Under a trench coat, calm, well-fitting layers work best. Navy, black, cream, white and brown combine easily with a classic sand colour. Think of a blouse, fine-knit polo or light knit with trousers. Keep the layer under the coat thin enough to let the trench fall well.
Why the trench coat suits September so well
In September, fresh mornings, soft afternoons and rain often alternate. A trench coat is made for exactly that weather: light enough not to get too warm, and just protective enough against wind and a splash of rain. Thanks to the distinct collar and belt, a trench coat looks polished by itself. The layer underneath mainly needs to be thin enough to let the coat fall well.
Three rules for the layer under your trench
- Thin over thick. A trench coat is not cut generously for thick sweaters. Choose fine knitwear, blouses and polos, so that the coat falls nicely and the shoulders do not pull.
- Colours from the same family. The classic sand colour of a trench combines most beautifully with navy, black, cream, white, brown and grey.
- Watch the length. Your top or sweater must not peek out below the coat. If you wear the trench open, that matters less, but when it is closed with the belt, everything must sit inside.
Five combinations
1. The classic for the office (women). The Rosamund lavalliere blouse in pearl cream with the Daphni pleated trousers with a flared leg in black. The lavalliere collar shows nicely between the lapels of an open trench coat, and the pearl cream shade blends softly with the colour of the coat. The flared leg falls over your shoe and lengthens the silhouette under the long coat. Wear pumps or loafers with it.
2. Warm and soft (women). The Liorah cable-knit polo with gold-coloured buttons in navy under an open trench, with beige or black trousers. Navy and sand make a calm combination; the gold-coloured buttons give a small accent. Ideal for a weekend in the city or a lunch.
3. Urban and calm (men). The Edmund fine-knit polo with quarter zip in dark melange charcoal with the Harrison tapered pleated trousers in beige. Charcoal gives depth under a light trench, and the beige trousers close the circle. Zip the polo open a little for a relaxed look, or wear it closer when it is windy.
4. Businesslike (men). A white or light blue shirt with navy or grey trousers and a trench coat over it. With or without a tie, this is one of the most polished looks for the office without a blazer. A trench here in effect replaces the jacket.
5. Monochrome (women and men). Everything in shades of sand, cream and beige under the trench. Tone-on-tone works well if you combine different textures. If you like, break it up with a dark bag or dark shoes.
Open or closed?
| Way | Effect | When |
|---|---|---|
| Open, belt loose | Relaxed, shows your outfit | Mild weather, switching between indoors and outdoors |
| Open, belt tied at the back | Sleeker silhouette, coat does not flap | Wind, cycling |
| Closed with belt | Tailored and elegant | Cold, rain, formal occasions |
| Collar up | Protective, a little more dramatic | Wind and rain |
Which shoes under a trench?
A trench coat works with almost all polished shoes. Loafers are the easiest choice: classic, comfortable and suitable with both trousers and jeans. Ankle boots give an autumnal touch and go nicely with flared trousers. White leather sneakers make the look more modern and informal. Avoid very sporty shoes; they make the coat lose its polished look.
Layers for when it gets colder
In October and November you can still wear the trench perfectly well, as long as you layer smartly. Put on a fine-knit cardigan under your coat, or a thin merino sweater over a shirt. A scarf in a calm colour gives warmth around your neck and sits nicely between the lapels. If you want to wear a thicker sweater, a trench is often too tight and you are better off choosing a wool coat.
Colour accents
Under a neutral trench you can easily add one colour accent. A burgundy top, a light blue shirt or an olive green polo gives freshness without making the whole look restless. Choose one accent per outfit, and keep trousers and shoes neutral. You will find more pieces to wear under a trench in the collection of blouses for women, the trousers for women and knitwear for men.
A trench on the bike
If you cycle to work, a trench is a good choice: it protects your outfit from wind and a light shower. Tie the belt behind your back so that it does not get caught in your spokes, and choose trousers with a little stretch so that you can pedal freely. A long trench can blow open when cycling. So do up the bottom button or wear a slightly shorter version. You will find inspiration for city looks in the Boulevard collection.
After a rainy ride, hang the trench on a wide hanger at home, so that it can dry in shape. That way the coat can dry well in shape.
Shop the look
Rosamund: lavalliere blouse, pearl cream
Daphni: pleated trousers with a flared leg, black
Liorah: cable-knit polo with gold-coloured buttons, navy
Edmund: fine-knit polo with quarter zip, dark melange charcoal
Harrison: tapered pleated trousers, beige
Frequently asked questions
Which colour sweater goes under a beige trench coat?
Navy, black, cream, white, brown and grey all look lovely. If you want colour, choose a muted shade such as burgundy or olive green.
Can you wear a thick sweater under a trench coat?
Usually not, because a trench is not cut generously enough. Choose fine knitwear or a thin cardigan, so that the coat keeps falling nicely.
Do you wear a trench coat open or closed?
Both are fine. Open is relaxed and shows your outfit, closed with the belt is elegant and protects better against wind and rain.
