I recently moved back to the Northeast after nearly a decade of living in the South, and I’ve only had one thing on my mind since moving back early this summer: looking forward to fall. Fall in New York may seem romanticized in movies and TV shows, and—spoiler alert—it actually is that great. From apple picking to preparing for the spooky season (a massive favorite for my toddler), the crisp air of fall is calling my name and tempting me to redo my entire wardrobe completely.
While there are a lot of essentials on my fall weather shopping list (sweaters, and denim, and boots… oh my), one of my main must-haves has been outerwear. While we had some cool days in Florida, they didn’t require more than one lighter coat to get through the late fall and winter seasons. But, New York? That’s a whole different ball game.
In an attempt not to go too wild with my fall shopping, I’ve limited myself to just a few different outerwear items for the autumn season. And at the top of my list for a coat I’ll wear year after year? The always classic trench coat.
Why trench coats are the perfect fall staple for Moms
Growing up, the trench coat was a style item I most closely associated with Inspector Gadget or Harriet the Spy (could I be more of a millennial?). But, in my 30s, I’ve realized there’s a reason the trench coat has been a style staple for decades. It’s endlessly versatile and incredibly practical—especially for busy moms.
Fall can be a tricky season for dressing, with the weather fluctuating between cooler mornings and warmer afternoons. With that in mind, a trench coat can be the ideal outerwear to check off all the boxes. It’s lightweight and easy to throw on during a school drop-off, no matter what you’re wearing underneath.
It adds a level of elevated style to even casual loungewear looks (one of my favorite ways to wear it is with a sweatshirt underneath!). Its longer length also helps add some warmth for cooler days. Plus, it comes in a variety of neutral tones to easily mix and match with any item in your wardrobe.
How to style a trench coat
There are an endless number of ways to style a trench coat. Whether it’s for a casual playground playdate, workwear, or a date night, it’s one of those rare wardrobe staples that just works in any setting.
With that in mind, it can often be an investment piece, one that you can plan to wear year after year without having to worry about it going out of style. The style is easy no matter what the weather or occasion—pop a mini dress on with some tall boots for an on-trend autumnal look. Or, if you prefer skirts or dresses, try out a printed maxi dress underneath a trench coat for a fun pop of print. A personal favorite for me is even a loungewear-inspired look elevated by a more structured coat, with a hoodie and leggings underneath!
Styled here: Everlane Trench Coat | Click to shop the rest of these looks!
The best trench coats to buy right now
In my near daily scrolling of Quince, I came across their take on the long trench coat. Available in brown, khaki, navy, and black, you can pick the longer coat up in both mid-length and short versions as well. The coat comes with a belt and belted wrist tabs, so you can wear it open or more closed for a more tailored look.
This version from Maeve is a step up from your typical neutral-colored trench. The khaki is enhanced with embroidered bees and fireflies, making the coat the star of any outfit. I’m a sucker for anything embroidered, so I find this version particularly cute!
For an affordable version of the trench, H&M delivers. When I think of a classic trench, this is exacting what I picture: a khaki with notched lapels, a tie belt, and buttons going down the front.
As of 2025, Abercrombie & Fitch can do no wrong when releasing a classic. Their trench coat has a double-breasted collar with a flannel interior lining. It comes in multiple colors—and I especially love the green with brown collar. You can also choose your desired length with petite, regular, and tall options (something this 5-foot-2 stature appreciates).
Perhaps no trench coat is higher up on my wishlist then this option from Damson Madder! The mocha color feels like a cross between a trench and a barn jacket, with pockets and a leopard print lining.
Not all trench coats need to be long! Damson Madder’s cropped version hits at the waist, with a detachable collar that can also be worn as a headscarf. To make it extra unique, it’s also a style with a reversible print, so you can style it a variety of different ways. It’s currently sold out but coming back soon, so add yourself to the list!
Of course, not every trench coat option is a classic neutral. I stumbled upon this Denim Trench Coat from Banana Republic Factory, and think it’s an incredibly fun alternative to the classic jean jacket (which has always been one of my early fall staples). The style has all the features of your standard trench coat, just in a denim material. This would look great paired with a maxi dress or leggings.
Nothing screams Parisian style more to me then a trench coat, so it comes as no surprise that French brand Sézane makes the perfect version of the classic style. Available in a selection of neutrals, the coat is made with a water-repellent material, pulled together with a tie belt.
British brand Boden never fails to offer colorful takes on a classic, so it’s no surprise they came up with a fun pink gingham for their Cheltenham Trench Coat. The investment piece has a straight fit with functional pockets, with a detachable belt that can be worn on or off.
Madewell’s take on the trench coat is made with a wool-blend twill, providing some added warmth for the cooler season. The tailored trench looks great with some denim underneath, and I love the darker color for the cold weather months.
Reformation made their trench coat to be purposefully oversized, though you have the option to size down for a more tailored styling. In khaki and black, you can also pick up their version of the trench coat in both regular and petite sizing.
This ASOS trench coat comes in a faux wool, which is great for the cooler temps! But my favorite aspect of this version is the color, a rich burgundy that is unlike any other trench coat I’ve seen. You can tie the coat up for a little bit of extra structure, with a slim fit throughout.
Lisa Says Gah! is a brand that always know how to put a twist on a classic—and their version of a trench coat is no exception. The Olson Trench features a removable hood that ties at the front, with a colorful polka dot liner that feels very Minnie Mouse in the best way. I love the idea of pairing this with the brand’s Mira Dress, featuring the same polka dot print!
There’s something extra special to me about a trench coat with a fun lining, and this option from Uniqlo really fits the bill. Available in a khaki and black, both options come with a checkered interior, so you get a fun pop of pattern any time it’s worn open. When wearing it closed, the coat also has a chic belt and buttons.
I love Gap’s take on the iconic style, available in both tan and black. Even better, you can pick it up in petite, regular, or tall, so finding the ideal length for your height is a total breeze.
The trench coat was a style first seen in England, closely associated with British brands such as Burberry. This style from Avec Les Filles seems to take some inspiration from that, with an interior plaid lining that feels very reminiscent of the classic Burberry.
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Morgan Flaherty, Contributing Writer
Morgan is full-time writer, editor, and mom. She lives in Florida with her husband, daughter, and one very sassy cat. Along with her work as a contributing writer for The Everymom, her writing has appeared in Well + Good, InStyle, Scary Mommy, Byrdie, and Baby Chick.
Feature graphic images credited to: Abercrombie, Reformation, Quince, Banana Republic Factory, and Abercrombie.
