5 Ways to Style the Trench Coat, According to NYFW Street Style Stars

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With unusually warm temperatures for a February New York fashion week, showgoers took advantage of the opportunity to step out in spring-ready wardrobes, leaving winter wear behind. In exchange for puffers, shearlings, and faux furs, street style fixtures captured by Phil Oh opted for lighter outerwear options and sometimes no outerwear at all. Among them, a handful of iterations of the classic trench coat worn by the likes of Eva Chen to Kate Davidson-Hudson, albeit styled in many different ways. 

It seems as though New York fashion week show attendees have unanimously nominated the trench coat as spring’s most versatile outerwear option; it was the coat of choice for attending the shows, be it morning, noon, or night. Find five of our favorite trench coat outfits inspired by the New York fashion week street style set—there’s an outerwear option for every occasion. 

Off-Duty Essentials

For effortless style for any day of the week, throw a khaki-colored trench atop easy staples like a white button-up shirt and head out. Wrap a knit sweater around your shoulders for added dimension and practical layering.  

By Malene Birger Alanis trench coat

The Frankie Shop Lui organic cotton-poplin shirt

Raey split back organic-cotton denim maxi skirt

Bottega Veneta Kalimero Mini leather bucket bag

Neutral Alternatives

For an alternative to the beige trench while still staying true to the classics, try one in a houndstooth or plaid. Then, take styling tips from Eva Chen and wear it with heeled boots and a turtleneck sweater for polish.

Everlane Italian ReWool trench

Allude turtleneck sweater

Fendi houndstooth wool-blend skirt

Paris Texas croc-effect leather knee boots

The New Evening Coat

Don’t disregard the trench as a silhouette you can wear for a night out. Case in point: Khaite’s elegant satin belted style. Complete your evening look with platform heels, a clasped pouch, and a little black dress. 

Norma Kamali strapless dress

Khaite Lilith leather evening bag

Jimmy Choo Heloise 120 knotted velvet platform sandals

Level Up in Leather

A favorite among many New Yorker wardrobes is the long leather trench. The style has become a staple for the downtown fashion crowd, be it museum visits, cocktail outings, and beyond. Wear it with anything and everything, from Proenza Schouler’s spring 2023 polka-dot blouse to jeans and a T-shirt.

Reformation Veda leather jacket

Proenza Schouler polka-dot satin shirt

Frame stretch-knit flared pants

Jil Sander embellished leather tote

Style Signatures

You can’t go wrong with an oversized trench in the outerwear’s signature beige hue. Large lapels, wide waist tie, and belted cuffs provide modern updates to the staple coat.  

Goldsign Lawler high-rise slim-leg jeans

Bottega Veneta Saddle mini intrecciato leather shoulder bag