What Spring 2026 Runways Tell Us About Coat Investments

What Spring 2026 Runways Tell Us About Coat Investments
Trench coats from the spring 2026 runways

Watch the Video | Shop My Picks

Expensive doesn't always mean worthwhile. To find coat styles that will continue to pay off, I look at next season's proportions – and what I'm seeing changes everything about which coats deserve a spot on our wish lists right now.

The Shift That Matters

Cropped trenches hitting at the hips? They had their moment. If you already own one, wear it now. Otherwise, delete from cart.

Next year's trenches hit below the knee, with a relaxed shape that pairs beautifully with wide pants now and shorter layers come spring. This isn't just another fad cycle – it's a proportion shift, and one that solves real styling problems as we put together outfits with pieces like wider pants and longer tops.

The Key Design Details

Here's where design integrity really shows up: structured shoulders create that sculptural shape (think Stella McCartney, Mugler), while dropped shoulders give effortless ease (The Row). Both work – it's about whether you want polish or cool.

This distinction helps you understand your own vibe. If you gravitate toward that refined, formal aesthetic, look for coats with built-up shoulders and defined structure. If easygoing cool feels more natural, those dropped, voluminous shoulders are your answer.

All this extra volume can end up looking chaotic. The key with all this fabric? Sculptural collars that give you refinement even when you size up. Without that structural detail, oversized just reads as ill-fitting.

The Versatile New Length

As cropped lengths phase out, short coats find a different expression. This newer variation hits above the knee – same generous proportions, more leg. It's more practical for getting in and out of cars while maintaining that substantial presence that makes simple outfits interesting. This length works better than a crop with the oversized shirts and knits we're seeing. It's been a minute since coats were cut to this length, and fashion loves a comeback.

This post is for paying subscribers only

Already have an account? Sign in.