I Love a New Fashion Trend, but I'll Always Come Back to These Trench Coats

As a fashion editor, I spend much of my time scouring the runways for the most promising trends. Just take a glimpse at my latest reports on ochre-colored clothing, brocade jackets, and T-strap shoes—and you’ll see.

But can I let you in on a little secret? Although identifying emerging styles before they go viral certainly gives me a rush, my true passion lies in discovering the best minimalist basics. I’m talking about the pieces that stick around for seasons, make getting dressed easier, and turn you into a shameless outfit repeater. There’s something comforting about having a reliable closet filled with clothes I can wear for years, take good care of, and hopefully pass on to the next generation.

That’s the idea behind my new Marie Claire column, The Anti-Trend Edit, where I’ll highlight the wardrobe staples I love, wear, and find myself recommending again and again. With fall in full swing, my first installment is dedicated to the iconic trench coat. It’s a practical choice for transitional weather, providing an extra layer without the weight of a winter coat. Many styles also offer some protection from the rain, which is especially useful during fall’s unpredictable weather.

Of course, practicality is only part of the appeal. With its distinctive collar, belted waist, and double-breasted front, a classic trench can make even the simplest jeans-and-tee combination feel like an actual outfit. It’s a trick I rely on whenever I want to look put together without spending much time getting dressed.

Given my love for trenches, it should come as no surprise that I have several in my closet. I’ve found that they work just as well with relaxed trousers and sweaters as they do with dressier satin slips. And while the silhouette has remained recognizable for decades, the different cuts, lengths, and fabrics give me plenty of reasons to keep experimenting with it.

Ahead, see how I’m wearing my three favorite trench coats this fall, along with the styles currently on my wish list. With the holidays approaching, a few might even make their way onto my Christmas list. Mom, if you’re reading this, you know what to do!

The Classic Trench

Around this time last year, I walked into the Marie Claire office and saw three of my coworkers wearing the Sézane Clyde Trench Coat. After hearing each of them rave about it, I decided to get one for myself. Now, I understand the hype. With its sharp collar, relaxed fit, and single row of buttons, it has all the makings of a classic Parisian trench. My favorite detail, though, is the gingham lining, which gives an otherwise traditional design a playful twist.

For the outfit pictured above, I kept things simple, layering two fitted tops and adding my favorite wide-leg jeans from Madewell. A pair of Mary Janes from Vivaia and a glossy shoulder bag finished the look.

The Cropped Trench

I’ve received so many compliments on this work outfit that I’ve started wearing it on repeat. The standout piece is the cropped trench, which cinches at the waist with a belt for a more defined silhouette. For a similar look, I’d recommend Theory’s Cropped Double-Breasted Trench Coat, Aritzia’s Davis Short Trench Coat, or Zara’s Short Trench Jacket.

To play up the tailoring, I added a blue button-down shirt and trousers, then finished with heeled mules, cat-eye sunglasses, and a leather laptop bag. It’s the kind of outfit I can put on without much thought and still feel good wearing all day.

The Non-Beige Trench

While most of my trench coats come in traditional shades of beige, khaki, and camel, I have one that’s a little different. This Uniqlo version comes in an earthy shade of olive green that works surprisingly well with the rest of my wardrobe. It’s been sold out for a while, but I found a similar style at Coach.

Comfort is always a priority when I get dressed, so I paired mine with roomy jeans, cushioned sneakers, and a cozy cardigan. For a dressier take, I’d swap in a cashmere sweater, a satin slip skirt, and knee-high boots.

Shop My Trench Coat Wish List:

As you can see, my capsule wardrobe already includes several classic trench coats that I plan to wear for years. My wish list follows a similar approach, but with a few unexpected details thrown in. Think rich shades of burnt orange, supple leather, and interesting textures that give the familiar silhouette a fresh perspective.