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This Season, I’m All About The Non-Traditional Trench Coat

Next time it rains... I will definitely be poorer.

Written by Ariel Bielsky

Oct. 26, 2022

Edward Berthelot/Getty Images

Woman wearing two-toned black and white belted non-traditional trench coat.

As someone who avoids getting wet at all costs, you won’t find me unprepared on a rainy day, particularly when it comes to outerwear. But while an all-weather coat’s first function is to keep me warm and dry, it also is the main focal point of all my outfits — if that part doesn’t work, nothing else will. (It’s honestly an inconvenience when I have to take it off because my top layer is the main character of my look and I’m just here to support.) The particular style I’ve been eyeing for unpredictable forecasts this fall? All the innovative untraditional trench coats out there right now.

Popularized during World War I, the trench coat continues to be the paradigm of fashion following form and function — even over 100 years after its inception. And while I love timeless versions of the silhouette in all its iconic khaki glory, this season I’m ready to shake things up with some leather, denim, and deconstructed designs from designers like Alexander McQueen and Monse.

From cropped shapes to pleated fabric, there are so many fresh ways to approach the timeless trench — and they all make a statement. Ahead, shop the 11 anything-but-boring options on my current wish list.

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Porterhouse Circle Pocket Trench

Levi's x Sami Miro

Porterhouse Circle Pocket Trench

Levi’s x Sami Miro Vintage? This is the upcycled collab we didn’t know we needed. The oversized patchwork denim mixed with a one-of-a-kind factor (no two items are the same) makes this something you should probably add to your cart before it’s too late.

Douglas Two-Toned Cape Trench Coat

Derek Lam 10 Crosby

Douglas Two-Toned Cape Trench Coat

This one is a bit of a trench-meets-cape hybrid, and I’m here for it. I’m obsessed with the two-toned neutrals, oversized sleeves — both balanced by a waist-cinching belt.

Coated Trench

If there’s one thing Tory Burch does well, it’s helping women dress more elegantly, but in a comfortable and relaxed way. That is exactly what this plum coated, mid-length silhouette is giving. It’s also on sale… so, you’re welcome.

Panelled houndstooth-wool trench coat

Panelled houndstooth-wool trench coat

If I saw someone wearing this coat, I wouldn’t even think twice about what's underneath. This is a prime example of your trench completely stealing the spotlight.

Oversized Bonded Trench Coat

3.1 Phillip Lim

Oversized Bonded Trench Coat

For those who might be a little hesitant to stray too far away from your traditional trench, this is the perfect solution for you. The juxtaposition between the black belt and buckle closure cuffs with a classic khaki color, will have you feeling elegant and just the teeniest bit edgy.

Gabardine Cropped Trench Coat

Gabardine Cropped Trench Coat

What’s a story on trench coats without the one and only, Burberry? What I love about the heritage British house is that even though they are the makers of the very first trench coat, they are still innovating all these years later while continuing to sell the classics.

Vino Pleated Trench Coat

Vino Pleated Trench Coat

OK please excuse my trench. I’m obsessed with this perfectly pleated Sandro number. Talk about a coat that can just be your entire outfit…

Decima Trench Coat

The Frankie Shop

Decima Trench Coat

There isn’t much that The Frankie Shop can make that I wouldn’t wear. When I think of the classic Frankie Shop girl, she’s in an oversized blazer or trench coat. The Decima in slate green is my current fav for the padded shoulders and detachable throat latch. Yep, you heard that right… a throat latch! The puffed-up sleeves are *chef’s kiss*.

Asymmetric printed cotton-gabardine trench coat

Alexander McQueen

Asymmetric printed cotton-gabardine trench coat

The graffiti-printed sleeves on this perfectly tailored design make it the quintessential non-traditional trench coat.

Traviesa belted color-block leather trench coat

Traviesa belted color-block leather trench coat

OK, hear me out. Do I have $9,000.00 to spend on a trench coat? No. But I couldn’t complete this round up without including this leather masterpiece from The Row. The dark chocolatey brown colorblocked with ivory makes me actually want to take out a second mortgage so I could buy this style.

Bustier Trench Coat

Bustier Trench Coat

Excuse me, but I am unwell after seeing this BUSTIER trench coat. Have you ever seen something more perfect? I would wear this coat as a top with nothing else underneath. If this doesn’t prove my point that non-traditional trench coats can serve as an entire outfit, then we will just have to agree to disagree.