Few garments have earned their place in the fashion canon quite like the trench coat. Conceived as military attire and later embraced by everyone from Audrey Hepburn to Alexa Chung, the trench is a symbol of enduring style in its truest form. Living proof that, if you don’t yet own one, a well-chosen trench is an investment piece you’ll return to for decades – so it’s well worth getting it right.

Gabardine remains the gold standard due to its breathable, waterproof qualities, while neutral tones (beige, black, brown, cream and the occasional khaki) continue to be the most popular. Countless contemporary brands and established designers have put their respective stamps on the trench, opting for anything from the aforementioned classics to bolder colourways like bright red, plush suede and leather finishes. Some have chosen to stick to the classic cut (double-breasted, belted at the waist, a hook-and-eye collar closure etc) while others have experimented with cropped hemlines, hoods and statement collars, as a playful twist on the classic.

It’s also a garment that gets reinvented – subtly or not-so-subtly – every season on the catwalk. For autumn/winter 2026, Lacoste’s trench fell into the latter category, with a drop-waisted belt and an added funnel neck that gave the coat a completely different silhouette. Celine and Tod’s interpretations stayed closer to what would be deemed traditional. Victoria Beckham was another favourite, keeping things simple but effective with a royal blue trench coat, oversized to perfection and paired with a modern twist on a utilitarian uniform – a blue collared shirt and brown slim-leg trousers.

Lacoste AW26.

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Victoria Beckham AW26.

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For high-street styles, look to H&M, Whistles and & Other Stories, where you can always find sleek, classic designs alongside more directional offerings. And for those in the market for investment pieces that’ll retain value, Burberry remains unrivalled. Its Castleford coat is as close to an heirloom as it gets. Meanwhile, Gucci’s Demna-designed matte nylon take offers a modern alternative destined to endure.

As for styling? The autumn catwalks proposed new ways to easily update your trench coat. At Celine, it was given a party spin, slung over a sequin dress and white knee-high boots. While Tod’s proposed an alternative, styling one of its trenches with a shirt and polo neck of the same shade underneath, for something a little more tonal.

Celine AW26.

Courtesy of Celine

Tod’s AW26.

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Browse British ’s edit of the 26 best trench coats that will make layering a breeze as autumn begins.