Value and longevity are incredibly desirable attributes for anything we’re shopping for right now.
That becomes especially true for those items that are necessary, but only get used occasionally throughout the year. Of course it depends on the weather where you live, but we’re thinking of heavy winter coats, or full-length raincoats. The coast per wear doesn’t seem to justify an big outlay, but when you think about the potential to still reach for it years from now, and it becomes more convincing.
It’s reminded us of the versatility of a great trench coat. It has an incredibly long history going back as far as 1823, proof in the pudding that the classic belted, mid-calf-length style (with or without storm flap, epaulettes and double breasted closure) endures.
I’ve had a sand-coloured version for over ten years now and it gets at least a handful of wears over the winter months and through spring each year. It’s survived trend whims and looks nearly identical to plenty of those currently everywhere in shops, which makes me feel smug about pulling it out, even if there are plenty of new options with subtle twists I’ve been admiring of late.
It’s also reminded me the trench is a great option to shop for in designer recycle and vintage stores.
What I would go for, if I was looking to add to the wardrobe with a slightly more trend-driven 2026 option? One in a rich burgundy hue, or a luxe leather version.
An unbelted ‘car coat’ is a another similar trench option that has endured. The single breasted, streamlined coat was born in the early 1900s for motorists to wear when driving, and is a popular alternative for labels not offering a belted style this year.
If you’re in the market, here are some great versatile trench coats to shop right now.
Aje
Helen Cherry
Cue
Burberry
SOPHIE
Assembly Label
Nili Lotan
Kowtow
Witchery
Camilla & Marc
Anine Bing
Nour Hammour
