I was just poking around for stylish trench coats for my fall wardrobe, when a @coolmompicks Instagram follower (hey Alyson!) DM’d me with a question — she was looking for trench coats as well. Only she offered a few must-haves in her request: “More city than hiking;” below the butt but above the knee; actually waterproof as opposed to water-resistant

Solid list!

That said, it’s good to know that classic trench coats don’t tend to be waterproof, unless you’re going for a treated gabardine wool like soldiers wore in the WWI Days. Generally you look for a trench, or a rain jacket. But! I did find one totally waterproof trench coat that fit the bill for our reader, along with a few others that I adore, if you happen to have a different vision of your own dream trench for fall.

Best of all: Lots are on sale right now, if you hurry.

9 Stylish Trench Coats for Fall to Take You Into Spring

I have always loved trenches because they are three-season jackets, if not all four (depending on your climate). They’re made for easy layering, they pack easily if you travel, and they can be dressed up or dressed down. And while details change here and there a bit (I miss my old silver-coated linen trench from 2012!) trenches are always pretty much in style.

With that, just pick  the style you’ll feel great in, that works best with your wardrobe, keeping your hem lengths in mind.

• short trench coats are best with mid-to-long skirts or long dresses, or if you like layering jackets over longer sweaters or blouses
• mid-thigh/above-the-knee trench coats are perfect overall  pants, jeans, or above-the-knee skirts and dresses.
• longer trench coats look perfect over pretty much anything.

1 Rains | 2 JCrew | 3 JCrew  | 4 Everlane  | 5 ASOS | 6 Reformation | 7 Via Spiga | 8 Burberry  |

I curated these trench coats with busy women in mind–we need a coat that’s wearable, washable, and practical but still stylish.

Hey, we can be running to catch a subway or to pick up the kids and still look great doing it, right?

All recommendations are independently selected by our team. However this post contains affiliate links and some purchases may support our team at no additional cost to you, so thank you!

A waterproof trench coat that hits above the knee

Rains Curve Waterproof Trench Coat | $105-140 on sale, Nordstrom
Alyson, here’s the trench you asked for!  It’s more like a rain jacket in the shape of a short trench coat, complete with a waterproof poly exterior and a drawstring hood with a small visor at the front tip to actually keep rain out of your face. All five neutral colors are smart–especially the black and navy. But  If you’re interested in the beautiful sand color, it’s 25% off right now.

(Note: I’ve also found it at $105 in all colors at Saks for a limited time provided you’re not an XS)

A classic above-the knee cotton trench coat

New Icon Water-Repellant Trench Coat with Detachable Hood | $224-348 on sale, J Crew
JCrew was the site that started me on my fall trench coat browsing journey, and I immediately loved this 100% cotton, water-repellant, truly classic trench. I’m a big fan of the detachable hood, because taking it off helps make it a little dressier if it’s not actually raining.  While I love the black and that perfect tan, this green is a great way to make it more modern. Plus, $124 off if you hurry!

An extra-long trench coat made modern

ASOS Longline Trench Coat | $94.99, ASOS
If you’re into the long, slouchy, oversized coat look then congrats, you’re right on trend! I first spotted this stylish trench coat from ASOS at Nordstrom, but there was only one color left in limited sizes. On the ASOS site however, you’ll find it in 5 colors that are still available. I love this classic stone color (tan, basically) or the olive khaki, but of course black will go with anything, Or try chocolate to go with this season’s hot nail colors. 

A Fashion-Forward Denim Trench Coat

Reformation Hayes Denim Trench Coat | $368, Reformation
Maybe you aren’t so into the denim jacket resurgence, but a denim coat? Wow. Yes. All of this, right down to the knee boots. It even has pockets, and looks great either belted or open and swingy. Bonus: The denim fabric is made with a combination of recycled and organically grown cotton.

A short trench coat with a swingy silhouette

JCrew Oversized Short Trench | $179.50-298 on sale, JCrew
If you prefer a shorter trench — a good bet with pants, jeans, or if you wear longer skirts or dresses — JCrew has updated this water-repellant trench with a “swingier fit” thanks to a slightly oversized silhouette, a wide belt that sits a little higher on the waist, and fun slightly flared sleeves. While it’s intended to be blousier, consider sizing down one based on reviews.

The “It Trench” of the Season

Burberry Cropped Double-Breasted Trench Style Jacket | $1950, Net-a-Porter
I’ve seen a few NYFW attendees declaring “the trench coat is dead” and yet…there’s no way Burberry will ever allow that to happen. So they took their iconic cotton-gabardine trench, cropped it for layering with a looser silhouette, added some stunning details and, voila. Gorgeous. So gorgeous. Sigh. If I were the type who doesn’t look at price tags, I would be all over this.

A beltless trench coat with blazer styling

Beltless Mac Coat | $178, Everlane
While I do like a belt on my trench coats to give me a little shape (hey there waist, where you been hiding?) blazers are back and this single-breasted coat will be a super wearable style for so many people whatever your shape or size. I like how structured it is, and that crisp stand-up collar is a nice touch to make it more versatile. I love all three of the natural colors, but I think the black would be most practical.

Via Spiga Water-Resistant Beltless Trench |  $116-121 on sale, Nordstrom
Alternately, there’s a similar style to the Everlane Mac coat from Via Spiga that’s just a bit more casual with a higher hemline. It comes in five colors but for fall, stick with the black, the biscotti, or the gorgeous azulene blue if you want a pop of bold color in your wardrobe. The buttons down the back are a nice touch.

The Investment Trench Coat to Pass Onto Your Kids

Burberry Heritage Chelsea Long-Length Trench Coat | $2590, Saks
Pro tip: If you’re going to shell out the $$$ for Burberry, consider a more classic style. Their iconic cotton-gabardine trench coat now comes in a longer cut, and it’s basically perfect in every way. This is what you’d call an investment piece, knowing you can always re-hem it shorter if (when) hemlines change in a few years–but why bother. You’ll wear this basically forever, and one day, you’ll be passing it down to your kids.