A trench coat for spring isn't particularly ground breaking. But therein lies its brilliance: it's an enduring staple that's so incredibly comforting and familiar we can't help but get it out year after year. However, the art lies in the ability to restyle or reinterpret it, to ensure the trench never loses its sartorial relevance (which is unlikely anyway). This season, COS has done just that and delivered a fresh take on the wardrobe hero with its Knitted-Collar Trench Coat.
Straying very close to 2025's most delectable colour trend, butter yellow, the COS Trench Coat offers a departure from the traditional camel or khaki tones, without veering too much into statement territory that might make it unwearable in a couple of years time. As with so many of COS' pieces, the beauty of this lies in the quiet details, like the contrasting knitted collar and the minimalistic belt. The fluid nature of the fabric and slightly oversized fit, too, make this coat look a lot more expensive than it is.
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Crafted from TENCEL lyocell that's light enough for spring, yet heavy enough to get away without layering when the sun comes out, this Knitted-Collar Trench is complete with all the details you'd expect from a trench; epaulettes, cuff tabs and storm flap. Except there's one hidden detail that differentiates it from the rest - the knitted collar.
To style, layer the trench over tonal separates, like wide-leg ivory trousers, a lightweight cardigan and leather loafers. Or, for those who stick to the mantra of beige everything, lean into the coat's subtle golden undertones by pairing with warm caramel or honey-hued accessories for a monochromatic moment. And for those who love a contrast? Let the butter yellow pop against chocolate browns and grey for a masterclass in colour blocking.
Reinvention doesn't have to be drastic - sometimes a classic item can benefit from the slightest colour change or even a textured collar - and COS's take on the trench coat proves this. Whether you're someone who gravitates towards more minimalist pieces, or you're a maximalist looking for the perfect neutral base to contrast with bolder pieces, the COS Knitted-Collar Trench Coat is nothing short of a wardrobe anchor. In a world of trends, micro-trends, 'cores' and aesthetics, the trench remains a rare constant - and one worth investing in, too.
Main image credit: Instagram/@clairerose
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).