Some personal news: My khaki trench coat and I are officially back together! After several months of seeing other people (specifically a skimpy little nightgown dress), we’re heading into cuffing season as a happy couple.
After spending the summer apart, my beloved and I are going to start making up for lost time—and trust me when I tell you, we’re going to be busy. I’m planning visits to apple orchards and pumpkin patches, dinner dates, and long romantic walks through the park—all with a designated fall outfit to match.
Versatile to its core, there are endless trench coat styling combinations just waiting to make their fall season debut. They can be worn with classics, like button-downs and neckties, or statement pieces—with layered belts or silk scarves, for example. Ahead, I’ve cataloged every outfit idea I’m planning to indulge in this autumn—and where you can shop the same look.
With a Silk Scarf
As we enter transitional outfit season, consider this roll-over summer trend. A silk scarf looks just as chic around the waist of a vintage trench as it does your favorite mini dress.
Shop the Scarf Look
Old Navy Water-Resistant Long Barn Coat
Now 50% Off
Lost Pattern x Leatherology Silk Square Scarf
Pistola Denim Cassie Super High Rise Straight Jean
Layered Up
This styling hack held a starring role in my wardrobe last fall—usually, featuring my leather puffer vest. This season, I’m planning to branch into other layered styles—like a dark-wash denim jacket, for example.
Shop the Layered Look
Calvin Klein Cropped Relaxed Denim Trucker Jacket
Dolce Vita Alice Shoulder Bag Burgundy Suede
Maeve Hound Trench Coat Jacket
Now 43% Off
Double-Belted
Add a little oomph with a double-buckled belt to break up all that monolithic khaki energy.
Shop the Double-Belted Look
JW Pei Eloise Shoulder Bag
Sam Edelman Double Breasted Belted Trench Coat
Now 35% Off
In Luxe Leather
“Leather trench coat” has been written at the top of my shopping list for months, and this season, I’m finally going to take the plunge. The look combines the edge of a leather jacket with the timeless cut of a trench—it’s the best of both aesthetics.
Shop the Leather Look
Abercrombie x Kathleen Post Vegan Leather Trench Coat
SOJOS Vintage Retro Oversized Big Aviator Polarized Sunglasses
Mattiventon Kitten Heel Chocolate Suede Booties
Now 21% Off
Cropped With Wide-Leg Jeans
It may be tempting to style your cropped trench with straight-leg jeans, but hear me out. A bit of volume down below adds interest to fashion’s most timeless coat.
Shop the Wide-Leg Jeans Look
MORE TO COME Marja Cropped Trench
M.Gemi The Francesca Convertible Crossbody
Hudson Jodie Loose Wide Leg
Now 50% Off
With Tweed and Loafers
Preppy girls, consider this your time to shine. A tweed mini dress and loafers, styled with your go-to trench, make for a perfectly polished look. Call it the Taylor Swift effect.
Shop the Tweed Dress Look
Abercrombie & Fitch The A&F Mara Tweed Mini Dress
Now 39% Off
Quince Italian Leather Lug Sole Loafer
Now 50% Off
Universal Standard Henning x US Park Soft Trench
With a Necktie
Did you know that a quality trench can stand in for a plain black blazer in almost any given situation? No? Well, ya do now.
Shop the Buttoned-Up Look
Land’s End Women’s Squall Waterproof Modern Trench Raincoat
Free People Prep Striped Tie
With All-Black
If khaki feels a little too ‘soccer mom’ for your chosen aesthetic, I recommend styling with a whole lot of black. It’ll add an edgy punch to the rich-girl staple.
Shop the All-Black Look
Parachute Wide Leg Cargo
Now 56% Off
With Athleisure
Trench coats have the inexplicable ability to make even the most casual outfits feel distinctly elevated. Feel free to test my point with track pants, sweats, and even leggings (just add loafers and a little bit of glitz).
Shop the Leggings Look
LNA Miles Stirrup Legging
8 Other Reasons Adam Choker
Now 30% Off
LIONESS Cropped Trencherous Coat
With Animal Print
Ninety-nine percent of my styling advice usually involves adding leopard print, and in this story, I will be making no exceptions. Add a bit of drama to your choice of khaki with a leopard bag, belt, or boots.
Shop the Animal Print Look
ASOS DESIGN Curve Longline Trench Coat
All the Ways Millie Button Up Top
Guess Palisa Boot
Now 11% Off
Kelsey (she/her) is a freelance digital fashion editor and writer with a knack for turning top-performing content into top-selling content. She has extensive experience in editorial and e-commerce strategy, having worked in both divisions during her years at Seventeen and Bustle. With more than a decade of experience in digital media, she also offers creative and social media consulting, as well as copywriting services. She enjoys cheeseburgers, traveling, and vintage hauls. Follow her on Instagram at @klstieg.
