The *One* Anti-Trend Piece I Buy, Wear, and Pack on Repeat

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I'm not someone who keeps things in my wardrobe that I don't wear. I suppose that's partly due to the size of my apartment, which doesn't exactly allow for excess. But it's also largely because of my dedication to only stock my closet with pieces I love and want to wear on repeat. And of all the items stored in there, the ones that arguably get the most attention are my trench coats. I have no shame in admitting that I play favorites.

In the winter, I wear them layered with hoodies and knitwear. In the spring and summer, I pair my lightweight versions with slip dresses or simple jeans-and-tee ensembles. I bring one with me on practically every trip, no matter the location, and struggle to not buy one whenever a new chic silhouette hits the market. I'm obsessed (clearly), and there's nothing you can say or do to convince me otherwise. As for what allows me to keep wearing them so frequently without tiring, I maintain an ever-refreshed mood board full of trench-coat outfit inspiration, and my latest one was too good not to share. 

Scroll down to examine my 12 favorite trench-coat looks from Instagram, and shop your way to recreating each one. 

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(Image credit: @hannamw)

I love the idea of keeping the outfit casual. Here's an oversize knit, black jeans, and a slouchy trench dressed up with statement heels. It really pulls the entire ensemble together in a laid-back, super cool way. 

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(Image credit: @emnitta)

When you opt for a leather trench, you really get two items for the price of one: a trench coat and a dress. Because of the elevated nature of the fabric, when you button up and tightly tie a leather trench, it turns into a gorgeous, unexpected dress silhouette that only needs heels and a great purse to finish off. 

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(Image credit: @abimarvel)

Trenches don't always have to be paired with neutrals. You can see just how chic they look when joined with a super-bright top and a classic pair of jeans in the photo above. 

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(Image credit: @laurareilly___)

Personally, a single-breasted car coat like this is my favorite trench style. It's so sleek and chic. 

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(Image credit: @pernilleteisbaek)

If you're looking for an entirely unexpected trench, look no further than this cognac suede option Pernille Teisbaek is wearing. 

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(Image credit: @meccajw)

Screw blazers, my favorite way to top any jeans-and-tank look is and will always be a trench coat. 

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(Image credit: @monikh)

If it's oversize, long, and looks like a trench coat, I bet it's either in my cart or en route to my door. 

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(Image credit: @hoskelsa)

When you need a trench to dress up a low-key outfit, it does it. The same goes for when you need it to dress down an ensemble, as pictured here. 

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(Image credit: @sasha.mei)

Throw on a long trench with Mary-Jane flats, grab a bag for all your necessities, and walk out the door knowing you look chic. It's an unbeatable combination. 

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(Image credit: @isabellecoheen)

For instant edge, top off your outfit with a leather trench. I swear, it's the only step you need to take to look like a total badass. 

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(Image credit: @saraloura)

And with that, you can officially consider the black trench coat to be French girl approved. 

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(Image credit: @brittanybathgate)

Experimenting is fun, but sometimes going with the safe and simple option is the chicest of all. 

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Coming up: I'm a Fashion Editor, and Everyone I Know Wants This One Jacket Style

Editor

Eliza Huber is a New York City–based fashion editor who specializes in trend reporting, brand discovery, and celebrity style. She joined Who What Wear in 2021 after almost four years on the fashion editorial team at Refinery29, the job she took after graduating with a marketing degree from the University of Iowa. She has since launched two monthly columns, Let's Get a Room and Ways to Wear; profiled the likes of Dakota Fanning, Diane Kruger, Katie Holmes, and Sabrina Carpenter for WWW's monthly cover features; and reported on everything from the relationship between Formula One and fashion to the top trends from fashion month, season after season. Eliza now lives on the Upper West Side and spends her free time researching F1 fashion imagery for her side Instagram accounts @thepinnacleoffashion and @f1paddockfits, running in Central Park, and scouring eBay for '90s Prada and '80s Yves Saint Laurent.