Vila
Guide

A good trench coat saves every outfit - here are 9

Stephanie Vinzens
15.4.2025
Translation: machine translated

Even a boring outfit gains character and style with the right trench coat. Whether a classic or modern interpretation: Here are nine strong candidates.

First designed as military clothing, the trench coat became a symbol of mysterious coolness in film noir classics. An aura that is still inherent to this day. It is fashionable and yet timeless. Sophisticated without appearing pretentious. Hardly any other item of clothing transforms a mediocre outfit into a really good one so effortlessly. The lightweight coat can be easily adapted to a variety of styles and weather conditions - making it the ideal companion for the moody transitional period.

But what makes a trench coat a trench coat? In classic terms, it is a coat in muted colours with a double-breasted button placket, tie belt and epaulettes. A so-called turtleneck often adorns the shoulder area and a cuff strap adorns the cuffs. A trench can be quite ornate. But it doesn't have to be.

This classic trench coat from Vila is available from Galaxus in various colours.
This classic trench coat from Vila is available from Galaxus in various colours.
Source: Vila
The second layer of fabric on the upper back, as in this Vero Moda model, is called a turtleneck.
The second layer of fabric on the upper back, as in this Vero Moda model, is called a turtleneck.
Source: Vero Moda

Many things can be a trench coat today

While trench coats used to be very specific in terms of form and function, today the definition is more a matter of feeling. What counts are vibes, not details. Even without a second button placket, belt and epaulettes, a coat can capture the essence of the trench coat. Even the characteristic khaki or beige colour is not a must.

One tip from me: opt for wide, long silhouettes. Trench coats have their maximum effect when they reach at least above the knee and fall loosely. If you find long coats impractical, I would advise you to opt for the currently very trendy cropped trench - basically a jacket-style trench coat - instead of a half-length compromise.

This single-breasted trench from Selected Femme has neither a tie belt nor epaulettes - but a contrasting collar and cuff straps.
This single-breasted trench from Selected Femme has neither a tie belt nor epaulettes - but a contrasting collar and cuff straps.
Source: Selected Femme
The cropped trench from Object has a beautifully clean look thanks to the concealed button placket.
The cropped trench from Object has a beautifully clean look thanks to the concealed button placket.
Source: Object

Here are nine beautiful examples: From short to long, classic in beige or surprising in denim, sometimes with all the characteristic details, sometimes completely minimalist. You might even find your new favourite coat.

Vero Moda Trench coat
Coats

Vero Moda Trench coat

Vero Moda Trench coat
Coats

Vero Moda Trench coat

Object Trench coat (36)
Coats
CHF149.01

Object Trench coat

36

Selected Femme Coat
Coats
CHF189.90

Selected Femme Coat

Selected Femme Trench coat
Coats
CHF219.90

Selected Femme Trench coat

Rouge Edit Trench coat (36)
Coats
CHF249.89

Rouge Edit Trench coat

36

Header image: Vila

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Has endless love for shoulder pads, Stratocasters and sashimi, but a limited tolerance for bad impressions of her Eastern Swiss dialect.


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