The Timeless Wardrobe Staple That Makes Getting Dressed for Spring 10 Times Easier
The key to a polished closet.
Welcome to The Great Try-On—our digest of everything you'll need for your most stylish season yet. The days are getting longer and warmer, and accordingly, we identified the ultimate spring capsule wardrobe, which consists of five practical yet trend-forward hero items. A few of our editors tried on each of these versatile wardrobe builders so that you can see how they actually look IRL. We built individual stories around the five categories we're highlighting, and for each, you will see some of your favorite brands, fresh styling tricks, and outfit ideas aplenty. From the season's chicest basic to the accessory everyone is reaching for, we hope that these photos and the candid reviews of each item will help you shop for a spring wardrobe filled with essentials and of-the-moment pieces you'll wear this season and beyond.
If you ask any fashion editor or insider, they'll tell you that the trench coat is the unofficial outerwear choice of spring. It effortlessly combines practicality and style, making it the ideal layering piece for unpredictable spring weather. Its balanced weight—neither too heavy nor too light—adds a polished touch to any outfit. For all dressers, the trench is the dependable wardrobe staple guaranteed to make even the simplest outfit, like a basic tee and jeans, look intentional.
While a double-breasted beige trench will always be a spring wardrobe essential, 2026 is seeing designers and the style set embrace nontraditional silhouettes. This shift offers a fresh take on the classic trench. Continue reading to explore three of 2026's top trench coats, discover stylish ways to wear them this season, read firsthand reviews from our editor models who tested them, and shop the exact pieces they wore, including the full outfits.
A beige trench coat is chic and timeless, but this season, the fashion set is all about classic trenches with a twist. This chocolate-brown Mango trench coat fits that description perfectly. Get all the details and see the coat IRL on our senior branded content editor Aniyah below.
Aniyah's take on the trench coat: "Are you prepared for your classic beige trench coat to take the back seat this season? Don't get me wrong. Trench coats are integral to spring style, but I'm opting for darker hues this season and relying on colorful elements to keep my looks fresh and fun. My color palette is light with beige and pastel pink as the base so that the coat can thrive. We're still in "the coat is the outfit" season, so I like the idea of buttoning it up to the top and using the belt to cinch the waist with a pair of heels. This coat looks way more expensive than it is, which is always the goal when you're getting great quality."
Styling tips: For a chic spring look that goes beyond the typical jeans-and-trench pairing, try styling your lightweight trench coat with a pencil skirt—another big trend for spring 2026. Finish the outfit with a powder-pink button-down shirt for a polished, seasonal feel.
Shop the trench coat: Mango Angela Belted Trench Coat ($180)
Mango does elevated basics best, and this trench coat is a perfect example. With its cotton-blend fabric and water-repellent properties, this piece is ideal for spring showers, protecting you from the weather and keeping you warm. The belt allows you to cinch the waist, and adjustable cuffs provide a personalized fit. Raglan sleeves and drop shoulders are intentionally designed for a relaxed look and a practical, roomy fit in case you want to layer. The double-breasted buttons add to its timeless, chic appeal.
Bold hues are making their mark on everything this spring, including trench coats. Don't be intimidated, though. A red style like the one our senior fashion editor Anna tried on is surprisingly wearable thanks to its muted shade and classic design. See for yourself below.
Anna's take on the trench coat: "If you'd told me last week that I'd not only be wearing a bright-red trench coat but also be enjoying it, I would have thought you were joking. Lo and behold, all it took was the right shade of red married to the right coat silhouette. Sometimes, it's more about choosing the right item than it is about tapping into the trend with the first version you come across."
Styling tips: To balance the unexpected combination of a red trench coat and a purple T-shirt, timeless Levi's 501 jeans are key, making these bold colors feel entirely wearable. The outfit maintains a soft, light feel thanks to the white pumps and bag, whereas black leather accessories would have made the look feel heavy and weighted.
Shop the trench coat: Cole Haan Signature Water Resistant Trench Coat ($150)
The Cole Haan trench coat is a versatile piece distinguished by its removable hood, mid-length cut, and color options ranging from red to black and khaki. Similar to the other styles, it has crisp, water-resistant fabric; a double-breasted design; notch lapels; an adjustable belt; and a straight fit.
The best part about the utilitarian-inspired jacket trend is that it comes in many different silhouettes. If you want something a little more pared back and minimalist yet just as practical and streamlined, look no further than this Sam Edelman coat. Get all the details and see the coat IRL on our associate fashion editor Nikki below.
Nikki's take on the trench coat: "The first time I wore this trench coat, Kristen Nichols—Who What Wear's associate director of special projects, who styled all the looks for the photo shoot—and I had to double check the tag. We couldn't believe it was from Sam Edelman! Why? Because of the fit and quality. The cotton blend feels soft yet durable, offering an expensive and rich look. The hidden buttons, except for the top one, add to the sleek appearance. As for the fit, it features a straight, streamlined cut without fuss and doesn't have a belt, storm flaps, or epaulets. It's shorter than a traditional trench coat, with the hem hitting exactly at the knee—perfect for my petite stature."
Styling tips: This winter, a popular trend among fashion people in Copenhagen, London, and Paris was the "coat as the outfit" styling hack. They wore long outerwear over jeans and trousers, but this spring, the trend is evolving toward wearing a trench coat or any mid- to long-length jacket as a dress. To elevate this look but not overshadow the jacket, pair it with expensive-looking accessories like a designer bag, kitten heels, and oversize sunglasses.
Shop the trench coat: Sam Edelman Mac Single Breasted Coat ($120)
This mid-length, single-breasted jacket is distinguished by a hidden placket and beltless design, offering a sleek, tailored, car coat–like aesthetic. Its lightweight fabric minimizes bulk while maintaining a sophisticated appearance.
