Fashion

10 Perfect Trench Coats for Autumn Weather, Femme Fatales, and Private Eyes

Does the trench coat even need an introduction? It was developed for soldiers in WWI as an alternative to their heavier greatcoats, and used to keep off the rain. They were apparently one of the only pleasant aspects of wartime, as veterans would bring the coats back home with them. According to Vogue, the trench became a must-have for women after Greta Garbo wore one around the set of A Woman of Affairs. Gloria Swanson (above) and Bette Davis also worn them onscreen in the late '20s and early '30s, proving once and for all that they looked even better on the girls. Now, the trench coat is a staple for any sophisticated lady with a bit of shady business to take care of.

Your typical trench is double-breasted, wide-lapeled, and fastened around the waist with a "self belt," which is a belt composed of the same material as the coat. Of course, today you can find trench coats in lace, leather, spots, stripes, and every hue imaginable, but since we're talking staples here, the following ten options tend toward the traditional. Need to check up on an ex-lover? Slink around after hours? Run your underground mafia while looking pristine and untouchable? Pop your collar, cinch that belt, and duck out the back door.

by Tori Telfer

Zara

Here's a basic knee-length trench that's pretty affordable, all things considered. It comes with a detachable lining, so it'll take you through both warm rain and cold sleet.

Zara Trench Coat With Detachable Lining, $139, zara.com

London Fog

The super-pale khaki gets some edge with a striking black zipper.

Nia Double Breasted Zip Trench Coat with Detachable Hood & Liner, $149.99, londonfog.com

Rachel Zoe

Nothing like a lot of hardware to make a don't-tread-on-me trench statement.

Rachel Zoe London Belted Trench Coat, $486.50 (on sale!), shopbop.com

J Crew

Trench coats are usually belted tightly around the waist, but this marriage of a cape and trench coat has produced a much more laid-back baby. Sort of like a cocoon coat with trench sensibilities? Love it.

J. Crew Collection Cape Trench, $795, jcrew.com

Vintage

Etsy is a treasure trove of affordable vintage trenches. This beautiful long one from the 1970s comes in a gorgeous, rare shade of teal -- snatch it up before someone else does.

Rue De Denise Vintage 1970s Teal Blue Belted Trench Coat, $110, etsy.com

Dress Story

The lace detailing on this trench is subtle, and the yellow color keeps it just close enough to the traditional trench khaki. It's a unique coat, but it hasn't completely disregarded its rich history.

Dress Story Lace Detailed Trench Coat, $109.99, etsy.com

Ella Lai

What is it about leather sleeves on a coat? Burberry may have popularized the pairing of trench + leather, but now you can find versions for much less. No matter how non-confrontational the wearer may be, she looks like someone you don't want to double-cross.

Ella Lai Brown Trench Coat With Black Leather Sleeves, $269, etsy.com

Banana Republic

Look close -- there's a sweet, subtle flare at the bottom of this trench coat.

Banana Republic Flared Trench, $225, bananarepublic.com

Anthropologie

Somehow, Anthropologie is selling a trench for under a hundred dollars. Don't question it! (It comes in red, too.)

Corlin Peplum Trench, $99.95 (on sale!), anthropologie.com

Burberry

I had to include a Burberry trench. I had to! Burberry practically owns the trench coat world, and season after season, their trenches kill me with their perfect fit, transcendent beauty, and out-of-reach prices. Someday...

Burberry Long Leather Detail Gabardine Trench Coat, $1,895, burberry.com

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