Taking inspiration from the autumn/winter '24 runways, Vogue Scandinavia rounds up the 14 most stylish trench coats to buy now
All products featured on Vogue are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.
A classic trench coat with buttons, a belted waist, and neural beige shade is just as perfect on a rainy summer's day as it is during crisp autumns. That's why the trench it has its unmovable reputation as a staple piece that everyone needs in their wardrobe.
The trench coat is one of few pieces that has been popular ever since its invention, never once going out of style. However, the coat has transformed over the decades: going from a functional piece to finding its way to catwalks and couture designers throughout the 1900s and 2000s. Turning our heads towards the autumn/winter '24 runways, once again we spot the trench in new interpretations.
Photo: Tod's FW24.
Photo: Moschino FW24.
Photo: Botter FW24.
Photo: Nina Ricci FW24.
Photo: Stella McCartney FW24.
Photo: Balenciaga FW24.
Photo: Balmain FW24.
Photo: Sacai FW24.
Considering the trench coat's long journey, there is no wonder it has cemented its place in our closets. The inspiration for how to wear the coat is certifiably endless, seeing it being interpreted by stylists and the style set season after season. From Stella McCartney's floor sweeping design, to Balenciaga's cut-out shoulders, and Nina Ricci's fur-trimmed interpretation. But the big question remains...
How do you style the trench coat?
The trench coat can take on many a task. It can be worn with utilitarian edge as everyday outerwear, can be slung with carefree abandon over our shoulders for a night out, or cinched closed for a leisurely Saturday stroll. Styling a trench coat can be tricky despite its timeless design, as its transformative powers work perfectly with almost too many looks. But as a rule of thumb, keep it simple. You don’t need more than a pair of fitted denim trousers, a comfortable everyday heel and a fun bag to pull off this piece of power dressing. And if you are not one to don heels, a pair of scrunched ballet flats will give you that sought after Frandinavian look.
The history of the trench coat
The history of the ever-iconic trench coat dates back much longer than most think. Most of us relate this piece of fashion history to World War I, worn by British soldiers on muddy and bloody battlefields. But in reality, the trench coat can be traced back to the early days of the 1820s and the British designer Thomas Hanock.
The coat which Hancock invented was a rain-repellent garment made from rubberised cotton designed for the upper class. But with time and industrial developments, the rubber coats were improved upon. First in the early 1850s by John Emary for Aquascutum, and later, around the late-1850s, Thomas Burberry for his eponymous company Burberry.
Burberry has been prescribed as the inventor of the trench coat, and whilst this is not entirely true, Burberry was responsible for inventing the weatherproofed material gabardine. This is how the brand became synonymous with modern-day trench coats.
So one might say that the trench coat has three inventors, all contributing in their way.