How to Style a Trench Coat (Modest Outfit Ideas)

A trench coat is the coat I grab when the weather can't make up its mind. It is light enough for a mild fall morning, it covers a long skirt nicely, and it makes even a plain outfit look finished. If you only have room for one in-between coat, this is the one.

Here is how I wear mine, from school drop-off to Shabbos afternoon.

Pick the right trench coat first

A trench coat is a big piece, so the shape matters more than the brand. Check these things before you buy.

• The length. With midi and maxi skirts, a trench that ends at or below the knee looks the most balanced. A shorter trench that stops at the hip can cut a long skirt in an awkward spot.
• The shoulders. Try it on over a sweater. The shoulder seam should sit at your shoulder, or just past it for a relaxed fit. If it pulls across the back with a knit underneath, size up.
• The sleeves. They should cover your wrist with your arms down, so your top's cuffs stay tucked in.
• The belt. A belted trench gives you two looks: tied at the waist for shape, or left open and loose for an easy, casual feel.
• The fabric. Cotton gabardine is the classic. It holds its shape and handles light rain. Thinner, drapey fabrics feel softer but wrinkle more.

Which color to choose

• Classic beige or camel: the easiest. It goes with cream, black, navy, blush and almost every print.
• Navy: a little dressier and lovely over florals and darker skirts.
• Black: sleek and simple if most of your wardrobe is black.
• Olive or soft sage: a nice option if you already own the classic and want something different.

If you only buy one, start with beige. It does the most.

With a long skirt: the everyday look

This is my go-to outfit when I want to look put together without thinking too hard.

1. Start with a fitted long-sleeve top or a fine-knit turtleneck.
2. Add a midi or maxi skirt that moves, like a pleated skirt, a knit skirt or a slip-style skirt.
3. Put the trench on top, open or loosely belted, and finish with loafers, ankle boots or clean sneakers.

A beige trench with a cream turtleneck and a black pleated skirt is simple and elegant. A camel trench with a terracotta knit skirt feels warm and autumnal. For more skirt ideas, see my guides on how to style a pleated skirt and how to style a midi skirt.

If your skirt is longer than the coat, that's fine. Let a few inches of skirt show below the hem. It looks intentional, especially with a flowy fabric.

Over a dress

A trench over a dress is one of the prettiest fall and spring looks there is.

• Floral midi and maxi dresses: belt the trench lightly so the print peeks out at the front and the hem.
• Sweater dresses: wear the trench open and let the knit show. My picks for modest sweater dresses all work here.
• Shirt dresses: a trench over a long shirt dress is a polished outfit for work or a meeting. My workwear guide has more ideas.

Add opaque tights when it gets cooler and you can keep wearing your lighter dresses well into the fall.

Layering for colder days

A trench isn't a winter coat, but you can stretch it a lot with good layers.

• A thin turtleneck or a fitted cardigan under the coat adds warmth without bulk. See my turtleneck guide.
• A wool scarf in camel, cream or terracotta keeps you warm and adds color near your face.
• A denim jacket or a blazer can go under a roomy trench on chilly mornings.
• When it gets truly cold, switch to a long wool coat. My guide on what coat to wear with long skirts covers that.

Small details that make it look right

• Tie the belt behind you when you wear it open, so it doesn't hang loose.
• Roll the sleeves once to show a little of your top's cuffs for a relaxed look.
• Pop the collar on a windy day. It looks chic and keeps your neck warm.
• Mind the shoes. Loafers and ballet flats keep it classic, ankle boots make it feel more fall, and sneakers keep it casual. My fall shoe guide has more.
• Care for it. Check the label, brush off dirt, and spot clean when you can. Hang it on a wide hanger so the shoulders keep their shape.

The bottom line

A trench coat makes a long skirt or a simple dress look finished in seconds. Choose a beige or camel one that ends around the knee, wear it open or lightly belted over soft skirts and dresses, and layer a turtleneck and scarf underneath when the weather turns. It's a piece you'll wear every fall and every spring for years.

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