The last time I was in London, I visited Check It Vintage, a shop that specializes in Burberry. Then, I had been a longtime admirer of the classic Burberry trench but had never owned one. I've just never been a trench girl. Instead, I've always leaned more into leather or fuzzy styles when it comes to coats. Trench coats, I thought, just weren't exciting enough, but I wanted to understand the hype. I figured if anything could convince me otherwise, it would be the classic cool London girl trench.
After spending hours looking through racks of the signature house check, I started to realize the appeal of a trench, which made up most of the store's inventory. What makes it so desirable is how wearable it is. You don't need a special occasion to wear a trench. You don't need to change your entire outfit to make it work on top. A trench is a feasible option in nearly every situation. And unlike most of my other coats that I fear of wearing during a downpour, trenches were made to weather any storm (quite literally).
Trenches have and will always be a timeless essential, even if you're like me and it's taken you a while to come around to the look. But I feel like they're also trending for the upcoming season. Trenches had a big moment when everyone was fixated on quiet luxury, but now people are realizing that their classic cool look works with everything. That's what makes it luxurious, and that's what true luxury is after all, right? You don't just have to be a minimalist to appreciate a trench. If anything, a trench works even better with a more over-the-top wardrobe because it's simple enough to accompany any aesthetic.
Ultimately, I didn't end up finding my dream trench coat in London. Instead, I walked away with a less practical (but extremely cute) cropped Burberry coat and a miniskirt. But the itch to find the perfect trench didn't go away, and I have spent much of August researching an option that I'll wear for the next couple of months. My findings are below.
Shop the best trench coats:
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I'm an NYC Shopping Editor—I Can't Stop Thinking About These 31 Rich-Looking Fall Finds From Nordstrom, Zara, and H&MDid I mention they're under $250?
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I Live in Murray Hill—Here Are the 8 Places I Like to Shop for a Fashionable Fall ClosetStylish sweaters and suedes ahead.
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Sambas Aren't "Out," But If You Want to Wear Them in 2025, You Should Style Them Like ThisFresh and elegant.
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People With Impeccable Taste Swear By COS—21 Chic Sale Finds to Take Advantage of Right NowDid you say 25% off? Yes, please.
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Cooler Than a Puffer Coat—Alexa Chung Wore the Fall Trend That Makes Jeans Look ElegantShe's two months ahead of the game.
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I Refuse to Buy More Than 3 Jackets This Fall—These Are the Trends That Made the CutOrdering these before the leaves change color.
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It's True—Fashion People Are Ditching Leather Jackets for This Elevated Fall AlternativeCheckmate.
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Fall Is Already on My Mind—I'm Prepping My Wardrobe With These 31 Elevated Nordstrom FindsEach piece is chic and on sale.
