It’s that time of year when you may as well shake an 8-ball if you’re trying to work out what the weather will do.
Sunny skies alternate with gloomy clouds with a smattering of rain at any given moment. You only have to glance over city pavements in spring and autumn, when temperatures are most likely to be in flux, to see transitional dressing in all its glory.
Shorts and a tee on one person, opaque tights and a thick scarf on the next. When daily temperatures can swing by five or six degrees, it’s hard to know what to put on at the start of the day that will keep you comfortable until the end of it.
Layers are a great start, and if you’re thinking of the perfect outer layer, a trench triumphs every time. They look smart, most are lightweight (even with lining), and sharpen up any outfit, from workwear when you’re headed to the office, to a sweater and jeans at the weekend.
Trenches started life as a part of WW1 British military uniform, but the classic, double-breasted style has evolved over the decades to fit in with trends that would probably bewilder the original wearers on the battlefield. Cropped, leather, snakeprint, leopard print, all-denim looks - the list goes on. Right now? It’s all about the caped trench coat.
Elongating the storm flap - a signature trench feature - into something more dramatic and elegant, cape trench coats offer fresh appeal to the timeless piece. They’re much easier to style than a traditional cape, allowing one to slip on a handbag or tote unhindered around the arm without it slipping off or the endless need to adjust it.
Practical, beautiful and perfect for any kind of weather, the cape trench is our new coat crush. We’ve detected the best versions available in stores to invest in now and love forever.
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John Lewis Cape Trench Coat
Get ready for everyone and their dog to follow you down the street, asking where you got this fabulous coat.
From John Lewis comes with cape trench coat in a classic beige hue complete with an adjustable waist below, cuff straps and pockets, with a dramatic elbow-length cape slung over the top. Available in sizes 8 - 20, this design shines best with other casual clothing cohorts: think a striped Breton top or a crisp white shirt and your favourite jeans.
Buy now £149.00, John Lewis
Hunter Keltie Pure Cotton Trench Coat
It’s not all festival and farm wellies over at Hunter, as this stylish cape trench proves. The cream piece comes in XS - XL sizes with a removable cape that detaches with buttons.
Buy now £200.00, M&S
COS Oversized Cropped Trench Coat Cape
Ticking the cropped and boxy trench trend as well as the loose, flowing hallmarks of a cape, COS’s jacket works overtime for all manner of springtime looks. While it’ll pair nicely with separates, it should work draped over a midi dress too. Offered in one size.
Buy now £110.00, COS
Karen Millen Tailored Pleated Back Trench Coat
Packed to the collar with drama, Karen Millen’s black trench coat is made for striding down city streets. The label has added its own twist to the mix with pleats and caped sleeves that add volume without leaving you feeling swamped. Fully lined.
Buy now £159.20, Karen Millen
Albaray Cape Trench
Trenches are classic British style, evoking visions of power and intrigue. Keep them guessing with Albaray’s two-in-one design with a detachable cape that allows you to wear the coat in two ways. Offered in a soft khaki hue, the trench is made from cotton, which adds to its breathability.
Buy now £199.00, Albaray
& Other Stories Oversized Trenchcoat Cape
More of a faithful cape, this design incorporates the double breast, belt and collar of a true trench into an open, floaty design made from 100 per cent cotton. The navy piece comes in a one-size option only.
Buy now £175.00, & Other Stories
M&S Autograph Showerproof Cape Style Trench Coat
It’s not spring without a few spring showers. Be ready for all eventualities in M&S’s cape trench which comes with a hood adding Gallagher parka vibes for good measure. The showerproof piece comes with a tie belt to cinch in the waist and roomy patch pockets to hold the essentials.
Buy now £103.20, M&S
Maje Short cape-effect trench coat
More cape than trench, Maje’s super short jacket is one to reach for in yo-yo weather. Sleeves are split to allow freedom of movement and access into the front pockets, while the double breast and collar add timeless trench charm.
Available in sizes 8, 10 and 12.
Buy now £299.00, Maje
Aligne ED Ashton Cape Short Trench Coat
Keep it short and sweet in Aligne’s thigh-skimming camel trench, which comes with a detachable cape. This size-inclusive piece runs from a size 6 - 22.
Buy now £189.00, Aligne
AllSaints Flow Short Sleeve Trench Jacket
Less muddy trenches, more wildlife safari, AllSaints’ trench-inspired jacket uses fuller short sleeves to mimic a cape effect. The piece is unlined, making it much lighter than other trenches and ideal for hot weather.
Available in XS - L.
Buy now £239.00, AllSaints
Zara Leather Cropped Zip Cape
Have some superhero-style fun in Zara’s cape, a cropped leather design that comes with a high collar for shielding against the wind.
Buy now £149.00, Zara
