Trench coats being the ultimate in-between-season staple is hardly a newsflash, but aside from standard-issue gabardine, another material emerged as a leader in the field in recent months. Leather trenches were repeatedly spotted at fashion week back in autumn, and what the street-stylers proved, definitively, is that it really has 24/7 potential.
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One woman used hers as the chic outer layer to the everyday combo of a cardigan, turn-up jeans and two-tone penny loafers. Another, meanwhile, pitched hers as cocktail-appropriate, teaming a mock-croc version with tinted shades, a chartreuse shoulder bag and pointed mule sandals.
Other styling options include making the leather trench not just the focal point of your outfit but the outfit by itself, wearing it buttoned and belted with a statuesque heels. As well as not requiring a comprehensive “look” underneath, it’s a way to ensure you get enough use out of your trench before it’s swapped out for something breezier come spring.
On the spring/summer 2026 catwalks, leather trench coats appeared in numerous guises, steadily building a case for the coat’s versatility. At Isabel Marant, it came with puffed sleeves and eyelet-studded pockets, playing up leather’s association with all manner of hardware. Balmain’s had exaggerated lapels and enlarged combat pockets, marrying utility with glamour. Finally, at Burberry, Daniel Lee put a twist on the house’s signature garment with leather iterations that came in tints of bottle green and burgundy.
Choosing a colour other than black is the easiest way to differentiate your leather trench coat from the accumulated bikers, bombers and blazers in your wardrobe. Numerous brands offered versions in tan, rich chocolate and beige (all featured below). But if you do want something black, Toteme’s version has a pared-back silhouette minus the storm flaps, epaulettes and sleeve loops. Wardrobe.NYC, on the other hand, has the vital stats you’d expect from a trench and a nicely tailored cut that means it’ll look more than sharp enough for the office.
For something smarter still, Cisely’s single-breasted leather trench, stretching to a few inches below the kneecap, would be the ideal partner for crew-neck cashmere knits, wool skirts and perfectly ladylike pumps.
With the investment-buy price tag that comes with a 100 per cent calfskin label, you’ll want to look after your leather trench coat with a protective spray prior to use. Having said that, however, lived-in leather will always make a devil-may-care statement. So if you forget to spray before you leave the house and it’s the opposite of leather weather (i.e. rain), don’t fret.
