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The Insider Pick:
The trench coat is a true classic fashion staple that looks good on everyone. It's the perfect coat for rainy or slightly chilly days.
With the look of Burberry at an under-$200 price point, the London Fog Heritage Trench Coat is our top pick. This is the Holy Grail: a classic silhouette from a legacy brand, at an affordable cost.
Trench coats. They are as classic as vanilla ice cream and "The Catcher in the Rye." Just as you should always have those two things in your refrigerator and on your bookshelf, respectively, you should always have a trench hanging in your closet. Preferably of the khaki variety, because then it will go with every outfit, from evening dresses to work slacks.
You don’t have to spend a fortune on a trench coat, either. Most of the picks in our guide run below $200 and look as good as the high-end versions. A beautiful trench can be an affordable luxury that makes you feel put together (and about 25% more British) when you slip it on.
This is the beauty of a great jacket: Even if you’ve got a sweatshirt and jeans on underneath, the right topper can elevate you to model-off-duty status. The trench coats featured here for your shopping pleasure are outfit-makers.
Here are the best trench coats you can buy:
- Best overall: London Fog Heritage Trench Coat, $178
- Best oversized: Everlane Drape Trench Coat, $138
- Best for rain: The North Face Laney II Trench, $180
- Best plus-size: Eloquii Ruffle Sleeve Trench Coat, $149
- Best royalty-worthy: Badgley Mischka Faux Leather Trim Long Trench Coat, $99
Read on in the slides below to check out our top picks.
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The best trench coat overall
Why you'll love it: London Fog is a brand you can trust, and its Heritage Trench Coat is just as iconic as other more expensive trench coats from luxury brands, but it's much more affordable.
Fancy designer trench coats get all the buzz, but they aren’t always better. Take the London Fog Heritage Trench Coat, for example. It’s beautifully made and looks strikingly similar to some of the most popular Burberry trenches, but it only costs $178.
This is your typical belted, double-breasted silhouette with zero frills. It lacks any bells and whistles, besides the buckle details at the sleeves and the detachable hood that it comes with. A button-up storm flap at the bust allows for additional protection from the elements.
The Heritage Trench Coat is available in two classic colors, “Black” and “Stone.” Nothing about this jacket screams “high fashion,” but it’s a great pick if you want a durable jacket that won’t look dated by next season. And it works for a variety of weather conditions, thanks to its detachable lining.
Did I mention that this really looks like a Burberry jacket? The Mom Edit even did a detailed side-by-side comparison of The Heritage Trench alongside a Burberry coat and the results are striking. She called it “an almost exact replica” and noted that they even have similar features, like the removable lining and a water-resistant finish.
Shoppers have also noted the resemblance. “It seriously looks like a Burberry jacket but for wayyyyy cheaper,” writes one Nordstrom shopper, “Excellent quality as well. Would love to get another color in the future.”
Pros: Timeless design, water resistant, removable lining and hood, looks designer, machine washable
Cons: Reviewers noted the fabric has a tendency to wrinkle
Buy the London Fog Heritage Trench at Nordstrom for $178
The best oversized trench coat
Why you'll love it: Leave it to Everlane to make a trench coat that feels fresh and modern — The Drape Trench is slouchier and more relaxed than many jackets, giving it an updated feel.
Everlane is known for its array of perfectly executed basics, so of course the brand has an amazing trench coat. It’s called The Drape Trench, and it’s a great pick for anyone who wants a roomy fit.
If you find a lot of coats too fitted to layer to your liking, you’ll be a fan of The Drape Trench’s oversized fit. Don’t let the 100% cotton twill fabric scare you off — This jacket is water-resistant and features a protective storm flap. The style boasts what Everlane describes as a “cooler” and “more relaxed fit” and is a bit longer than the London Fog version we mentioned above.
The Drape Trench comes in khaki, black, and navy. It’s a hit with fashion experts — The Cut recommended it twice and Who What Wear devoted an entire article to showing readers how to style it. Everlane customers give it an overall 4.5 rating based on 219 reviews.
“This is an instant classic coat in my wardrobe,” says one shopper. “Tremendously flattering, I get compliments on it when I wear it out. Very chic and durable, especially during heavy downpours.”
Pros: Relaxed fit, longer length, water resistant, under-$150
Cons: Brand recommends sizing down if you don’t want it to be as oversized
Buy The Drape Trench Coat at Everlane for $138
The best trench coat for bad weather
Why you'll love it: The North Face Laney II Trench gives you the look of a fabulous trench coat, with the waterproofing of a rain jacket.
Trench coats are often considered raincoats by default. Not all of them are waterproof or water-resistant, but many styles are. Sometimes, you need more. That’s where The North Face Laney II Trench comes in.
Simply put, it’s the cross-pollination of a trench coat and a rain jacket, built for the outdoorsy folks who don’t want to sacrifice style. Details like waterproof HyVent fabric, an adjustable hood, and an interior “media pocket” make this an exceptional option for heavy downpours, while waist-cinching buckles allow you to tailor the fit to your body type.
One Nordstrom reviewer says, “I purchased this coat for an upcoming trip to Ireland and couldn’t be happier. I’ve tested it in a couple of downpours and it’s kept me dry.” The jacket has 193 5-star reviews at Nordstrom and an overall 4.3 rating.
Pros: Waterproof with additional features like a “media pocket” to keep electronics dry, lined, adjustable hood and side buckles
Cons: Too heavy for warmer temperatures, looks sportier than a traditional trench
Buy The North Face Laney II Trench at Nordstrom for $180
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