How to Style a Leather Trench Coat: Outfits for Men and Women
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A leather trench coat works with almost everything: jeans and trainers, a suit, a dress, or a hoodie. The trick is to keep what's underneath simple and let the coat do the work. This guide covers trench coat outfits for women and men, how to wear one in each season, how to tie the belt, which shoes and colours work, and how to choose the right length for your height.
Women's Leather Trench Coat Outfits
1. Black Trench, White Tee and Jeans
A black trench left open over a white tee, straight jeans and white trainers or ankle boots. The easiest everyday look.
Shop the Women Stylish Black Leather Trench Coat →
2. Office: Trench Over Tailoring
A brown or black trench over a blazer or fine knit with tailored trousers and loafers. Belt it loosely at the back so it sits flat over the jacket.
Shop the Classic Women's Leather Trench Coat - Dark Brown →
3. With a Midi Dress or Skirt
Tie the belt at the waist over a knit or slip midi dress, and add knee-high boots. Choose a trench at least as long as the hem.
4. Evening: Oxblood or All Black
An oxblood or burgundy trench over a black dress or jumpsuit with heeled boots. A deep colour looks rich at night without any extra jewellery.
Shop the Women Elegant Oxblood Red Genuine Leather Trench Coat →
5. A Colour Statement
A mustard or yellow trench over cream, grey or denim. Keep everything else neutral so the coat stands out.
Shop the Chic Women's Mustard Real Leather Trench Coat →
6. Weekend Layers
An open trench over a hoodie or chunky sweater with leggings or straight jeans and trainers. The structure of the coat keeps a relaxed outfit looking put together.
Men's Leather Trench Coat Outfits
1. Over a Suit
A black trench over a dark suit with a white shirt and leather shoes. Leave the belt hanging or tie it at the back, never tight over the jacket.
Shop the Men's Black Leather Trench Coat →
2. Smart Casual
A trench over a roll-neck or crew-neck knit with chinos or grey trousers and Chelsea boots.
3. Jeans and Boots
A trench over a plain sweater or flannel shirt with dark jeans and boots. Wear it open for a relaxed look.
4. All Black for Evening
A black trench over a black shirt or knit and black trousers. Simple and sharp.
5. A Bolder Colour
A green or orange trench over navy, grey or cream. A colour trench looks best with plain, dark pieces underneath.
Shop the Men’s Green Leather Trench Coat →
Or try the orange leather trench coat for an even stronger look. For trench, overcoat and long coat styles, see our men's leather coat guide.
How to Wear a Leather Trench Through the Seasons
| Season | What to wear underneath | Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Spring | A tee, shirt or light knit | Wear it open; lighter colours like beige and tan look fresh. |
| Summer evenings | A slip dress, shirt or tee | A thin, unlined trench over the shoulders for cool nights. |
| Autumn | Knits, roll-necks, a blazer | The trench's best season; brown, oxblood and olive suit it. |
| Winter | A heavy knit or a thin down layer | Choose a lined or shearling-trimmed trench, and add a scarf and gloves. |
For winter, a trench with a faux fur collar adds warmth around the neck:
Shop the Women Green Leather Trench Coat with Faux Fur Trim →
How to Tie a Trench Coat Belt
- Front knot: a simple loose knot at the front. Relaxed, and the quickest.
- Buckled: fastened through the buckle for a neat, tailored look, usually with the coat closed.
- Tied at the back: pull the belt round and tie it behind you. The front stays open and clean, which works over a suit.
- Belt hanging loose: leave it in the loops, untied. The most casual way to wear an open trench.
Which Shoes Go With a Leather Trench Coat?
- Trainers: for jeans and weekend outfits.
- Chelsea or ankle boots: they work with almost everything, day or night.
- Knee-high boots: with dresses and skirts.
- Loafers or leather shoes: for work and suits.
- Heeled boots: for evenings.
Length and Body Shape
- Petite: a trench that ends at or just above the knee keeps you in proportion. Belt it to show your waist.
- Tall: long and duster trench coats suit you best, like the black sheepskin duster trench coat.
- Curvy: a belted trench in soft lambskin or sheepskin follows your shape; tie it at the narrowest part of your waist.
- Broad shoulders: choose a single-breasted trench and wear it open to make the shoulders look narrower.
Choosing a Colour
Black is the easiest and works for every outfit above. Brown and tan look warmer and suit casual and office wear. Oxblood, burgundy, green and mustard are statement colours: wear them over neutral pieces.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Buying it too small to close over a knit or blazer. Leather won't stretch to fit.
- Pulling the belt tight over a bulky layer, which bunches the coat.
- Wearing too many leather pieces together. One leather piece plus soft fabrics usually looks best.
- A dress or skirt hanging below the coat's hem.
Caring for a Leather Trench
Light rain is fine: wipe it off and let it dry naturally on a wide hanger, away from heat. Condition the leather every few months, and store it in a breathable cover, never plastic. Hang it buttoned with the belt in its loops so the shape stays.
Sizes and Custom Options
Every leather trench coat we sell is made to order, so you can have it made the way you want:
- Sizes: XS to 4XL or 5XL, depending on the style.
- Custom size: send us your measurements, including the length you want, and we'll make the coat to fit you.
- Custom colour: ask for the trench in another leather colour.
- Leather type: choose lambskin, sheepskin, cowhide or suede.
- Lining and shearling: change the lining, or ask for real shearling instead of the standard faux shearling or faux fur.
To order a custom trench, see our custom order process (free design consultation) or contact us with the product link and the changes you want.
See every style in our women's leather trench coats and men's leather coats collections, or read our women's leather coat guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you wear a leather trench coat in the rain?
In light rain, yes. Leather is water-resistant, not waterproof: wipe it off and let it dry naturally. Avoid soaking rain, especially with suede.
Can you wear a leather trench coat to a formal event?
Yes. A black or oxblood trench over a suit, dress or jumpsuit works for evenings and formal events.
Can you wear a leather trench coat in spring and summer?
In spring, yes, worn open over light layers. In summer, only a thin unlined trench on cool evenings.
What shoes go best with a leather trench coat?
Chelsea or ankle boots go with almost every outfit. Trainers suit jeans, and knee-high boots suit dresses.
Can men wear leather trench coats?
Yes. A black or brown knee-length trench over a suit or knit is a classic men's look.
What colour leather trench coat is best?
Black for a first trench, then brown or tan. Oxblood, green and mustard are good statement colours.
How do I know if a trench coat is real leather?
Real leather has an uneven grain, a leather smell and a fibrous cut edge. See this guide to genuine leather. Our coats are real leather unless the product title says faux.
How do I store a leather trench coat?
On a wide, shaped hanger in a breathable cover, somewhere cool and dry, away from sunlight.
Can I order a custom leather trench coat?
Yes. Every trench is made to order, and you can ask for a custom size or length, colour, leather type or lining.