The classic trench coat succumbs to the new trends in fashion

Fashion alert: the classic trench coat is getting a makeover this spring

The transitional-season coat gets modernized with doses of color, pleats, and an interesting mix of materials

MARCH 13, 2020 5:48 PM EDTMAR 13, 2020, 5:48 PM EDT

The trench coat is a fashion classic. A descendant of British military jackets and originally made from waterproof wool, not much has changed from its original design, buttons or even color. Yet this season, the creative directors of the most important brands in the world have taken it upon themselves to reinvent it, shortening the bottom, adding leather panels, pleats on the sleeves, and even contrasting check-print strips.

An essential for mid-season and spring, these trench coats are coming to relieve the ones you’ve got in your closet of duty. Here are the details so you can wear them in line with the new trends.

Trench coat with open sleeves from JW Anderson

Long, beige and with open sleeves

To update the typical double-breasted version, designers like JW Anderson focused on the sleeves, creating a deep slit from the shoulder to the wrist that opens it up and gives it a very different flow.

Asymmetric double-breasted beige trench coat from Burberry

Ultra-feminine asymmetry

This garment that is so typical in film noir loses any androgynous aspect and becomes even more feminine simply because of the high-low hem. Burberry –the iconic trench coat designer– reimagined it in this way, and yes, kept its characteristic lightness.

Short trench for variety

Want to be a part of this fashion trend? Then the Short Contrasting Trench from Zara ($119) is a clear choice. Short, with a magnificent lapel collar and in two kinds of material to wear buttoned-up with jeans and floral maxi dresses.

Long trench coat in beige with check panel

Mix and match

One of the proposals that caught everyone’s attention is the mixed trench coat from Ports 1961. Half thick poplin in timeless beige and the other half in silky check print. With a flawless finish, this trench unites two musts for the fashionistas!

Trench coat with black soft leather panels

Also in soft leather

Soft leather finds its most daring ally in the trench coat; and although it may seem like a contradiction, just admire the oversized trench with black leather panels from Rokh that, worn together, creates a striking design.

Combine more than one trend

Dare to wear more than one fashion trend, in just one garment, and give your style a renewal. The Metallic Trench Detail Trench from No. 21 has a slouchy fit, double-breasted silhouette and fabulous reflective gold patches that'll make you shine (Shopbop, $630).

Trench coat with pleat detail from Michael Kors

Pleats and structure

Michael Kors is another designer who stays loyal to the trench coat in every fashion show; but this year he's taken it to the next level with unexpected triple pleats on the shoulders, while keeping the semi-rigid structure, ten buttons, cuff straps and s elf-tie belt.

Trench coat with denim detail from Lutz Huelle

The most practical trench

This outerwear essential has also seen a renewal by having denim incorporated into the design, like this one from Lutz Huelle. In midi-length and with discreet pockets, the designs that combine –perhaps– the timeless basics are sure to triumph in street style and in all the ladies’ closets!

And a reversible one?

Since the fashion trends are betting on unconventional trench coats, we’d like to suggest the Darlow Trench Coat from Baum und Pferdgarten, a reversible hybrid between a trench and a poncho with a minimal check print and iridescent hints given off by the luminous beige (Shopbop, $419).

Don't think twice, go with the least-predictable trench coat you can this season and you’ll be sure to be covering up in one of this spring's latest fashion trends.