A trench coat is a wise wardrobe investment, the fashion item that transcends trends, occasions and even seasons. Spring is when the best trench coats really earn their keep, and with spring on the horizon (we hope!), its time to enter your trench coat era and find your perfect one - the cost per wear of a trench coat will be mere pennies.
Royals and celebrities alike love a trench coat for its chic, put together appeal. Meghan Markle, Queen Camilla and Princess Kate are all owners of a trench coat or two, usually in the traditional beige but they've been known to dabble in a khaki green trench coat or black, too.
- High street's best: M&S Trench Coat, £89
- Trending trench coat: Nobody's Child Longline Trench Coat, £189 / $306
- Black trench coat: Phase Eight Avalie Trench Coat, £189 / $415
- Short trench coat: FatFace Cora Neutral Trench Coat, £85 / $163
- Suede trench coat: Mint Velvet Suede Trench Coat, £399 / $767
If the classic trench coat seems too, well, classic for you, there's plenty of other versions that can act as an on-trend segueway into spring fashion. Suede trench coats are popular, as are fur-trimmed.
The trench fit du jour? Ditch the traditional belted version and go for a loose, single-breast silhouette, with a barn-jacket style cord collar or gingham cuffs - instant cool.
© InstagramTrust me when I say high street's best trench coats for women are going to be your BFF every season, acting as the cover-up of the moment, whatever you're doing. Here at HELLO!, the team love them so much that we tracked down Cat Deeley's trench coat and Michelle Keegan's favourite trench.
Royal trench coats
The royals love a trench coat - and I mean love. Princess Kate's preferred style is a Burberry trench, which instantly adds an elegant finish to any look.
Meghan Markle's also a Burberry fan (particularly a silk trench coat) and Queen Camilla's £630 Bristol trench by Camilla and Marc has been spotted on the royal on numerous outings.
How I chose the best trench coats
- Design: Traditionally, trench coats are made from heavy-duty, waterproof material but as needs and trends change, they're now made in a range of fabrics and I've listed coats that look, in essence, like a trench coat. They might not all be waterproof, but stylish they are.
- Colour: Yep, there's the traditional beige/neutral colourways but don't dismiss other shades, like blue, green, red and pink. You'll find a variety below.
- Style: If you thought a trench coat was only double-breasted, think again. The high street is full of trench coats, both double and single, and I've included both styles to suit your preference.
- Price: Designer trench coats can retail for upwards of £3,000 - to include all budgets, you'll find a range of price points in this selection so you can spend a little or spend a lot.
Shop the best trench coats for women in 2026
1/9
M&S Trench Coat
© M&SEditor's note: "The M&S trench coats can't be beaten on price or style, and this classic belted style is a sure fire winner. This has all the markings of a timeless piece - the belt, the double-breasted fastening and the storm flaps."
2/9
Nobody's Child Cotton Rich Belted Longline Trench Coat
© Nobody's Child
Editor's note: ""This on-trend trench is an ideal buy if you're looking for an updated trench coat to see you through seasons. This one has arelaxed fit and gingham inner."
3/9
Phase Eight Avalie Trench Coat
© Phase EightEditor's note: "Trust the high street to produce this absolute classic trench coat, in black, a much punchier shade than camel. Featuring a double-breasted front and double lining, it's a great one to buy and repeat wear."
4/9
FatFace Cora Trench Coat
© FatFaceEditor's note: "If a shorter, jaunty trench coat is your bag, we love FatFace's cropped trench coat for pairing with high-waisted jeans."
5/9
Mint Velvet Suede Trench Coat
© Mint VelvetEditor's note: "Suede is still big news now and I am obsessed with this stunning trench coat in a dark brown suede. The oversized shoulders give it a contemporary feel and when paired with denim."
6/9
Mango Trench Coat
© MangoEditor's note: "Adding something into the mix is this barn jacket inspired trench coat. It has all the same design points as a traditional heavy-duty trench, but the addition of a cord collar adds a point of difference."
7/9
Next Shower Resistant Trench Coat
© NextEditor's note: "I love the white shade of this Next trench coat, for something luxurious looking. The relaxed, oversized shape gives a contemporary feel."
8/9
White Stuff Denim Trench Coat
© White StuffEditor's note: "This denim trench coat really does look as stylish as anything, with its dark wash and flattering silhouette."
9/9
Boden Lancaster Trench Coat
© BodenEditor's note: "Throw this on over jeans and a grey knit, and you'll look instantly chic."
Trench coat outfit ideas
It's the best jacket for throwing on over jeans, dresses, workwear, partywear, loungewear… you name it, a trench goes. Don't worry if you're not so keen on a traditional trench coat in camel – they look equally as cool in black, navy and pink too while leather, suede and denim finishes are still having a moment. Or go for cropped, like stylist Ingrid Fagerli Edvinsen, for a cute look.
© InstagramNot sure whether to go single breasted or double? In theory, a single breasted trench coat has a more slim, modern and streamlined look, while a double breasted trench is a classic fit that suits all figures, and has a more formal look.
© InstagramIf it's super casual yet chic you want, I love a trench coat with a baseball cap, leopard jeans or a mini skirt and Mary Janes, or make like Emma Rose Thatcher and throw one on over joggers.
