As the temperature cools and we stash away our sundresses and sandals, a whole new set of seasonal heroes are making their way into the spotlight. Of all the autumnal buys to get excited about—yes, there’s a lot—two items, in particular, have been the talk of the Who What Wear team lately: trench coats and loafers. And they just so happen to look incredibly chic when styled together.
Their shared timelessness and versatility make them logical companions; both re-emerge as autumn wardrobe mainstays year after year, and both add instant polish to every outfit—precisely the trait we love most in clothing. In tandem, then, you can easily achieve double the polish. That’s the kind of math I can get on board with.
And we’re not the only ones who feel so strongly about this classic combination. Already, a quick stroll through Instagram proves the popularity of trench coats and loafers for yet another autumn. It’s like all the fashion enthusiasts of the world have united in their love for these trend-defying staples, and we’re inviting you to join in.
Below, you’ll find six simple trench-coat-and-loafer outfits worth bookmarking for the season ahead, courtesy of some of our most-trusted influencers. Enjoy!
Style Notes: Not a fan of the classic camel trench coats? Try a khaki iteration, like Taffy—it’ll be just as versatile and easy to style with your autumn colour palette.
The relaxed fit means you can layer knitwear underneath.
Our editors are crushing hard on this Bottega bag.
I’ve owned a pair of & Other Stories jeans for years and still get so much wear out of them.
Massimo Dutti understood the loafer-mule assignment.
Style Notes: Rachael’s Fashion Week ensemble is everything an autumn outfit should be. I particularly appreciate how it shows a little leg, ideal if you’re already mourning summer dressing.
The volumised sleeves on this trench create a cool silhouette.
While this is quite a dressy fabrication, tucking a T-shirt in and adding chunky loafers will quickly make it feel casual.
Uniqlo’s socks are such high quality.
Prepare to see these everywhere this autumn/winter.
Style Notes: If you’re looking for an easy way to upgrade your jeans-and-a-t-shirt, look no further than these hero items. The result will be smart and polished, but no less comfortable.
IMO, this is the perfect transitional cover-up.
H&M does the best basics.
These classic jeans come in an extended size range.
The loafer to rule all loafers.
Style Notes: Longline coats aren’t your thing? The good news is there are plenty of cropped versions on the market, and they’re perfect for mild autumn days.
Burberry’s trench coats, cropped or not, are iconic for a reason.
White jeans will make your autumn outfits feel light and fresh.
Such a cute going out bag.
It doesn’t get more timeless than this.
Style Notes: Come September, I tend to favour monochrome outfits, so naturally, I had to bookmark Aïda’s sleek black-and-cream look. This trench option will work over evening outfits, too.
Designed to protect you during light showers (and keep you looking on-point throughout).
A bestseller year after year.
Run, don’t walk: Jigsaw has just created the ultimate soft-leather loafer.
Style Notes: Anyone who owns a trench coat will know how well they work with *everything*, including mini skirts. I love the juxtaposition between the short hemline and the chunky, almost masculine loafers.
Mango is my go-to for budget-friendly outerwear.
A core component of every wardrobe.
Easy to dress down with sneakers or add heels for a night out.
If you’re unwilling to splurge on the Prada loafers, I think this COS pair is a great dupe.
