The Spring Staple That Is Guaranteed to Stand the Test of Time

Call us old-fashioned, but there's nothing we love more than when a good wardrobe staple gets elevated to new heights, and this season, it's the trusty trench that has been given the souped-up treatment. Back at London Fashion Week, the fashion crowd paraded the pavements in an array of statement trench coats, demonstrating the piece's sheer versatility and cool factor, and even though we're not spending a lot of time outside, you know that it's a style that will look just as good in five years' time as it does today. Now that's what we call a good investment. 

In this season's instalment of Pimp My Trench, we're seeing every reformulation you could imagine. It's all about harnessing the coat's essential elements—wide lapels, loosely belted fastening and military details—and subverting them to create a whole new look.

A quick glance at the street style imagery below will show a menagerie of interpretations—from oversize silhouettes and neon colourways to patent fabrics and print mash-ups. With spring around the corner, a statement trench is the perfect transitional piece. Also, it's the sort of trend that you could easily track down second-hand, which means there's less of a chance you'll have the same one as everyone else.

Scroll down to see how the fashion week crowd wore their statement trenches and shop our edit of the best ones available to buy now.

Style Notes: Patent is the bold fabric that has hit the mainstream this season. A high-shine trench is a seriously fun way to work the trend, as seen on this model.

Style Notes: Susie Bubble's Roksanda trench coat cleverly combines two fabrics to create a striking mash-up effect. The sleeves are also pretty fab.

Style Notes: When it comes to trenches, we say the bigger the better. This street styler has opted for a roomy iteration in chic khaki green. It would also look amazing inside out (just saying).

Style Notes: It might have all the essential elements of a classic trench, but the discerning eye will notice subtle tweaks—such as the asymmetric bottom half and oversize sleeves.

Style Notes: If classic muted beiges and camels of traditional trench coats don't interest you, instead try one in spring/summer 2020 neon.

Style Notes: If patent fabrics or neon hues are a little too much for you, then take your cues from this stylish individual who opts for a classic trench style with a two-toned finish.

Shop Our Trench Edit

Up Next: Survival of the Chicest: The Stylish Staples You'll Never Get Bored Of

Promo Image: @alexisforeman