Put This Winter Outerwear Trend On Your Radar Now

With January only days away and temperatures continuing to dip to bitter cold levels, the hunt for a practical-yet-chic winter jacket is in full swing. You may already have a down number or something shearling, but a leather trench coat should be the next must-have on your list. Through the fickle world of fashion trends, a classic trench coat has remained a timeless staple in fashion insiders’ closets and what better way to update the sleek staple than by trying out 2020's leather trench coat trend?

You can trace the current trend's influence back to the '90s — think The Matrix and Carrie Bradshaw. “The mix of a classic coat shape with an edgy material like leather is almost always a winning combo,” says Lyndsey Butler, CEO and Creative Director of leather label VEDA. Today, details like a matching belt or fur-trimmed sleeves and even unexpected colors like bright green add fresh sartorial twists on the style.

When you're shopping for your own, “you want [leather] that's soft, but also substantial,” notes Butler. “The finishing is also extremely important. Look for clean, classic hardware and buttons.” She also suggests sticking to a slim fit to keep the look classic. Below, you’ll find seven effortless outfit ideas that will convince you to ditch your go-to moto jacket for this leather style instead.

How To Wear A Leather Trench Coat: With Jeans & Heels

Take the leather trench trend up a notch by incorporating color-blocked pieces into your outfit. A leather trench in a vibrant red hue paired with an on-trend bold orange is the perfect color combination to break out of your all-black rut. Keep the denim simple to enhance the color-block hues, and play with geometric accessories in the same color family. Butler suggests a vintage pair of denim and a bold, chunky sweater combo.

How To Wear A Leather Trench Coat: With A Midi Skirt & Sneakers

If you want to create a foolproof everyday look, try combining sporty and polished pieces. Pair a sleek leather trench coat with simple sneakers, and add a workwear staple like a check pencil skirt for an unexpected winter outfit combination. Opt for patent leather trench or a leather trench or one with a furry collar.

How To Wear A Leather Trench Coat: Full-On Leather

Looking to create an eye-catching winter ensemble? Go for a full-on leather look. The edgy combination of a leather trench coat with leather pants — a celeb-approved pairing — makes for an eye-catching silhouette on extra-chilly days. Finish off the look with a pair of utilitarian boots.

How To Wear A Leather Trench Coat: Monochrome With Mixed Textures

Try a full-on ensemble in a bright green hue. A simple slip skirt and workwear vest work surprisingly well when layered under a trench coat in the same color palette. “The right leather trench can really become a go-to outerwear piece for this winter because it’s so versatile,” Butler says. “It works well with a power suit [piece] or cocktail dress.” Echo texture throughout your ensemble by adding another croc-embossed accessory, such as a neutral calf-high boot.

How To Wear A Leather Trench Coat: With Printed Tights

Break down a structured leather trench coat by slipping into winter’s coolest statement trend — printed tights. Rotating a pair of logo tights into your daywear instantly adds a cool-girl-effect to a leather trench, and will keep you warm. A textured coat adds a contemporary twist.

How To Wear A Leather Trench Coat: With Statement Pants

Keep it simple on the top, and bold on the bottom. While a leather trench is a statement piece in itself, you can create even more of an impact with a brightly-colored patterned pant like yellow plaid to complement a neutral coat. Look for a pant with a high waist to elongate your silhouette even more.

How To Wear A Leather Trench Coat: With Wide-Flare Denim

Play with the slim proportions of a leather trench coat by pairing it with denim’s newest trend: wide-cuff jeans. A neutral brown trench paired with cowboy boots gives dark denim a chic, rustic appeal. Belt the trench to extenuate your waist in juxtaposition with the wide-cuff. “If your trench has a belt, use it,” Butler explains. “More often than not, drawing some attention to your waist is a good idea, even if it is just tying a loose bow or knot in the back to hold the jacket open and give you a little shape.”