How to Wear a Trench Coat the French Way
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Photo credit: @leiasfez
Though the trench coat is a British invention, no one wears it quite like the French. Take a peek inside the closet of any stylish Parisian, and you’re almost certain to find this French wardrobe essential (if she’s not wearing it already).
In this guide, I’m breaking down how to wear a trench coat the French way. From choosing the perfect trench coat to styling it with the right accessories, I’ll show you how to elevate this chic staple with Parisian panache.
Whether you're packing for Paris in spring or just want to emulate that Parisian je ne sais quoi in your daily looks, keep reading for French trench coat outfit ideas and tips on styling a trench coat like a French girl.
French Trench Coat Outfits
1. Elevate a Trench Coat for the Office
Photo credit: @emmanuellek_
A trench coat instantly elevates any work wardrobe, but it doesn’t have to feel too polished. French women know how to keep it undone yet put together for a look that transitions seamlessly from the office to apéro.
Start with a crisp white shirt and a tailored blazer—two timeless staples that always look sharp. Dark denim or trousers with a slight flare elongate your legs while keeping things sophisticated. For footwear, snake-print heels or loafers add just the right amount of pattern to break up the neutrals.
Come rain or shine, a beige trench coat (I’ve linked the exact one featured above) is the final touch that ties it all together. Leave it open or loosely belt it to look impeccably chic from 9 to 5.
2. Keep It Classic with Stripes
Some outfits define French style, and a trench coat with Breton stripes is at the top of the list. I’ll admit, it might be a little cliché, but it’s one formula that I see everywhere on the streets of Paris, especially when the summer holidays are just around the corner.
For a modern take, choose a marinière in an unexpected color. Maison Labiche has some of the best color combos that go beyond the classic navy and white. Pair them with your go-to jeans, a pair of polished ballet flats and a slouch straw bag for the ultimate French girl look.
3. Drape a Trench Coat Over a Dress
Photo credit: @solenelara
A trench coat isn’t just for drizzly days, it also makes the perfect lightweight layer for summer soirées (whether you’re in Paris or not). Drape it effortlessly over a slip dress, add strappy heels, and finish with a petit basket bag for a look that’s quintessentially French.
Be sure to choose a trench with a fluid, lightweight fabric—anything too structured can feel out of place in warmer weather. And to get the look by Solène Lara shown above, wear it undone or tie the belt loosely at the back. So easy, and oh-so elegant.
4. Wear White with a Trench Coat
Photo credit: @lilylovesfashion
If you’re in need of fresh trench coat outfits for spring, white bottoms are the warm-weather staple that Parisians swear by. They’ll instantly lighten up a classic trench, making any styling feel crisp and seasonal.
For effortless French flair, begin with a pair of wide-leg white jeans or trousers. Build your look from there with a bright yellow knit and raffia flats (just what spring calls for).
Want something more elevated? Try a silky blouse and pointed-toe heels for an office-appropriate take. And for off-duty styling, swap in a striped tee and white jeans with some sleek sneakers. However you style it, the combination of a structured trench and laid-back separates is a foolproof formula for looking just as effortlessly cool as a French girl.
5. Play with Pops of Color
Photo credit: @camille_pidoux
The chicest of French women rely on neutral staples to anchor their wardrobe, but that doesn’t mean they shy away from color. In fact, they know how to use it strategically to elevate even the most classic pieces like the trench coat.
Add a couple of colorful accessories à la Camille Pidoux for a trench look that feels fresh and far from boring. Cherry red ballerinas, a statement shoulder bag, and a silk scarf (a key French accessory) in your favorite hue can do wonders to make a basic trench feel uniquely yours.
6. Try a Navy or Black Trench Coat
Photo credit: @elodieromy
While we’re talking color, why not try for a trench in an unexpected hue?
A classic French trench coat might be beige, but if you’re looking to mix things up, a rich navy or black shade is the perfect alternative. It’s incredibly flattering, especially when cinched at the waist with a belt, giving you a streamlined silhouette.
Pair it with red accents like poppy red Mary Janes or a swipe of red lipstick. The contrast feels effortlessly Parisian and almost patriotic. Alternatively, camel and cream accessories complement navy elegantly. Either way, these darker trench coat colors are an easy way to refresh your outerwear.
7. Sport a Trench Coat with Sneakers
Photo credit: @frannfyne
If you’ve ever visited the French capital, you know that sneakers are an essential for tourists and Parisians alike. White tennis shoes from Veja and Adidas are French favorites, but really any slimmer pair works, especially colorful and retro styles that will continue to be popular in 2025.
For Paris street style, try a trench coat and sneakers together. Wear them with a plain white tee and relaxed-fit jeans, and you’re ready for a weekend marché run or a day of museum-hopping.
Even when it comes to casual looks, French style never feels overly laid-back. That’s where accessories like a neck scarf, oversized sunglasses, or a beret (if you dare to wear this French cliché) come in to elevate the outfit.
8. Go Short with Your Trench Coat
Cropped and mid-length trench coats are having a major moment this spring. Just look at the Bobby and Carter styles from Sézane, which are practically everywhere right now (or at least all over my TikTok feed).
To style a shorter trench, think about reaching for everyday staples like a roomy knit or a soft white tee. There’s an elegant element about a cropped coat that really elevates these basics.
Since the coat hits higher on the waist, opt for a longer pair of bottoms to create balance. Wide-leg or flared denim bring that easy, no-fuss feel that French women do so well.
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9. Layer Up a Trench Coat in Winter
Photo credit: @annelauremais
Although trench coats feel synonymous with spring, they aren’t just for the warmer months. Curious about how to wear a trench coat in winter? When temperatures drop, all you need is the right layers.
Take a cue from Anne Laure Mais, who styles her butter-yellow trench with cozy base layers, straight-leg denim and sleek leather boots. For added warmth, bundle up in a scarf or tie a thick knit around your shoulders like her.
Even with the winter chill, effortlessly chic French women manage to make a classic trench coat look utterly stylish.
10. Pair a Trench Coat with Boots
Photo credit: @misterk
A trench coat and boots are always a winning combo, especially during the transitional spring and fall seasons. French women have a particular fondness for ankle boots, which although have recently taken a backseat to knee-high styles, remain on-trend when paired with long pants.
Suede boots look particularly Parisian when worn with a trench. Try a Western-inspired design to bring an Isabel Marant vibe to your ensemble. Wear it with a striped button-down shirt, dark-wash denim, and your favorite French trench for the perfect mix of bourgeois and bohemian. If it’s raining, be sure to give your suede boots a coat of a shoe protector spray so they don’t get damaged.
No suede? No problem. Classic leather booties or even croc print work beautifully with a trench, as do retro-inspired options like chunky block heels. With a cool pair of boots, your trench coat can stylishly carry you through the seasons.
Where to Buy Trench Coats in Paris
If you’re in search of a true Parisian trench coat, start with iconic French brands like Sézane and A.P.C. My personal favorite is the A.P.C. Greta Trench, which I’ve recommended on my blog for years. It checks all the boxes: waterproof, 100% cotton, a removable belt, impeccable tailoring—I could go on and on.
One of my newer favorites is the Clyde Trench from Sézane. It’s thicker than most trenches I own, yet still structured and elegant. This model is incredibly popular at the moment, but it’s definitely not a trendy piece. You’ll be able to wear it for years to come.
For a larger selection of classic French trench coats, head to department stores like Galeries Lafayette and Le Bon Marché. They stock all of the top French labels like Sandro and Maje, both of which release new styles each season. They’re the perfect place to start if you want a modern take on a timeless trench.
If you’re after an investment-worthy piece, Burberry and Totême are two classic choices. But for something that’s more quiet luxury and made in France, Maison Lener offers beautifully tailored options.
On a budget? Mango and Zara carry chic, affordable alternatives. I also love the French brand Flotte, which specializes in waterproof styles (perfect if you live in a particularly rainy city or region).
Not in Paris, but when I’m shopping in the U.S., J.Crew is always one brand that I turn to for timeless outerwear.
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What is your favorite way to wear a trench coat? Which trench coat outfit ideas are you saving to Pinterest? Let me know in the comments below.
