12 best trench coats for women to shop 2023

Versatile, practical and lightweight to layer, the best trench coats are so much more than transitional heroes: they’ll see you through almost every situation, in any season. And given how temperamental the UK weather is, there’s no better item to invest in.

From Audrey Hepburn in Breakfast at Tiffany’s to Meryl Streep in Kramer Vs Kramer or Kate Moss in countless Burberry campaigns – the trench coat has been seen as a signifier of good style for over a century. And, despite first being created for military purposes back in 1912, its appeal has lasted through decades of different dress codes. Because, thrown over everything from jeans and a Breton top to slinky evening dresses, its functionality immediately translates to effortlessness (a look more coveted than any It bag).

The wardrobe staple hasn’t changed much in that time; you can still find heavy cotton-gabardine numbers with the trademark storm flaps, buckles and and belting everywhere from Cos to Chloé. However, with so many re-interpretations debuting on the catwalk every season, it’s hard not to be tempted by fresh styles. On the autumn/winter 2023 runways, trenches were buttoned-up and ladylike at Dior but louche and floor-sweeping at Todd’s, while Tom Ford, Givenchy and Alberta Ferretti re-worked theirs in black leather to gothic-glam effect. Some designers simply tweaked the classic trench coat: Daniel Lee’s were fur-trimmed for his debut Burberry show and Dries Van Noten’s brushed with gold foil at the waist.

Still, when you’re spending money on a capsule classic, you need to think smart: invest in something with longevity, but don’t be afraid of subtle twists or playful details. From leather and denim styles, to plush satin and hot-pink designs, we’ve rounded up 12 of the best trench coats that are both timeless and on-trend at the same time.