8 Trench Coats That Make Every Autumn Outfit Look Expensive

The key is fit and fabric. Look for cotton gabardine or a heavy cotton blend, shoulders that sit where yours do, and enough room to layer a knit underneath. Here are the eight styles we rate, at every budget.

The original and, for many, still the best. Burberry's heritage trenches are made in Yorkshire and will genuinely last a lifetime. A big spend (from around £1,900), but the cost per wear over 20 years is surprisingly low.

ME+EM cuts its trenches with a dropped shoulder and a longer length, so they look effortless worn open. Perfect if you want something that feels more 2026 than 1956.

Reiss trenches are crisp, double-breasted and cut close to the body. Belt it tight over tailoring for the office, or knot it loosely at the back for weekends.

COS strips the trench back: no epaulettes, fewer buttons, beautiful drape. If you love a quiet, architectural look, start here.

ARKET's trenches are made from organic cotton blends in great neutrals, at a price that won't make you nervous about wearing it in the rain.

Whistles does softer, more fluid trenches that move beautifully over dresses. Great if you're petite, as many of its styles come in petite sizing.

Already own a stone trench? Try a chocolate, khaki or even burgundy version. Jigsaw is brilliant for rich colours and quality fabrics.

M&S consistently makes one of the best-value trenches in the UK, usually with Stormwear water repellency. It's the one that sells out every autumn, so don't wait.

Weekend: straight jeans, a grey marl sweatshirt and loafers.

Office: tailored trousers, a fine knit and pointed flats.

Evening: a slip skirt, knee-high boots and the belt cinched tight.

Start at the shoulders. The seam should sit right at the edge of yours, or drop just past it if you're going for the oversized cut. Anything that pinches across the back will look tight the moment you put a jumper on underneath, so always try one on over your thickest knit.

Length is personal, but just below the knee is the most flattering for most heights. Petite? A shorter, above-knee cut stops it swamping you. Sleeves should cover your wrist bone with your arms by your side. Too short looks like you've borrowed it. Too long, and a tailor can shorten them for not much.

Hang it on a proper wooden hanger with shoulders, not the wire one from the dry cleaner. Let it dry naturally after a soaking, away from the radiator. Spot clean marks as they happen and only dry clean it once or twice a season. Over-cleaning strips the water-repellent finish, and you'll notice the rain soaking in. Most good dry cleaners can reproof it for you.

Trench coats are made to last, which makes them one of the best things to buy pre-loved. Search Vinted or Vestiaire Collective for vintage Burberry and you'll find classic styles for a fraction of the new price. Check the label for the country of manufacture, ask for photos of the lining, and go a size up, because older cuts tend to run small. Charity shops in nicer postcodes are worth a rummage too.

Classic stone or honey is the safest first trench. It goes with navy, black, denim, grey and every brown you own. Black is sleeker and hides the splash marks from passing buses, but it can look a bit severe over black clothes. Navy is the underrated middle option. Once you've got the first one, that's when to try khaki or chocolate.

Whichever you go for, try it on with the shoes you'll wear most. A trench that looks great with heels in the shop can look completely different with trainers on a Saturday. Lift your arms, sit down, do the buttons up over a jumper. If it still feels good, buy it and wear it until it falls apart, which with a good one will take a very long time. And if the belt keeps sliding off, a tailor can add a couple of belt loops for a few pounds.