This Autumn Is All About the Classic Trench Coat

Photo: Courtesy of Henne

Sleek silhouettes, wear-with-everything colours and smart details: now is the time to invest in a trench coat that will carry you through until spring – and beyond.

The best thing I bought last year was a trench coat from Camilla and Marc. It’s khaki, slightly oversized and falls to a floor-skimming length (on my 5’4” frame, at least). Now that I’ve cracked it out for another season, I can’t really remember how I dressed before it came into my wardrobe. But it was a journey to find the one.

The term “investment piece” gets thrown around a lot, but the trench is a worthy example. There’s a reason the style has transcended its military origins, and continues to grace runways and city streets year on year: trench coats are timeless, trans-seasonal and functional.

Depending on where you live, a good trench can do the heavy lifting from early autumn until late spring, layered with cosy knits as needed. Some seasons deliver coloured cottons and embossed leather finishes but 2024 is all about the classics. These are the styles on our wishlist this autumn.

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Camilla and Marc Mackinley trench coat

$950 Camilla and Marc Mackinley trench coat A classic camel hue and slightly oversized proportions: Camilla and Marc delivers capsule wardrobe perfection. The Wyatt silhouette has a more relaxed fit and fluid fabric.

Friends With Frank The Penelope trench coat

$699 Friends With Frank The Penelope trench coat The Melbourne brand’s signature balloon-sleeve silhouette is updated in chocolate brown this autumn. But the khaki Imogen trench makes choices difficult.

Assembly Label Alessandra trench coat

$300 Assembly Label Alessandra trench coat With its classic beige colourway, minimalist finishes, 100 per cent cotton construction and $300 price tag, I’m not sure what’s stopping you from immediately adding this one to cart.

Oroton Check trench

$799 Oroton Check trench What’s black and white and about to be all over your wardrobe? This checked style from Oroton. It’s made from 100 per cent recycled polyester taffeta and has a slightly padded finish for added warmth.

Lee Mathews Sora trench

$699 Lee Mathews Sora trench If you’re looking for a sporty touch, this hooded style from Lee Mathews comes in a lightweight ripstop nylon fabric with a loose fit and drawcord detailing.

Aere short trench coat

$190 Aere short trench coat Opt for a cropped silhouette on weekends or at work. This style from Aere is still finished with classic details, including a storm flap and belted cuffs.

Anna Quan Madden coat

$1100 Anna Quan Madden coat A house signature, Anna Quan’s Madden silhouette commands attention with its full length and wide lapels. Break down the cost per wear on this for the next decade.

Harris Tapper Miller trench

$1118 Harris Tapper Miller trench Kiwi brand Harris Tapper keeps things simple with a single-button closure. The heavyweight bonded suiting fabric is appropriate for colder climes.

Incu Collection Twilight trench coat

$370 Incu Collection Twilight trench coat There’s a ’90s vibe to this style from Incu Collection. The metal D-ring loop and elongated belt add waist-cinching detail to the classic fit.

Jac & Jack Genesis trench

$780 Jac & Jack Genesis trench This waterproof style is a true trans-seasonal hero. The oversized silhouette and exaggerated collar are simply style bonuses.

Venroy belted cotton trench

$340 Venroy belted cotton trench Statement storm flaps are the star of this silhouette from Venroy. Generous pockets mean you can go out sans bag, too.

Elka Collective Shiro trench

$399 Elka Collective Shiro trench Black on black details set apart this sleek number from Elka Collective. The Melbourne brand also offers the Nikko in caramel.

Scanlan Theodore denim trench

$800 Scanlan Theodore denim trench When you can’t decide between a denim jacket and a trench, Scanlan Theodore has the answer. The longline silhouette balances the casual appeal of the indigo finish.

Paris Georgia Elemental trench

$590 Paris Georgia Elemental trench Switch things up with this army green colourway from Kiwi brand Paris Georgia. Clean lines make this design a forever favourite.

Henne Isolde trench

$399 Henne Isolde trench Maxi-length coats are making their mark this season. Match this one from Henne to denim, chinos, skirts and more.

P Johnson Femme wool trench coat

$1995 P Johnson Femme wool trench coat P Johnson takes the classic trench up a notch, cutting this style from 100 per cent wool and keeping details to a minimum. Make this investment and be enveloped by cosiness all winter.

Minima Esenciales Sorrel trench coat

$340 Minima Esenciales Sorrel trench coat Wear this style with or without the belt – the slightly wider sleeves and relaxed fit through the body make it a weekend must.

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