you guys, but every spring I feel like a butterfly coming out of its cocoon. Itโs the perfect time to shed my thick, dark winter clothing, and start wearing those beautiful, fresh spring items.
And the perfect topper to almost any spring look? To me, it has to be a well-crafted trench coat!
You already know itโs in my top 5 for must-have spring coats and jackets. And itโs certainly an investment worthy classic. After all, a mid-length, classic trench coat looks just as at home over an elegant cocktail dress, as it does over a jeans & T-shirt combo.
But hereโs the thing with a classic:
It sometimes needs a bit of spicing up. You need to turn it on its head every now and then, to elevate it and keep it from looking stale.
Which is exactly why today I want to share 5 trench coat style tips that will take your look from humdrum to tastemaker status!
From military strict to breezy chic
As you may know, trench coats were invented for use in the military. And for their purposes of staying dry and warm even in the trenches, it made sense to button up your coat to the top, and securely fasten the fabric cord around it like a belt.
But that can veer strict and stodgy quite quickly for a day to day look. So I’m showing you a very chic and easy fix that will turn the whole look more breezy and fashionable.
Pro tip:ย It’s something I actually picked up from a Burberry employee!
And I’ll also be showing you my own spin on it- you know, to give the look an even more personal touch. Let me know if you liked it, or if you would stop at the original trick!
Swap the belt altogether
Another great trick for taking your trench coat style from humdrum to head turner is completely swapping the cord with an actual belt.
My suggestion?
Go for a real showstopper if you’re wearing a neutral trench coat. The vintage, embellished belt I went with for example, is the perfect touch to an otherwise classic jacket!
If your trench coat has a more modern cut, or a louder colour, go for a sleek belt in a complementary shade. And if youโre stumped for choice, remember: metallic are always a good option.
Punk rock Brit pop
The trench coat has a decidedly British Heritage, what with Burberry and Aquascutum being its forefathers. And guess what else the UK is famous for giving the world? Thatโs right, punk rock!
So why not put two and two together for a more carefree, fun and liberated look?
Because here’s the thing:
If you want to bring an otherwise buttoned-down, dependable piece more down to earth, aย healthy dose of anarchy is bang on! It will make you feel more comfortable, and your jacket less stiff.
So pop the collar, roll your sleeves up and rock that trench coat your way!
Layer your outerwear
Once youโve taken your trench coat style next level by adding the belt, an extra step is to also incorporate a scarf in the look. For this purpose, you will do much better with a big, thick one- even a blanket scarf.
And no, you won’t be wrapping it the classic way!
Instead, drape the scarf on either side of your neck, as you would a shawl. Arrange it to be as narrow or wide as you want, but just make sure to slip it under the belt.
This way, the statement scarf will not drown your frame, the silhouette overall will still stay structured,ย and you will bring an extra element of interest to your look. Especially if you choose a scarf in a contrasting colour!
Fashion editor double coat
And last but not least, if you’re a regular on Pinterest or fashion magazine websites, you’ve probably noticed how a lot of the fashionable ladies are donning their coats.
You know what I mean:
Barely draped around their shoulders, as if the coats are just impossibly (and stylishly) floating around them.
Chic? Yes. Comfortable? Well, that’s all in the topper!
Which is why if you’ve wanted to give this look a try but didn’t know how to, a trench coat is your best bet. Classic gabardine ones have the structure -in both fabric and cut- to allow being draped over other jackets, without having to pull at them the whole day.
You already know I love this look. See my spring take on it in the video!
And these were my 5 tips for giving your trench coat style a face lift. I’m of course, curious to know if you have any tricks of your own- and let me know in the comments which one of mine was your favorite!
P.S.: If you havenโt by now, make sure you join The Style Club to receive your free personal styleย printablesย and get the most stylish updates directly in your Inbox!
And if you’re looking to up your trench coat game, I’ve listed a few great options for you below. Together with the accessories to help you elevate the look of course! These are affiliate links, so if you make a purchase off them, I will be getting a small commission.


28 Comments
Tsport
Nice tips! This is such a beautiful trench and you are sharing awesome ideas to style up with this. I am so excited to try these styles. Thanks a lot for sharing.
silviacosma
Thank you very much, glad to hear you liked the ideas โบ
Shan Walker (@shanGURUwalker)
I don’t think I could pull it off but super cute on you!
silviacosma
Thanks, Shan ๐ Well, you never know until you try is my approach, although I can understand if it’s not something you’d be comfortable with.
Julie I Aloha Lovely
Great styling tips! I wish I had more need for a trench (or any coat really) in Hawaii. But hey, I can’t complain!
silviacosma
Thanks, Julie! Well, I can’t say I feel to bad for you there hehe ๐ But if you visit Amsterdam, I definitely recommend keeping one on hand.
WhitAdvisor.com
These are great looks! I love wearing trenchcoats in the spring – they’re the perfect transitional weather piece
silviacosma
Totally, Whitney! And thank you, I appreciate it ๐
Eimear
I love my trench coat. I’ve had a Burberry for years and it is so versatile. I’ll have to try swapping out the belt as you suggested though. Great tip to lift an outfit!
silviacosma
Thank you very much, hope you like how it looks! Burberry make really such amazing trench coats ๐
izzydavid
I love this! These tips are so amazing and you look gorgeous.
x
Isabella
http://www.IsabellaDavid.com
silviacosma
Thanks so much, Isabella! Very kind of you, and so glad you liked them ๐
Brittany Nicole
I really like layering two coats, I think it can really add a fun edge to a look! Plus, it can be hard to look cute in outerwear but layering adds some interest! xo, Brittany Nicole | http://www.theblistblog.com
silviacosma
Yess, definitely! What’s fashion if we can’t have a little fun with it? ๐
Joan
These are great tips I love trench coats and just ordered one today so will be trying these out.
silviacosma
Thanks, Joan! Enjoy your new coat, let me know how these styling tricks worked for you ๐
Blythe Alpern
I never realized there were so many options for upping my trench coat game. These are going to be so helpful this season.
silviacosma
I’m so glad, Blythe! It’s something really small sometimes that makes all the difference ๐
Mz_Ola
Trench coats are so fashionable. Also easy to style. Would try out these tips
silviacosma
Totally agree, they are a classic for a reason
Adriana Renee
I love my trench and wear it way too often. Definitely trying these tips out!
silviacosma
Then we’re in the same boat, hehe ๐ Happy to hear, hope you love them!
LuLu B - Calabrisella Mia
Great ideas! I love trench coats and I’m so happy that the weather is starting to warm up enough that I can pull mine out and start wearing it again. These are great ways to style it! ๐
silviacosma
Thank you, Lulu! Yes, indeed- my spring clothes have been stashed away long enough ๐
thesimplblogdot
Such a fun post! I love a good trench ๐
silviacosma
Thank you very much ๐ They are a wonderful wardrobe staple
Nina | Lemons and Luggage
These tips are so amazing! I don’t currently own a trench coat, but I think with these tips I’ll feel confident enough to wear one!
silviacosma
Thanks so much, Nina, glad they helped ๐ I can really recommend a good trench coat, they work with basically anything!