WHY TRENCH COATS ARE WARDROBE STAPLES

The trench coat’s appeal lies in its construction, which allows for easy layering and adaptable styling. What began as a practical outerwear piece in the nineteenth century has today become a global symbol of refined style.  

The COS trench coat is synonymous with quality and design. Designed in our London atelier, the women’s trench coat is reimagined by the outerwear team each season with new design details, exploring countless variations in texture, colour and silhouette. While seasons come and go, the core DNA of the trench remains the same, with its unique ability to enhance outfits for every season and occasion. 

HOW TO STYLE A TRENCH COAT: BY SEASON

Discover how to wear a trench coat, whatever the season.  

SPRING

Crafted from lighter fabrics, such as crisp cotton, durable twill and fluid TENCEL™ Lyocell, our trench coats are a spring wardrobe staple. Layer a trench coat with a cotton shirt to embrace polished, tailored styling. Straight-leg jeans and minimal trainers lend themselves to pared-back styling with spring trench coat outfits. 

SUMMER 

A cropped trench coat is a wardrobe essential in the warmer months, providing a lightweight layer over tees and dresses. Summer fabrics such as linen and silk provide subtle contrast to the crisp tailoring of a cropped trench coat, while sandals enhance the relaxed feel.   

AUTUMN

Layer a classic trench coat over lightweight knits or roll necks in soft merino wool as the temperature drops. Wide-leg tailored trousers, leather loafers and a suede bag add depth to looks featuring autumn trench coats.  

For more styling inspiration, discover our autumn capsule wardrobe. 

WINTER

Oversized trench coats are an essential element of the winter capsule wardrobe, ideal for layering with chunky jumpers and cardigans in heavier fabrics such as cashmere or wool. Leather boots and statement scarves add warmth and texture to winter trench coat outfits.  

DRESS CODE: PROFESSIONAL

One of the most hardworking pieces in the wardrobe, the classic trench coat can be styled over tailoring for office looks. Wide-leg trousers and crisp cotton shirts echo the clean lines of the trench, accented with smart loafers and statement jewellery. 

EVERYDAY CLASSIC

For a casual look, a traditional double-breasted trench coat – with a front gun flap, storm flap and shoulder epaulettes that nod to its heritage – offers endless styling possibilities.  Wear it over denim, knitwear and classic T-shirts for weekends. Pair with trainers to enhance the off-duty feel. 

ELEVATED EVENINGWEAR

Layer a trench coat over a dress for a nonchalant evening look. A buckled belt that cinches the waist is a true design hallmark and adds definition and refinement. Statement jewellery and sleek heels bring a contemporary and elevated touch to evening trench coat outfits.

ELEGANT OCCASSIONS

For occasions, silhouette is key: an oversized shape makes an impression and provides contrast to an elegant dress or jumpsuit. Add impactful accessories, such as a clutch bag or bold jewellery for modern trench coat styling.  

HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT TRENCH COAT

The trench is a key pillar in building a cohesive modular wardrobe. Consider length, shape and colour, focusing on how different styles work with your existing favourites – an oversized trench coat offers more versatility for layering year-round, while the cropped trench coat acts as a perfect light jacket for between seasons. 

From double-breasted styles with the characteristics of a traditional trench to cropped iterations that serve as transitional staples, the COS trench coat edit spotlights endless options suited to daily life – always with our signature design details at the core.