Fashion loves to reinvent a classic. A button-down striped shirt that's been artfully deconstructed, blazers that have shed sleeves to become a waistcoat, even the humble ballet flat, elevated with buckles (thanks, Ganni) and leopard print. Designers thrive on taking a heritage staple and reworking it for a modern wardrobe, and this season's latest obsession is no exception. We've waxed lyrical about trench coats, from Burberry classics to the fashion week Nobody's Child favourite, and the newest iteration of the trench coat comes in the form of a shorter, sharper, cropped trench.
Runways have delivered a masterclass in reworking the trench coat, with designers slicing, cinching and subverting the classic silhouette. At Burberry spring/summer 2025, Daniel Lee focused on avant garde proportions; the traditional trench was dramatically cropped and paired with slouchy cargo-esque plaid trousers, punctuated by an oversized scarf-meets-bow collar.
Other designers embraced a more rebellious spirit, as Ganni spring/summer 2025 transformed the cropped trench into a punk-infused power piece, complete with belted detailing, sheer underlays and hardware embellishments. The same goes for JW Anderson, who played with a similar exaggerated look, offering a cropped trench finished with sculptural folds, tucked into grey high-waisted trousers.
A-listers wasted no time endorsing the trend, either. Kylie Jenner was recently spotted pairing a beige cropped trench with leather trousers and a blue cap on Instagram. Meanwhile Emma Roberts wore an effortlessly replicable outfit, pairing the Cropped Trench Coat from Nobody's Child with black jeans, tank and tote bag - proving how a well-crafted cropped trench can elevate even the most unassuming outfit.
Exact match
Nobody's Child www.nobodyschild.com
Roberts' exact trench coat is this one from Nobody's Child. Crafted in the most versatile 'biscuit' shade, the cropped trench is finished with cuff detailing and double-breasted buttons. An easy way to add texture and coolness to an outfit, style with a simple white tee and jeans.
For a nod to its utilitarian and quintessentially British roots, pair the cropped trench with wide-leg trousers and pointed-toe boots. Alternatively lean into a slightly cooler look by layering it over a sleek bodysuit and baggy denim jeans. Or, take cues from the runway and add textural intrigue to your outfit by styling the cropped trench with leather, chunky belts or plaid.
Just when you think a timeless piece can't be tampered with, the cropped trench proves that even the most traditional wardrobe staples can benefit from a slight refresh. Shop the best cropped trench coats below.
Shop: The Best Cropped Trench Coats
M&S www.marksandspencer.com
M&S has weighed in on the cropped trench coat trend, with a style that could rival designer options. Made from a water-repellent Stormwear fabric, the jacket can even withstand unexpected April showers. Plus, it features some killer details like a tie belt, epaulettes and storm flap.
Zarawww.zara.com
Zara's cropped trench has a lapel-collar, long sleeves and welt pockets at the front. Available in tan and black, style the more neutral shade with colourful wide-leg trousers and the black with leather trousers and a roll neck.
Burberry uk.burberry.com
Burberry, naturally, is perhaps the first place you might think of going to when on the hunt for a trench coat that will last you. As well as its full-length trench coats, Burberry has a brilliant selection of cropped trenches, like this one that's complete with side button pockets, belted cuffs, throat latch and of course, the iconic Burberry Check lining.
& Other Stories www.stories.com
The Short Trench from & Other Stories has a modern design compared to others on our list, with an overlapping lapel that gives it more of a boxy silhouette. Plus, it's available in four colours; two shades of beige, black, and a dark chocolatey brown.
Ganni www.ganni.com
Ganni's exact trench from the spring/summer 2025 runway is now available to purchase - grunge eyelet detailing and all. With meticulously designed detailing like a metal Ganni logo, double-breasted buttons and puff sleeves, style this trench with more feminine pieces like ballet flats or a pleated midi skirt.
Mango shop.mango.com
Mango also has a coat that's worth taking a look at if you want a cropped trench with all the bells and whistles of a longer trench coat. This one has long sleeves with buttoned cuffs, two side welt pockets, double-button fastening and lining on the inside.
Sezanewww.sezane.com
Sezane's Clyde Trench is something of a celebrity by now, but, does its cropped version live up to the hype of its longer counterparts? The answer is a resounding yes, as the Bobby Jacket features traditional details like the classic collar, checked lining and tab at the back.
Main image credit: Instagram/@kyliejenner, @emmalouiseconnolly
Gemma Lavers is a fashion commerce writer at Grazia, where she tracks down viral pieces and is as comfortable navigating the M&S new-in page as she is dissecting the latest celebrity look - yes, she can tell you exactly where a specific coat is from. When not writing, shopping or scrolling Instagram (find hers here), Gemma will likely be dreaming up her next holiday (and what she's going to wear).