Contents
Did someone say 'The Matrix'?
Leather jackets and trench coats are two of fall and winter’s most versatile and practical outerwear staples. So it comes as no surprise that their sartorial child—the leather trench coat—is just as popular during the cool weather months. Edgy, practical, and easy to style, the leather trench coat is a fashion staple like no other.
Over the past few seasons, as the industry has witnessed ’90s-heavy runway shows, the leather trench coat, which was widely popularized during the era, has also come back in style. Brands like Saint Laurent, Khaite, and Bottega Veneta have released versions that are bulkier, sultrier, and more showstopping than ever before.
Still, with so many options, it’s sometimes hard to imagine wearing this piece in our everyday lives without looking like a character in The Matrix. But the reality is that despite its sci-fi and eveningwear associations, this staple goes just as well with a T-shirt and jeans as it does with a silky slip dress.
Before you style your own, here are 10 ideas to wear your leather trench coat this season.
Red Red Wine
Wine red is one of fall's top color trends, so it makes sense to bet heavily on this chromatic story when wearing a leather trench coat. Keep it all monochrome with hints of gold for an ultra glamorous daytime outfit.
Office Siren
The trench coat is a workwear staple, so lean into this aesthetic. A white button-down shirt is the perfect base for a bold-toned leather trench coat like this emerald version. Ankle boots and a large work bag will take care of the rest.
Pop of Red
A black-and-white palette is an ideal canvas for a pop of red. Keep the loos minimal with a black leather trench and bright red heeled sandals. It's biker meets socialite.
Lady With an Edge
If you think a delicate lace dress doesn't bode well for a leather trench coat, think again. It's the perfect balance of edge and ladylike that makes this combo so alluring. Still, keeping the palette in similar colors, or even monochrome, helps to ground this contrast for a cohesive look.
Hot Pants Action
A long trench can feel bulky, which is why wearing close to no pants may be a good idea. Take advantage of the current hot pants trend by pairing a leather trench coat with short shorts in the same material. Gold accents on the jewelry help elevate the look further.
Court-Approved
This year's tenniscore craze is not over. And one way to bring it out of the court is to style a tennis-approved outfit with a leather trench coat. Once again, contrast is the key to making this combo work, with the soft knit set juxtaposing perfectly with the lush green leather coat.
Edgy and Chunky
Not all black leather trenches are made equal. For those looking for a bit of edge, a distressed and wrinkled leather version is ideal. Style it with chunky leather boots to bring home the ultra-cool vibe.
Classic Black and White
A leather trench coat is perfect for those all-black outfits that make fall and winter so easy to manage. But if you're looking to break that up, just add a cream or white-toned mini skirt for an extra touch.
'80s-Coded
If brands like Saint Laurent are any indication, the '80s are so back. Heavy shoulder pads and gaudy gold accessories are the name of the game when it comes to the era's fashion.
Colorblocked
If you're going to mix various leather pieces together, it's a good idea to find a differentiating factor. And color is the right one to go for, making colorblocking a good technique to try when wearing a leather trench coat. Pair one with shorts in a contrasting color (think: black and white, or purple and yellow) for an added twist.