The Twenty Best Trench Coats for Women That Will Survive the Fashion Cycle

Few pieces in fashion boast the influence or staying power of the trench coat. There’s arguably no more versatile piece of outerwear; a traditional trench is light enough for in-between seasons but sturdy enough to withstand chill, and its iconic silhouette can turn a pair of the best high-waisted leggings and a T-shirt runway-ready. (Just ask Gigi Hadid.) Whether long or short, cropped or oversized, leather or fur, belted or loose, khaki or colorful, the trench’s signature features—a draped fit, a breasted collar, and a so-called storm flap—make it easily remixed for decades to come.

First popularized during World War I—the conflict’s infamous trench warfare beget the coat’s “trench” moniker—the pieces proved essential for British officers, who wanted lightweight and weatherproof jackets to protect them (and to set them apart from lower-ranking soldiers). Although both Burberry and Aquascutum take credit for designing the first trench, the look has become so ubiquitous that it inspired thousands of imitations and interpretations. That’s a good thing for fashion fiends, but it makes the process of uncovering the right trench coat women want to wear even trickier. Ahead, we’ve compiled our favorites at numerous price points and in a variety of styles to help you on your hunt. In the words of one famous trench-wearer: “The answer is out there.”