No Shade to My Black Coats, But This New Style Instantly Elevates Every Outfit
The timeless staple gets a fresh, fashion-approved twist you’ll want in your wardrobe.
The longline, floor-sweeping coat has always been a style constant, but this season it’s gone through a decidedly cool upgrade: checks. From oversized gingham to sharp houndstooth, patterned trenches are emerging as the outerwear choice that feels instantly directional without losing any of the timelessness we expect from a classic trench. It’s the easiest way to take your look from simple to styled, even on days when you’ve only managed jeans and a jumper.
What makes the checked coat so appealing is its versatility. An exaggerated silhouette thrown over relaxed denim feels effortless and modern, while more tailored cuts instantly polish up office looks. In neutral tones, it becomes a wear-with-everything staple; in bolder patterns, it reads as a statement piece that doesn’t need much else.
Tia Dewitt wearing the viral Sezane trench coat.
Designers and high-street brands alike are leaning in, with playful, reversible iterations sitting alongside sculpted wool versions that could pass for vintage. And, everyone’s been spotted in one. From Elsa Hosk and Marilyn NK styling the now sold-out The Row style to Tia Dewitt in Sézane's viral iteration, the trend is proving its fashion pull—checked coats are the shortcut to looking instantly more polished.
Keep scrolling to shop our edit of the best checked coats.
Shop The Best Checked Coats

Marina Avraam is Senior Shopping Editor at Who What Wear UK, where she expertly navigates Zara, H&M, Toteme and Net-a-Porter (to name but a few) on a daily basis to unearth the most worthwhile pieces, while valiantly resisting the urge to add every single one to her basket. At Who What Wear, Marina is committed to curating a shopping experience that feels both aspirational and intentional, guiding readers to items—both affordable and investment—that will genuinely benefit their wardrobes.
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