These 13 Trench Coats For Women Are Just What You Need In Summer Rain

Arket has nailed the brief with its 2-in-1 Trench Coat, which as its name suggests comprises an outer shell layer and an insulating liner than be worn together or separately - clever, no? But as well as being a multifunctional cover-up, it's got one best fits we've found, almost hitting the ankle rather than hovering around the knee. Having said that, it's probably one to avoid if you're petite (Renee is 5'10" and wearing a size S, but the trench's hemline still brushes a few inches below her mid-calf).

Renee says: 'This coat seriously ticks so many boxes. You get a classic trench, an insulated liner, and the option to layer them together; it gives me such Burberry vibes. Its almost-ankle length, meanwhile, gives it such a sleek, elevated feel for my height (having said that, I would perhaps be tempted to size down).'

Aligne is the high-street destination for trenches, with reversible designs being its USP. This season, it's brought back its 2-in-1 coat, the Barnaby, but has mixed things up with a new stone-and-navy colour way. Firstly, I loved the fit. Trench coats have a tendency to look messy if they're oversized, although that can work depending on your aesthetic and the occasion, but this one has a slightly heavier feel that means it immediately looks smart (it's a great work coat for that reason). I tried it on with a flaring linen skirt and flat knee-length boots, but you could just as easily pair it with straight-leg jeans and sneakers.

Sandro's trench coat is perfect if you're looking for a cover-up with a point of difference. I found the single-breasted silhouette a refreshing change from a double row of buttons, although, having said that, it's probably not the one for you if you're looking for a classic trench coat with a belt and storm flaps etc. The rhinestone detail on the collar also means that it would be a great option for spring weddings (layer it over a pastel frock or block-coloured tailoring).

If you're looking for a lightweight trench coat that's fluid when it falls as opposed to something heavier and more structured, Whistles's trench coat comes highly recommended. As you can see on Renee, who's 5'10", it has a shorter hemline so it's one to avoid if you want your coat to almost reach the ankle. It's also one that you'll have to steam judiciously as wrinkles form quite easier with this type of blend. Other than that, however, it's a brilliant option for throwing over tailoring or spring dresses - and the khaki feels like a nice move-on from camel.

Renee says: 'I love how easy this one is to throw on. The fabric moves beautifully, and it has that relaxed, laid-back look that works so well over tailoring or a breezy spring dress. Plus, the khaki shade is such a chic twist on the usual camel. I would pull this out for autumn.'

COS's Denim Trench Coat genuinely elicited squeals of glee when our team saw it on Amber - it's that good. The best thing about it? The denim fabrication, in the perfect indigo wash, puts a twist on classic gabardine that's still really easy to wear. The second best thing? Its oversized fit. Amber is 5'5" so, as you can see, the trench coat falls well below her mid-calf and the sleeves appear elongated. She was also wearing jeans at the time of the try-on, proving that a denim trench coat can absolutely be worn with your favourite pair of true blues. Honestly, I've seen a few versions of the denim trench coat being done this season but none compare to this beauty from COS.

Amber says: 'I love the oversized look on this trench - it’s so chic! - plus it's been modernised by this indigo denim wash, making it the perfect addition to any office outfit! I'll be wearing it every day.'

How chic is this coat? Answer: very. It also comes in at under £1,000, which is unusual for a designer trench of this quality. As you can see on Amber, the silhouette is both straight and slightly oversized, which is perfect if you want something that's chic but also effortless. (Amber is 5'5" so it's worth bearing in mind that its hemline will be shorter or longer depending on your height.) In my personal opinion, Toteme is a really safe bet in terms of investment because it's a brand that prides itself on having timeless appeal. Translation? You're not going to fall out of love with this coat any time soon.

Amber says: 'This Toteme coat is the perfect option for chilly 'summer' weather, keeping you warm and cosy. I’m obsessed with the double-breasted buttons, and it looks so flattering in photos!'

This definitely isn't a traditional trench coat; great news if you're looking for something a little different. Its best feature is that its faux-fur collar and cuffs are detachable, meaning you can transform this simple vinyl mac into something really quite fabulous. It's also excellent at elevating the everyday (Gavi paired it with jeans and loafers when she tried it on). At one point, I owned a very similar coat from Kitri - a mock-croc trench with detachable faux-fur cuffs and a collar - and it always garnered compliments from friends and strangers alike. Is turning heads your game plan? This is the trench coat for you.

Gavi says: 'Wearing this coat feels like stepping straight out of Almost Famous. It’s the ultimate statement piece, perfect for elevating a pared-back outfit. Throw it over a simple tee and jeans, and you're instantly transformed. Bonus: the faux-fur is detachable, turning it into a sleek vinyl mac for everyday wear.'

A short trench can be hard to pull off because of the hemline can look awkward. Farm Rio's, however, reached the ideal point on my frame - I'm 5'7" with a smaller waist and bigger hips - which, in my view, is on the upper thigh so that it covers your bum and leaves enough space between your waist and its hemline. I was wearing a zip-up top and a linen midi skirt at the time of our try-on, and the flaring silhouette of my bottom half paired really nicely with this coat. If you're a jeans or trousers person, however, I would personally choose a style that stretches to the mid-calf.

A printed trench coat might seem like a bad idea - can a pattern really stand up to a classic shade like beige when it comes to cost-per-wear? - but, thankfully, leopard almost works like a neutral in this context. Gavi tried it on with jeans and loafers, a uniform that many of us can relate to at this time of year, and the coat lent the entire look a sense of fun. In terms of animal print, I would recommend sticking to leopard, the most hardworking of all the big cats.

Gavi says: 'A printed trench is my go-to for brightening up a grey day, and this one tick all the boxes. Leopard print is having a major moment so embrace the drama and go bold. More is more!'

Jovonna's Brinn Trench was my favourite of the bunch (go figure because it's one of the brand's bestsellers). From the silhouette to the practical hood-scarf hybrid, the details were on-point. I thought it worked particularly well over my outfit on the day of the try-on - a fitted tracksuit top and a flaring midi skirt that hit the mid-calf - because of the way it cinches at the waist. My only criticism is that its fabrication doesn't have quite the same feel as other styles made of cotton, but, all in all, I love the way it looks.

Fit can be really tricky with trench coats, which is why it's a good idea to shop from the petite or tall sections if possible. Reformation's Matteo Trench comes in both petite and regular - and, as it's designed to have an oversized fit, it's a great option if you want a relaxed silhouette but don't want to be swamped in the sleeve and the shoulders. Reformation is one of the frontrunners on the high street in terms of catering to a petite audience, which, in my personal opinion, means that its cut and fit will always be superior to just sizing down.

Amber says: 'I'd love to pair this trench with anything and everything; a great option for when you’re on the go! Grab your go-to white trainers and you’ll be giving cool-girl city vibes!'

Most trench coats are strictly daytime affairs, but not this 2-in-1 design from The Frankie Shop, which can either be worn as a classic trench with your arms in the sleeves or with a twist (bare arms and the sleeves left to dangle at the back). Ever the innovator, Gavi decided to strike a balance between the two, exposing a slice of shoulder but keeping most of her arms covered. I personally think it's genius if you're heading out-out but still want a cover-up of sorts.

Gavi says: 'The search for the perfect evening trench ends here. This piece reimagines the classic cover-up with shoulder cut-outs that add a subtle but striking touch of sophistication. It’s just as good layered over a slip dress for date night as it is paired with a crisp shirt and jeans for the office.'

Nobody's Child's trench coat isn't the cheapest on the high street, but in terms of striking the right balance between cost and quality, it's definitely best in show at £159. With a shell made of 100% organic cotton, and with a pop of check on the inside, I can personally attest to the fact that it has a weighty feel that makes it a bestseller for a reason.

Gavi says: 'I'm having a serious chocolate brown obsession, and this trench is at the top of my list. The gingham lining adds a playful pop when left open or when sleeves are casually rolled. For full impact, wear it with coordinating tones for a rich, monochrome look that feels fresh and polished.'