The trench coat is the ultimate spring wardrobe hero—equally practical and polished, shielding you from April showers while elevating any outfit. But how you wear yours says everything about your style. Are you a classic traditionalist, a Parisian minimalist, or a bold statement-maker? Let’s decode the six trench coat tribes to help you find your perfect match.
The Traditionalists
Signature Style: Timeless, double-breasted, belted, neutral hues
Icons: Alexa Chung, the late Queen Elizabeth II
Go-To Brand: Burberry
For purists, nothing beats the heritage appeal of a classic khaki or stone trench. This tribe swears by structured silhouettes with epaulettes, storm flaps, and that iconic waist belt—details born from the coat’s military origins. A Burberry Kensington is the gold standard, but vintage finds on Vinted or eBay offer the same sophistication for less.
The Francophiles
Signature Style: Effortless, slightly slouchy, Parisian-cool
Icons: Sienna Miller, Jeanne Damas
Go-To Brand: Sézane
The French approach? “Désinvolte”—studied nonchalance. Think Sézane’s Clyde trench, a cult favorite with its relaxed A-line cut and plaid lining. “It’s versatile enough for jeans and sneakers or layered over a slip dress,” says Sézane’s founder Morgane Sézalory. The key? A fit that’s slightly oversized but never sloppy.
The Maximalists
Signature Style: Oversized, dramatic, volume-forward
Icons: Jennifer Lawrence, Zendaya
Go-To Brand: The Row
This tribe believes bigger is better—but with precision. A slouchy, elongated trench (like The Row’s charcoal-gray iteration) adds instant off-duty glamour. The trick? Tailoring matters. The drape should be intentional, not drowning. Pair with sleek trousers or a midi skirt to balance the proportions.
The Statement Makers
Signature Style: Bold colors, unexpected textures, head-turning details
Icons: Princess Kate (in tartan), Kendall Jenner (in lemon yellow)
Go-To Brands: Holland Cooper, Skall Studio
Why blend in when you can stand out? This tribe trades beige for regal purples, pastel pinks, or even glossy leather. As designer Daisy Knatchbull notes, “Trench coats are becoming more playful—bold hues and unique fabrics make it the outfit itself.”
The Croppers
Signature Style: Short, modern, fresh twist on tradition
Icons: Katie Holmes, Florence Pugh
Go-To Brands: M&S, Burberry
The cropped trench is this season’s rebel—seen on Burberry’s AW25 runway and now flooding the high street. M&S’s £59 version (nearly sold out in beige) proves its appeal. Perfect with high-waisted trousers or a midi dress, it’s a youthful take on a classic.
The Materialists
Signature Style: Luxe fabrics—leather, suede, vinyl
Icons: Rihanna, Catherine Deneuve
Go-To Brands: Balenciaga, Totême
Gabardine? Too predictable. This tribe opts for buttery leather, supple suede, or high-shine vinyl—materials that add edge. Rihanna’s all-black Balenciaga trench and Deneuve’s sleek vinyl iteration prove: when the fabric speaks, the outfit follows.
Which Tribe Are You?
Whether you’re a Burberry devotee or a leather-trench rebel, there’s a trench coat identity for every style. The beauty of this wardrobe staple? It adapts—just like you.
Ready to upgrade your spring outerwear? Pick your tribe and step out in confidence.