There’s a reason the trench coat returns every spring without fail. In its most recognisable form—a clean, classic silhouette in a timeless neutral—it sits at the intersection of function and fashion, practical enough to withstand unpredictable weather whilst anchoring an outfit with very little effort. This season, as we start to lighten our layers, the appeal lies in purity rather than reinvention. No dramatic tweaks, no unnecessary updates, just a well-cut trench coat that works smarter in real life.
In Remy’s first look, the trench is the main character. Worn buttoned through and cinched at the waist, it functions almost like a dress, allowing the silhouette and classic beige colour to be admired in full. Underneath, a fluid green satin skirt with black lace detailing introduces softness and movement, while a simple black tank keeps the focus on proportion. white kitten heels cut through the look, adding contrast that sharpens the overall effect. It’s an elevated take that is polished enough for daytime plans that lean formal, but the outfit remains fluid rather than restrictive.
For Remy, this is exactly why the trench coat remains a constant. She places classic camel styles “up there with white T-shirts, blue jeans and Oxford shirts” because of their versatility, noting that whilst tailoring can feel rigid, “pairing a flowy trench coat with a tank top and satin skirt creates the perfect high–low contrast for a smart-casual dress code.” When worn done up, she sees the trench coat as the outfit itself—structured and confident—whereas worn open, it becomes a framing layer that softens what’s underneath. “It’s essentially two coats in one,” she adds, “and that’s what makes it such a reliable piece.”
SHOP
SHOP NOW
M&S Lace Detail Asymmetric Midi Slip Skirt
£32.00
SHOP NOW
£40.00
M&S Slouchy Top Handle Shoulder Bag
SHOP NOW
£95.00
M&S The Trench
Two Editors, One Coat
BY Humaa Hussain
THE LOOK
E
very well-edited wardrobe has its constants: great jeans, a reliable knit, the perfect white tee and a trench coat. It’s one of those pieces that holds everything else together as your style evolves—and one that high-street stalwarts like M&S have long been known for doing particularly well. It’s the layer I reach for when the weather’s
unpredictable, when outfits need sharpening or when I want to feel put-together without overthinking things. What sets the trench coat apart is its range. It works just as well thrown over denim as it does styled with an evening look, moving easily between work, weekends and more, which is exactly why it’s remained relevant for decades. A good trench doesn’t shout; it frames an outfit, anchors proportions and brings soft elegance to even the simplest looks.
L
BEFORE
DARK
ACE
This is the kind of look I go for when I want to feel well-dressed but not overdone—usually for weekend get-togethers that aren’t strictly formal, or afternoons that turn into extra plans. The base is intentionally understated, which allows the trench coat to take the lead without feeling dominant.
Worn open, with the belt tied loosely at the back, the coat immediately feels more relaxed, but still subtly defines the waist, giving shape without locking the look into something too rigid. I paired it with kitten heels because they strike that useful middle ground: polished enough to elevate denim, but comfortable and unfussy. A structured burgundy bag adds depth to the look, introducing colour without distracting from the trench itself.
The sleeve belts are a well-considered touch. They don’t pull in tightly by default, unlike the cinched cuffs I’ve encountered on other trenches. That said, the design allows for easy tailoring; extra holes could be added if you wanted a closer fit. For me, though, the looser shape feels refreshing. It gives the coat an ease that works particularly well with denim and softens the overall look. What I appreciate most is how this trench refines casual elements without overcorrecting them, making simple pieces feel elevated, which is exactly what you want from a coat you’ll wear on repeat.
ELEGANCE
SHOP NOW
£95.00
M&S The Trench
LOOK
SHOP THE
SHOP NOW
£30.00
M&S Pure Cotton Collared Blouse
SHOP NOW
£38.00
High Waisted Crease Front Barrel Jeans
SHOP NOW
£00.00
M&S Shoes Coming Soon
LOOK 01 / 04
LOOK 02 / 04
revere collar
Check Lining
Barrel Sleeves
The Trench Coat
water repellant
The M&S trench coat does exactly that. Cut with a relaxed ease through the body and with military-inspired detailing, it feels current without chasing trends. The waist belt allows for multiple silhouettes, the cuff straps and storm flap add structure and the back vent at the hem gives ease of movement—a detail that matters when you’re wearing it all day.
To show how these elements play out, our fashion editor, Remy Farrell, and I each styled it in two ways, wearing it on the kinds of days we actually dress for, from office hours and casual lunches to evening plans that don’t leave much time for outfit changes. Our approaches are different, but the result is the same: a trench coat that easily earns its place as the most reliable layer of the season.
RELAXED
STATEMENT
SLEEK
SHOP NOW
£12.50
M&S Cotton Rich Ribbed Scoop Neck Bra Vest Top
This look leans into tonal dressing, which I often rely on for work, especially on days when the weather is unpredictable. The trench brings definition to my everyday palette of soft creams and warm neutrals without disrupting its simplicity. Buttoned and belted, it mirrors the cleaner lines of the outfit underneath and holds its shape even when layered over knitwear.
It’s also worth calling out how well the coat performs in the rain we’ve been having lately. It’s a lighter composition rather than heavy-duty, which makes it comfortable to wear all day, and, crucially, it dries off quickly once you’re indoors. That balance of protection without bulk is what makes it so practical for commuting or moving between meetings. You only really notice the trench coat’s functionality when you need it, and you still feel presentable by the time you arrive at your destination.
UTILITY
TONAL
LOOK 03 / 04
SHOP NOW
£95.00
M&S The Trench
Remy’s second look is more relaxed, but no less well-styled. Worn open over dark, wide-leg jeans and a simple shirt, the trench becomes the hero layer, giving polish to an outfit built on familiar pieces. This is where Remy’s go-to “jeans and a nice top” formula comes into its own. Darker washes, she points out, feel instantly more evening-ready, and even the simplest shirt can shift gears with the addition of heels and a clutch. When it comes to outerwear, she always reaches for a longline trench coat. “Light enough to avoid overheating, but ideal for covering up and protecting you from surprise showers,” she says. Here, it does exactly that, reinforcing why the trench coat remains such a dependable choice for off-duty dressing.
LOOK 04 / 04
EASE
ELEVATED
Sponsor Content Created with M&S
This is the Trench We’re Backing as This Season’s Defining Coat
AUTHOR: Humaa Hussain | PHOTOGRAPHY: Tom O’Neill
SHOP NOW
£36.00
M&S Cotton Rich Argyle Crew Neck Jumper
LOOK
SHOP THE
SHOP NOW
£40.00
Crepe Tab Detail Wide Leg Trousers
SHOP NOW
£95.00
M&S The Trench
SHOP NOW
£46.00
M&S Faux Suede Woven Large Shoulder Bag
ELEGANCE
RELAXED
LOOK 01 / 04
revere collar
water repellant
Check Lining
Barrel Sleeves
The M&S trench coat does exactly that. Cut with a relaxed ease through the body and with military-inspired detailing, it feels current without chasing trends. The waist belt allows for multiple silhouettes, the cuff straps and storm flap add structure and the back vent at the hem gives ease of movement—a detail that matters when you’re wearing it all day.
To show how these elements play out, our fashion editor, Remy Farrell, and I each styled it in two ways, wearing it on the kinds of days we actually dress for, from office hours and casual lunches to evening plans that don’t leave much time for outfit changes. Our approaches are different, but the result is the same: a trench coat that easily earns its place as the most reliable layer of the season.
The Trench Coat
one of those pieces that holds everything else together as your style evolves. It’s the layer I reach for when the weather’s unpredictable, when outfits need sharpening or when I want to feel put-together without overthinking things.
What sets the trench coat apart is its range. It works just as well thrown over denim as it does styled with an evening look, moving easily between work, weekends and more, which is exactly why it’s remained relevant for decades. A good trench doesn’t shout; it frames an outfit, anchors proportions and brings soft elegance to even the simplest looks.
very well-edited wardrobe has its constants: great jeans, a reliable knit, the perfect white tee and a trench coat. It’s
E
There’s a reason the trench coat returns every spring without fail. In its most recognisable form—a clean, classic silhouette in a timeless neutral—it sits at the intersection of function and fashion, practical enough to withstand unpredictable weather whilst anchoring an outfit with very little effort. This season, as we start to lighten our layers, the appeal lies in purity rather than reinvention. No dramatic tweaks, no unnecessary updates, just a well-cut trench coat that works smarter in real life.
Sponsor Content Created with M&S
This is the Trench We’re Backing as ThisSeason’s Defining Coat
Two Editors, One Coat
SHOP THE LOOK
SHOP NOW
£90.00
M&S Textured Belted Longline Trench Coat
SHOP NOW
£35.00
M&S Pure Merino Wool Roll Neck Jumper
SHOP NOW
£39.50
M&S Suedette Buckle Tote Bag
SHOP NOW
£50.00
M&S Patent Studded Flat Pointed Shoes
LOOK 02 / 04
SHOP NOW
£90.00
M&S Textured Belted Longline Trench Coat
SHOP NOW
£35.00
M&S Pure Merino Wool Roll Neck Jumper
SHOP NOW
£39.50
M&S Suedette Buckle Tote Bag
SHOP NOW
£50.00
M&S Patent Studded Flat Pointed Shoes
SHOP THE LOOK
LOOK 02 / 04
SHOP NOW
£90.00
M&S Textured Belted Longline Trench Coat
SHOP NOW
£35.00
M&S Pure Merino Wool Roll Neck Jumper
SHOP NOW
£39.50
M&S Suedette Buckle Tote Bag
SHOP NOW
£50.00
M&S Patent Studded Flat Pointed Shoes
SHOP THE LOOK
LOOK 03 / 04
SHOP NOW
£50.00
M&S Patent Studded Flat Pointed Shoes
