Transform your office attire: chic combinations to style a trench coat with professional looks

Transform Your Office Attire: Chic Combinations to Style a Trench Coat with Professional Looks

When it comes to elevating your office attire, few pieces of clothing are as versatile and timeless as the trench coat. This classic outerwear has been a staple in many women’s wardrobes for decades, and for good reason. Here’s how you can style your trench coat to create a variety of professional and chic outfits for the office.

How to Style a Trench Coat Over a Dress

One of the most elegant ways to wear a trench coat is over a dress. This combination is perfect for women who want to add a touch of sophistication to their office look.

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Choosing the Right Dress and Trench Coat

When pairing a trench coat with a dress, the cut and length of both pieces are crucial. For a classic and feminine look, opt for an A-line trench coat that flares out from the waist. This style works beautifully with a dress that has a wide skirt, creating a nostalgic ’50s feel. However, if you prefer a more modern look, pair an A-line hemmed trench coat with a narrower, more form-fitting dress.

Length Considerations

The length of your trench coat and dress should be balanced. If you’re wearing a mini dress, a shorter-length trench coat is fine, but if your dress is longer, a mid-thigh or longer trench coat can create an unbalanced look. Generally, a long, straight-cut trench coat is the best shape for teaming with dresses of various lengths.

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Example Outfit

Trench Coat: Opt for a classic beige or camel-colored trench coat that hits just above the calves.
Dress: Choose a knee-length or midi dress in a neutral color like black, navy, or gray.
Shoes: Pair with ankle boots or pumps to complete the look.
Accessories: Add a simple necklace and a pair of elegant earrings to keep the focus on the coat and dress.

How to Style a Trench Coat with Jeans

While dresses are a natural fit with trench coats, jeans can also be styled to look polished and professional.

Dressing Up Denim

The structured shape of a trench coat is the perfect antidote to casual denim. You can wear your trench coat over any type of jeans, but darker shades tend to look smarter and more appropriate for the office. For a chic and professional look, pair your trench coat with a white or cream wool jumper during the chillier months, and switch to t-shirts or blouses in the spring.

Styling Tips

Open or Buttoned: Wear your trench coat open to show off your outfit underneath, or button and belt it to reveal just a hint of your jeans.
Shoes: Choose loafers, ballet flats, or ankle boots to add a touch of elegance.
Accessories: A statement belt can instantly make your coat look more expensive. Opt for a belt with a distinctive buckle to add polish to your outfit.

Example Outfit

Trench Coat: Select a beige or camel-colored trench coat.
Jeans: Wear dark-washed, straight-leg or slim-fit jeans.
Top: Choose a crisp white shirt or a lightweight blouse.
Shoes: Pair with loafers or ankle boots.
Accessories: Add a simple watch and a quality handbag.

How to Style a Trench Coat for Work

Trench coats are an excellent choice for work due to their structured shape and professional appeal.

Office-Ready Outfits

For a work setting, it’s best to play it safe with your trench coat. Opt for one that is true to size rather than oversized, and pair it with crisp shirts, trousers, and tailored suits. Beige and camel are classic choices, but forest green can add a pop of color to an otherwise monochrome look.

Layering Tips

Underneath: Wear a tailored shirt or a lightweight blouse under your trench coat.
Bottoms: Choose tailored trousers or a pencil skirt.
Shoes: Opt for loafers, pumps, or dress shoes.
Accessories: Add a simple belt and a classic watch to complete the look.

Example Outfit

Trench Coat: Select a beige or camel-colored trench coat.
Top: Wear a white or light-colored blouse.
Bottoms: Choose tailored black or navy trousers.
Shoes: Pair with loafers or pumps.
Accessories: Add a simple necklace and a quality handbag.

How to Style a Trench Coat for the Weekend and Transition to Work

While trench coats are often associated with formal wear, they can also be styled for more casual occasions and easily transitioned to work outfits.

Weekend Chic

For a relaxed weekend look, pair your trench coat with comfortable pieces like leggings, oversized t-shirts, and slouchy knits. The longer length of the trench coat allows you to wear leggings with a shorter top without worrying about exposure.

Transitioning to Work

To transition this look to a work setting, swap the leggings for tailored trousers or a skirt, and change the top to a more formal blouse or shirt.

Styling Tips

Layering: Add a knit over your shoulders or layer up with a fuzzy printed scarf for added interest.
Shoes: Switch from sneakers to loafers or ankle boots.
Accessories: Replace casual accessories with more formal ones like a simple watch and a quality handbag.

Example Outfit

Trench Coat: Choose a beige or camel-colored trench coat.
Weekend Look: Pair with leggings, an oversized t-shirt, and sneakers.
Work Look: Swap the leggings for tailored trousers, change the top to a blouse, and pair with loafers or ankle boots.

How to Style a Trench Coat for the Evening

For evening events, you can elevate your trench coat game by opting for more luxurious materials and bold styles.

Luxe Materials

Trade in your cotton trench coat for something more luxe like faux leather, wool, silk, or brocade. High-shine fabrics can keep the look modern, and colors like deep reds and rusty browns are popular alternatives to classic black.

Bold Statements

For a bolder statement, consider a trench coat in a shouty pattern like leopard or zebra print. These can add a significant oomph to even the simplest of evening outfits.

Styling Tips

Underneath: Wear a sleek black turtleneck and matching trousers for a chic and sophisticated look.
Shoes: Opt for high heels or dressy ankle boots.
Accessories: Add statement jewelry and a clutch to complete the evening look.

Example Outfit

Trench Coat: Select a faux leather or silk trench coat in a bold color or pattern.
Top: Wear a black turtleneck.
Bottoms: Choose matching trousers or a pencil skirt.
Shoes: Pair with high heels or dressy ankle boots.
Accessories: Add statement jewelry and a clutch.

Practical Insights and Actionable Advice

Building a Capsule Wardrobe

When incorporating a trench coat into your wardrobe, it’s essential to think about how it fits into your overall capsule wardrobe. Neutral pieces like a classic white shirt, tailored trousers, and a few comfortable tops are essential for creating multiple outfits.

Layering Essentials

Layering is key when styling a trench coat. Here are some essential pieces to keep in mind:

White Shirt: A crisp white shirt is a versatile piece that can be worn under your trench coat for both casual and formal occasions.
Tailored Trousers: Black, navy, or tan trousers are great for pairing with your trench coat.
Comfortable Tops: Sweaters and blouses in neutral colors can be layered under your trench coat for different looks.
Cardigan: A neutral cardigan can add an extra layer of warmth and style to your outfit.

Table: Essential Pieces for Styling a Trench Coat

Piece	Description	Styling Tips
White Shirt	A classic, crisp white shirt	Wear under your trench coat for a polished look.
Tailored Trousers	Black, navy, or tan trousers	Pair with your trench coat for a professional look.
Comfortable Tops	Sweaters and blouses in neutral colors	Layer under your trench coat for different looks.
Cardigan	A neutral cardigan	Add an extra layer of warmth and style to your outfit.
Ankle Boots	Loafers, ballet flats, or ankle boots	Choose based on the formality of your outfit.
Accessories	Simple watch, quality handbag, statement jewelry	Add to complete your look and elevate your outfit.

Quotes from Fashion Experts

“Trench coats are extremely versatile and can be styled in several different ways. You can wear yours paired with a sweatshirt and leggings or with a midi dress for an event,” says Anna from See (Anna) Jane.
“The structured shape of a trench coat is the perfect antidote to even your slouchiest, worn-out, lightest-washed denim,” notes the fashion editor at Woman&Home.

Detailed Bullet Point List: Trench Coat Outfit Ideas

Here are some detailed outfit ideas to help you style your trench coat:

With White Jeans and Loafers:
Wear your trench coat over a cardigan, white jeans, and loafers for a classic and chic look.
Add a simple white shirt and a pair of elegant earrings to complete the outfit.
Trench Coat with a Leopard Print:
Pair your trench coat with a leopard print mini dress for a bold and stylish look.
Swap out your shoes to transition the look from day to evening.
With a Chunky Sweater and Jeans:
Style your trench coat over a chunky sweater and jeans for a cozy yet polished look.
Add ankle boots and a simple necklace to complete the outfit.
Trench Coat with a T-Shirt Dress:
Wear your trench coat over an elevated t-shirt dress and pair with pumps for a chic office look.
Add a simple watch and a quality handbag to complete the outfit.
Tonal Trench Coat Outfit:
Pair your trench coat with a similar color top and bottoms for a chic and cohesive look.
Add a simple belt and a classic watch to complete the outfit.

A trench coat is more than just a piece of outerwear; it’s a versatile tool that can elevate any outfit and make it perfect for various occasions. Whether you’re heading to the office, a weekend outing, or an evening event, styling your trench coat with the right pieces can make all the difference. By incorporating these chic combinations into your wardrobe, you’ll be well on your way to transforming your office attire and creating a personal style that is both professional and fashionable.