Designers love to reimagine a classic, and for the tricky transitional season, the trench coat is no exception. Creative directors have taken scissors to the staple, cropping inches off its hemline. The result? A boxier shoulder, extra legroom, and a fresh feel.
While we’ve long waxed poetic about the timeless full-length version, its shorter counterpart feels both chicer and sportier than many of its traditional iterations. Just look to Hailey Bieber for proof—the Rhode founder recently stepped out in a belted style from Magda Butrym, which she paired with white trousers and black kitten heel pumps for practical polish. Our favorite street style stars also embraced the look this New York Fashion Week, on days when milder temps allowed for lighter-weight outerwear to shine.
Vogue’s Favorite Cropped Trench Coats:
If you’re shopping for one, may we suggest starting with Burberry’s heritage hero? Lined in the house’s signature plaid, the double-breasted, belted design shields you from looming rain clouds—stylishly, of course.
For something more trend-forward, versions from Toteme, Chloé, and Loewe stand out this season, with novelty details like blouson sleeves, funnel-neck closures, attention-grabbing belts, and luxe leather fabrications that push the silhouette into new territory. And on the high street, cropped trenches from Everlane and J.Crew do timeless with a twist—at an accessible price point.
As with any closet classic, the styling possibilities of a cropped trench coat are endless—be it a plain white tee and great denim to a lightweight knit and polished midi skirt. Shop our favorites for those in-between days, below.