In the Trenches: The Best Coats for April Showers
by habituallychic
04 . 02 . 24It’s already felt like it’s been raining a lot in NYC and this week’s forecast is rain for the entire week. It’s dreary and depressing so let’s focus on one thing we can control – how to dress for the weather. Parisian women will wear a trench coat rain or shine since they tend to own fewer coats than American women so I’ve included a few non-rainy day options too.
I bought my Toteme Signature Cotton-blend Trench Coat in fall 2022 and it’s one of the best purchases I’ve made. I don’t know if it’s technically waterproof but it feels like it and it barely wrinkles which makes it great for travel. I took two sizes down and did need to get the sleeves and bottom hemmed but it was worth it. If you’re tall, you will probably be able to wear it without alterations. You can see it here on Parisian it-girl and designer Maria de la Orden and Danish it-girl and designer Cecilie Moosgaard Nielsen.
Elle Fanning wore a chic trench to Wimbledon last summer and the Double-breasted Cotton Trench Coat (left) looks very similar. I bought it as an option when I want a less dressy and heavy trench coat and it looks even more like her trench in person. It’s amazing quality for the price and very long but fits a little small. If you want to layer heavier sweaters under it, I’d size up.
The Wool Blend Trench Coat (right) is also similar can you can find more sizes here.
Rosie Huntington-Whiteley wears her Khaite Belted Trench Coat trench in the city and while traveling. You can find more sizes here.
A similar option is the Tanner Trench Coat on the left.
The exact trench that Kaia Gerber was seen wearing in NYC is long sold out so I’d suggest the Double-Breasted Cotton Trench Coat and Cotten Trench Coat as similar options.
Kaia was also seen in Paris in a single breasted trench coat. Similar options include the Side-slits Trench Coat or Cotton Maxi Trench
I still love the coat Elle Fanning was wearing in NYC but since it was an expensive Padded Shell Trench Coat from The Row, I suggest trying the Cotton Overcoat or Rohe Midi Coat.
Two coats that have similar feeling fabric to her coat from The Row but different styles are this chic Double Breasted Satin-twill Trench Coat and Satin Cocoon Jacket. I want them both!
Kendall Jenner was also seen in a chic June Trench from The Row in Paris but a much more reasonable option is the Pale Green Trench on the right.
Lauren Santo Domingo was seen at fashion week in NYC wearing the chic Toteme Scarf-neck Trench Coat with detachable scarf. A similar option is the Acne Shawl Collar Trench. A similar but much less expensive option is the Hooded Trench Coat.
Two more interesting trench coats are the Mille Renata Trench with attached capelet and Crochet-Bib Trench Coat. I’ve seen both in person and they are great quality for the price.
If you want something a little different, you can try the Bottega Veneta Belted Leather-trimmed Cotton-Garbardine Trench Coat or the less expensive Toteme Leather-trimmed Cotton Jacket. They are a great city to country coats.
Short trench coats are having a moment this spring too. They are almost all shown with trousers or jeans which is an option but I’d also consider wearing them with a high waisted full skirt.
On the top row is the Short Twill Trench Coat and Cropped Trench Coat with Lapels.
In the middle is the Favorite Daughter Cropped Trench.
Bottom row is the Double-breasted Cutout Cotton-gabardine Trench Coat and Cropped Stretch Cotton Trench Coat
If you are looking for a multi-functional trench, try this 2-In-1 Cotton Double-Layered Trench Coat that should be called 3-in-1 since you can wear it three ways. You can wear the cropped trench on top of the sleeveless trench for a full coat. You can also wear the sleeveless trench alone as a jacket or a dress. Lastly, you can wear the cropped trench with matching Cotton Wide-Leg Suiting Pants. This would be a great trench for those of you who like to pack lightly.
Stay dry!
XOXO,
HC