Growing up in Georgia and then spending most of my adult years divided between Texas and Arizona, I always assumed that spring was the season to shed our coats completely. But now that I live in the Midwest, I know that many of us still need a coat for the unpredictable weather of the season of new growth. While it’s really a four-season topper, the trench coat has become the unofficial coat of spring, and I’m not mad about it. In recent years I’ve fully embraced the versatility of this coat and I’m looking forward to building outfits around mine again this year. Let me share with you why you need this iconic spring coat in your wardrobe and how to best shop for one that suits you.
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Why You Need the Iconic Spring Coat in Your Wardrobe
Spring is a season of fluctuating and unpredictable weather. Especially if you travel to various regions or places in the world, you’ll find that a trench coat serves you well as the weather goes from consistently cold to changing temperatures throughout the day.
This iconic spring coat is suitable for cold mornings, blustery days, rainy afternoons and even chilly nights. It definitely protects you from the elements while giving off a distinctly lighter spring vibe than the wool coats and quilted parkas you’ve been wearing in the winter.
Most importantly, I love that a trench coat adds structure and class to your outfit. And yes, you can wear it with almost everything in your closet. Wear it over blue jeans and a bright colored cashmere sweater, like I did above. Or top a sweater in the same color like I did below, still keeping the outfit relaxed and casual with jeans and sneakers.
You can also wear a trench coat confidently over dressier outfits like a dress and heels…
or my sporty black and white ensembles below.
And if you don’t care for the traditional soft khaki color of classic trench coats, you can opt for a pretty color like I did below.
Or you could add a black or navy trench coat to your closet, if those neutrals work in your wardrobe better.
Another reason I think you should have this iconic spring coat in your closet is because it single-handedly elevates your travel looks. Whether you’re hopping on a plane, bus or train, this simple but structured four-season coat will feel comfortable and look smart.
And even when I’m traveling by car, I often prefer a trench coat because they’re easy on and off, comfortable and easy to combine with every outfit in my weekend bag.
How to Shop for the Iconic Spring Coat
If I’ve convinced you that you do indeed need this iconic spring coat in your wardrobe (or you’re ready to add another one to your closet!), I do have a few tips for shopping for a trench.
This year you’ll notice that shorter, cropped trenches are very in style. And most of those that I’m seeing are full and swingy or at least boxy. This current silhouette is a smart choice for that second or third trench if you want to keep your look up to date. I’ve included some very sharp shorter trenches in a shopping boutique at the end of this post.
But you do not have to go with the trends when shopping for this classic wardrobe staple. In fact, if you want this first trench to be one that you reach for year after year, I’d go with a more classic cut and length. Probably the most classic length is a full length coat that will work beautifully over jeans, pants and dresses.
But for my more casual lifestyle, I’ve learned that I most frequently reach for a mid-length trench, one that falls below my hips, just about mid-thigh. So look for the length that suits your lifestyle and preferences.
You’ll also want to consider the structure or silhouette of the jacket. I like a fairly relaxed fit, but one that I can belt for a neater silhouette. You’ll be able to choose from double-breasted and single-breasted as well.
Another consideration when shopping for this iconic spring coat is heft. Do you want a lighter weight jacket or one that has more weight and structure? I find that the twill cotton jackets are usually heavier, like this rainproof trench. And the cotton blend coats, like this drapier trench coat, are often a little lighter but still substantial enough for me.
Finally, consider features such as epaulets, vents, belts vs. ties, buttons and hoods. I prefer a removable hood if the coat features one at all. And I do like the details such as vents, epaulets, collars, storm shields, sleeve loops, belt loops, tortoise shell buttons and buckles that make a trench coat look a little more classic. Check out the classic Burberry Kensington Water Resistant Gabardine Trench Coat below for reference. This iconic coat is definitely the standard, but you’ll find many other options at more reasonable price points. That said, if you’re looking for the one trench you’ll literally wear for the rest of your life, this might be a great investment for your wardrobe.
I’ve gathered many options for this iconic spring coat below. Some are more traditional while others are noticeably modern. The traditional coats will hold their place in your wardrobe longer, but the more contemporary options could keep your looks current for several years.
I’d love to hear from your in the comments today. Do you enjoy wearing a trench coat in the spring? What style do you prefer or have in your closet already? Are you looking for a new one this year, maybe in a pretty color or more modern silhouette? I’m definitely on the prowl for one, but not sure if I’ll add one or not. Meanwhile, I’ve ordered this modern Rails coat and this London Fog short coat to try out for my upcoming trip to London.
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Blessed for My Day
Make no mistake about it, it’s not enough just to build a house of worship. Nor is decorating it beautifully the goal. A church or cathedral or chapel is simply another pretty building unless the people of God gather there to worship the true God in truth and in spirit. In fact, as we learned as children, the building is not the church at all. The people of God are the church, and the church is called to serve God with full hearts and bodies.
What part are you playing in your church? Do you just show up? Or do you serve and contribute and participate? The sad story of Solomon’s completion of the temple and then his subsequent turning from God reminds us that true devotion to the Lord requires a heart committed to Him and a life of unwavering obedience.
So Solomon finished the house of the Lord and the king’s palace, and successfully completed everything that he had planned on doing in the house of the Lord and in his palace. ~ 2 Chronicles 7:11
I love my trench coat. I personally would not have an all weather trench coat without a hood. I need to be able to grab that hood and pull it up when a rain shower comes or the wind is blowing hard. I don’t always have an umbrella in hand, but a hood is very convent when you’re caught unexpectedly in bad weather.
Thanks for sharing, Anita. I love that you enjoy a hood.
Last year I bought a grey London Fog full length trench coat and wore it so much. I know it will get worn this yeas as well. It’s good over dresses and pants as it falls mid calf. I also have a short deep red trench that gets worn constantly. I love the classic look.
I love that you lean into your trench so frequently. Thanks for sharing, Rita.
I have a full length trench coat and a quarter length one. In Texas the weather can be either too hot or cold to wear one. This year I’m going to make it a conscious effort to wear mine as our winter is turning mild again. I’ve always liked trench coats. When I was younger I thought they were cool and made you looked like a spy.
Hahaha! Yes, and we all need to feel like a spy occasionally!
Love trench coats! Enjoyed wearing my lightweight stone colored one in Italy last October. Came in handy in the cool evenings.
Cool! I love that you traveled to Italy with yours.
I’m probably dating myself, but we were taught our coat should be at least as long as the dress – never to have the dress hanging out. Apparently this has changed ? Honestly, I don’t think I could wear this, altho yours looked ok….I have several trench coats and love them.
I do prefer the trench coat to go below the dress hem. But at the time I didn’t have one. Now I do! Sometimes you have to wear what you have.
Years ago, I bought a trench coat, since they were so well spoken of by many fashion bloggers. I reached for it… never. LOL! It just wasn’t my style, never got worn, ended up donated.
Thanks for sharing your honest experience, Carolyn. We definitely have to be true to our real lifestyle and preferences.
I have been looking for that unicorn one but haven’t yet. I can’t wear or don’t like to wear the darker warmer tone beiges as I’m greying now and wear cooler tones and don’t want double breasted. I need the longer style for dresses but want single breasted and lighter cream color that’s cool tone. Can’t find one. I also need to replace my below the hip one. It’s old and feels too small and same with my black one similar. I do love all your looks you posted. You look great.
Thanks for sharing, Kathy. What about a navy trench?
I wouldn’t buy a spring coat that does not have a hood. We get too much rain here in the spring to not have a hood. I don’t like to hassle with an umbrella. So trench coats don’t meet my need.
Many of them do actually have hoods. What kind of jacket do you prefer?
My spring jackets are anorak style. Thanks for asking.
PS Maybe a light grey single breasted would be great.
i have a full length bright pink London Fog trench, which I loved wearing when commuting to the office each rainy grey day. They are frequent here in the pacific northwest! However, I haven’t worn it much since I started working from home in 2020. Now I am retired. Still haven’t worn it. I will try it with jeans and see if it feels authentic to my current style.
Recently, I was accused by a friend of being overdressed, which I found hurtful. I appreciate you saying that “someone has to set the bar”! 🙂
I’m so sorry that happened to you. I think we have to consider what would spur someone to say that. I imagine it has nothing to do with you and everything to do with her own insecurities, which, of course, we all have. Keep raising the bar. There’s absolutely nothing wrong with wanting to feel put together and a little stylish.