High street retailer nailing the trench trend and these are our top picks

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This coat makes me feel fabulous, even if I
This coat makes me feel fabulous, even if I'm wearing a cost and casual outfit (Image: Eve Rowlands)

The trusty trench coat is a wardrobe staple that has stood the test of time for it’s classic, sophisticated shape that immediately makes any outfit look expensive. And while it’s never really gone ‘out’ of style, 2024 seems to be the ‘year of the trench’, with the high street shining a light on the elevated outerwear in a big way.

A style frequently sported by celebrities, this iconic piece of clothing, popularised by brands like Burberry, has earned a well deserved place in our hearts and our wardrobes. But it’s more in demand than ever this season, with reports of Google searches for trench coats soaring after was spotted on Netflix’s thriller, Fool Me Once.

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But, you don’t need a-list bank balances to be able to get the look, with the high street flooded with the elegant jacket, - who appears to have leaned into ‘alternative’ trenches with and leather styles.

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One retailer really going big on the trend this season, with dozens of styles to choose from, is New Look. The search term ‘trench’ currently racks up , compared to , and

To help you find your new go-to, The Mirror Fashion and Beauty team have picked out their favourites for rocking the trend that is dominating social media.

Best New Look Trench Coats 2024

Bethan’s favourite:

I have been hunting Vinted for a Burberry trench for about six months, but they either immediately sell, or are out of my price range. I wanted something that blended vintage charm with the characteristics of the classic trench coat - and when I saw the, I needn’t have looked any further.

A new Burberry will set you back a cool £1,890, with pre-loved options still hundreds of pounds on re-selling apps. But this classy option from - and it looks way more expensive.

High street retailer nailing the trench trend and these are our top picksBethan says she's called off the search for a Burberry jacket after finding this New Look number

The stone colour was exactly what I was looking for, as I definitely wanted that light, airy shade over a biscuty beige, but what I was particularly obsessed with was the . From the back it gives the jacket a vintage touch, which is carried through onto the revere collared neckline, which makes it feel really cohesive and well-designed.

The belted waist cinches nicely, accentuating the silhouette without being too restricting, and also breaks up that panel from behind for a stunning finish.

Meanwhile, the allows for multiple styling options, whether I want to wear it open for a more relaxed look or buttoned up for a polished finish - there’s also an extra top button where you can fold up the lapels to hide the check, which is another versatile way to wear.

The midi length is perfect for both casual outings and more formal occasions, and it’s lightweight enough to wear over jumpers in winter, and with lighter layers for spring, too.

One thing I noticed when trying on multiple trenches on the high street is that polyester-heavy fabrics lack quality, but this one is only 55 per cent polyester, which allows the fabric to sit beautifully and look crisp on. Another issue I’ve found with other styles is that they can look a little drowning, but this and fits me perfectly, draping in all the right places without overwhelming my frame.

High street retailer nailing the trench trend and these are our top picksThe back of the trench is just as dreamy as the front

Reading through the reviews online, I’m not the only one in a committed relationship with this coat. One said: “This trench coat is every thing you can ask for for a coat . It's amazing quality .and perfect true to size.”

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With a second adding: “I love the panel at the back and I love how you can change the coat look with buttons done up.”

However, it's worth noting that some petite shoppers may find the coat less suitable. While I appreciate the roominess for layering, those on the shorter side might feel a bit swamped, with one commenting: “A lovely coat but I wish they could make a petite version. I’m 5ft 1 and it completely swamps me. I ordered the a size 6 despite being an 8 and it’s massive.”

I’ve called off the hunt for a Burberry trench, this New Look number is just as gorgeous and makes every outfit feel effortlessly chic.

Stacey's Favourite- Light Brown Suedette Belted Trench Coat, £54.99

High street retailer nailing the trench trend and these are our top picksThis flattering New Look trench makes me feel smart and comfortable even for a local dog walk (Image: Stacey Dutton)

It's important for me to have a coat that has multipurpose qualities. This trench initially wasn't one that I particularly thought would tick all boxes but, the minute I put it on I could see it being such a good casual to dressy coat.

The suede is every bit of me, with an almost boho style to it if I was to dress it up with a flowy maxi dress, chunky shoe and oversized bag which is definitely how I will style it moving further into Spring.

For £54.99 I think it's so versatile, too. It's relatively thin but that's EXACTLY what I wanted so that I can still wear a jumper underneath now, then it will be a nice throw on for a bit of a chill in the Spring time air worn over a vest, jeans and birkenstocks combo.

The fit is perfect, I am a size 10 and it has that little bit of room to play with different outfits and the sleeves aren't too tight either. I love a buttoned up trench with a knee high boot for a sophisticated look (I can't wait for an upcoming office day to wear this!) and I think New Look's trench offerings have all the potential for that kind of look.

I also really like that the coat is calf skimming too, which to me alongates my legs even more (I have quite long legs anyway), but sometimes a coat any longer can really make for a frumpy feel and any shorter can have a cheaper look for this particular trench style.

All in all, I think my favourite look for with this dress will be for date night. I can see this being the ultimate dress up coat (for those nights where you don't really want to wear a coat), it feels super luxe and not too overpowering for with a stand out dress underneath.

Eve's Favourite - Olive Formal Belted Trench Coat, £49.99

High street retailer nailing the trench trend and these are our top picksThis coat makes me feel fabulous, even if I'm wearing a cost and casual outfit (Eve Rowlands)

I've never been much of a trench coat girl. I don't know why but for some reason I just felt like the style didn't suit me nor did I feel that it'd be warm, weatherproof and stylish all in one fell swoop. But oh how wrong I was. As soon as I slid this (GORGEOUS) olive-toned trench on over my jumper, I was in love. It was super soft - not rigid, as I imagined it to be - and fell to just below my knees.

Although it's stated as a 'formal' trench, I wore the coat with an incredibly casual outfit - a pair of ancient H&M jeans, an ASOS cable knit jumper and my Birkenstock dupes from Boohoo - and it worked. It even elevated my outfit to look that extra bit put together. For just under £50, I can see this coat fast coming my go-to this season as it's relatively lightweight but roomy enough to fit underneath if I needed it.

I am an 8-10 and after reading a few reviews, I opted for the latter as it stated it was a smidge on the looser side but it fitted me perfectly and allowed for a jumper underneath without look bulky. And doesn't look like a tarpaulin without one. The belted feature is really nice when I want to feel a bit more shapely as it nicely accentuates my waist and the length lends itself nicely to swapping out the jeans and Birks for a dress and heels (if I'm feeling fancy).

While it still has a neutral tone, like a classic trench, I love that this olive hue is a little bit different to the usual beige or stone. It's got a lovely depth to it and compliments my hazel eyes (so my partner said). I'm a sucker for earthy tones and so I can see myself using it as an accessory in itself and styling my outfits to work in conjunction with this colour and style. I also love that it's made with 'lower impact material' such as recycled polyester (30%) and the extra 25% normal polyester ensures it hangs so beautifully and relatively floaty.

Thanks to this particular coat, I can whole-heartedly say I am a trench convert and will be finding any opportunity to wear my gorgeous olive coat any- and every-where.

Stacey Dutton

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