After the September heatwave, autumn has returned in full swing and our sights are set back on our new season heroes. This time of year can be one of the most confusing to dress for as the cold weather arrives in a wave of bright skies and sudden drizzle, crisp mornings and milder afternoons demanding our wardrobes work particularly hard. With this in mind, trench coats are back on our radar, bringing together a way to tackle rainy days, lightweight enough to be layered up with knits on chilly mornings or worn as is on stuffy tubes, and undisputedly chic in form.
Whilst most often associated with the autumn months, in practice, I rely on my trench coats all year round. They're a versatile outerwear option that can seamlessly transition through the unpredictable weather, and therefore something I've added to my personal wardrobe in three different colourways. Within my collection is a classic camel Burberry trench, an investment that has served my wardrobe for over a decade and one I'm sure will continue to feature in my looks for years to come. But when it comes to budget and desire to splurge, I'm well aware that these can be different for everyone, and my two other trench coats, in black and green, are both stellar high-street buys. And that's exactly what I'm here to talk about today.
The high street has long served up a series of expensive-looking styles that bring a polished edge to our outfits, and with eight years in the fashion industry under my belt, I'd go as far as to say that the 2024 outerwear selection is the best yet. If you're ready to take on the rich-looking country jacket trends, there's an array of styles to suit all price points, and we've already rounded up the best winter coats that could easily pass for designer buys. But if a trench coat doesn't yet feature in your wardrobe, or your outfits are calling out for a new shade, I've put some of the best around to the test.
Layered over elegant dresses, paired with sleek tailoring or thrown over a simple jeans and T-shirt look, this coat will rise to any occasion. With a selection of excellent trench coat options available on the high street, and my personal reliance on two affordable styles in my wardrobe, I'm here to share the very best high street trench coats, tried and tested by me. For reference, I'm 5'2" and usually wear a size small.
Keep scrolling to explore the best high-street trench coats.
SHOP THE BEST HIGH STREET TRENCH COATS
1. ZARA
Style Notes: Zara gets it so right with this trench coat in a deep toffee shade. The design itself nods to timeless styles, with features like the double-breasted buttons and front and back storm flaps. The brand had a few trench coat options, but the silhouette and shade of this one looked seriously expensive. Here I'm wearing the size small.
Shop the Zara Water-Repellent Trench Coat:
The length adds to the high-end feel of this coat.
This shade comes with a matching buckle belt.
2. H&M
Style Notes: H&M knows how to deliver elevated classics for seriously reasonable prices, and this trench coat is ready to join your forever wardrobe. Unlike the coated trench coats, this has more of a fabric feel to it, and comes in four timeless shades. Here I'm wearing the size 10.
Shop the H&M Double-Breasted Trenchcoat:
Black is just so versatile.
This shade is already moving quickly.
Looking for a way to brighten up your autumn looks? Consider a fresh white shade.
From the cut to the shade, you'll turn to this for years to come.
3. ARKET
Style Notes: Whilst I love a classic camel shade, I've recently been turned on to deep khaki shades that are just as versatile in styling opportunities. This season Arket offers a very cool yet anti-trend trench coat with popper closures and a classic belt. I could only get my hands on the size 38 but I would go for the 36 in this as it is an oversized silhouette. The storm flap detail on the back nods to classic designs, as does the collar latch that allows you to completely bundle up on rainy days.
Shop the Arket Snap-Button Trench Coat:
Just so chic.
4. COS
Style Notes: Trust COS to bring a contemporary edge to such a classic style. Keeping to the traditional silhouette and double-breasted design of a trench coat, the brand ups the ante with a layered collar effect in a soft green hue. The khaki inner panel can be removed if desired. The silhouette is relaxed and oversized, making it perfect for layering up knits underneath as needed. Here I'm wearing the size small.
Shop the COS Layered Double-Breasted Trench Coat:
Who knew beige and khaki was such a great mix?
5. WHISTLES
Style Notes: Made from a viscose and polyester mix, the fabric is incredibly soft to the touch, so the coat is also extremely comfortable, and it drapes beautifully. Here, I'm wearing a 6 (one down from my usual size) as the coat is oversized, but with a knit underneath my regular size would be perfect.
Shop the Whistles Riley Trench Coat:
I can't emphasise enough how soft this coat is.
Both the khaki and beige come in petite versions too.
Destined to be worn on repeat.
6. MANGO
Style Notes: Mango's outerwear selection is seriously strong right now, and whilst testing the new-in buys I stumbled across this seriously chic trench coat. The brand brings a refined edge with a front panel which conceals the button closures, keeping the sleek silhouette intact. Here I'm wearing the size small, and I'm especially fond of the wide sleeves allowing plenty of room for chunky knits underneath.
Shop the Mango Cotton Trench Coat With Belt:
The drop shoulders are such a nice touch.
7. UNIQLO
Style Notes: This Uniqlo trench coat actually comes from my own collection, and addition I made last December and have had so many compliments on ever since. For autumn 2024, Uniqlo has reissued the style that also comes in a soft beige and classic black. Here I'm wearing the size medium for an oversized fit.
Shop the Uniqlo Women's Trench Coat:
Clearly I'm a big fan of the khaki.
No matter the season, rely on a great trench coat.
Made from 100% cotton twill.
8. M&S
Style Notes: Finding expensive-looking buys at M&S is big part of my job, but this season the brand has made it so much easier. Already, the borg coat that was a sell-out last year has returned, and now M&S brings this eternally chic trench coat to the mix. Simple, understated, and sure to feel premium for years to come, I love every aspect of this trench. Here I'm wearing the size 10. Top tip: if your size is sold out, sign up for stock updates as M&S's pieces are frequently restocked.
Shop the M&S Cotton Rich Belted Longline Trench Coat:
This trench coat could easily take on high designer styles.
9. & OTHER STORIES
Style Notes: Anti-trend, understated and ready to join your wardrobe immediately, meet the & Other Stories trench coat. This style was much more lightweight than I had thought, easily layering over chunky knits or simple T-shirts. The fit is definitely oversized, here I've tried the size XS.
Shop the & Other Stories Buckle-Belt Trench Coat:
I love a high street piece with finer details, like the hidden inner breast pocket.
SHOP MORE HIGH STREET TRENCH COATS
So classic.
This might be my new favourite shade.
The double collar detail is incredibly chic.
This exquisite suede style is already moving quickly, and I've already signed up for restock notificiations.
For those looking for a cropped cut.
H&M's denim interpretation is just so cool.
Note the striking black stripe on the back.
Burgundy shades are trending this autumn.
You'll pull this out every year.
The delicate beige shade and soft suedette finish bring a seriously premium feel to this coat.
The deep olive shade and leather-look fabric is a 10/10.
One for the minimalists.
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