I Have Proof—These Are the Shoes New Yorkers Always Wear With Trench Coats

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Spring in New York is a glorious, unpredictable beast, and, like everything else in NYC, there’s an art to dressing for it. The answer is with a classic trench coat. Locals embrace when we only need a light layer, and it might get super windy, and it might shower out of the blue, but it also might be warm enough that we want to push up our sleeves. (Perhaps simultaneously.)

Given how New Yorkers gravitate toward chic-yet-practical dressing, it shouldn’t be a huge surprise that trench coats and sneakers are the foundation of so many perfect spring looks spotted in the city. It’s the classic high-low mix—an effortless pairing of polished tailoring and highly practical subway- and cobblestone-friendly flat footwear that New Yorkers do so well.

With so many good sneakers popping up this season, the outfit options are endless: A colorful retro-inspired pair adds extra trendiness, a white sneaker gives a classic sporty edge, while black leather styles feel cool but low-key. Pair them with the elegance (and drama, let’s be honest) of a perfectly draped trench, and you have yourself the NYC spring uniform. As always, I brought receipts for a little outfit inspo—here’s how seven stylish New Yorkers are wearing trench coats and sneakers this season.

With Tonal Neutrals

Tonal dressing is a solid shortcut to rich-looking casual looks. A classic trench and camel trousers paired with a fresh white tee and sneakers is spring in a nutshell.

Vince Utility Trench Coat

Éterne Short Sleeve Boyfriend T-Shirt

Lioness Schiffer Pants

Asics GT-2160 Sneakers

Oliver Peoples Eyewear X Khaite 1993c Sunglasses

Polène Numéro Dix

Over Athleisure

Sometimes, we all need to look put-together while wearing leggings. I believe that throwing on a trench coat is a way to elevate them.

Reformation Matteo Trench

Loulou De Saison Sage Cashmere V-Neck Sweater

H&M Cotton T-Shirt

Gap Gapfit Lightweight Performance Leggings

Zara Combination Running Shoes

Le Specs Outta Love Sunglasses

Bottega Veneta Medium Andiamo Bag

With Black and White

A little moment for trench coats over sporty black-and-white looks.

Mango Long Oversized Cotton Trench Coat

Toteme Ribbed Stretch-Cotton Jersey T-Shirt

Hidden Jeans Tie Waist Denim Skirt

Adidas Samba OG Sneaker

Jenny Bird X Revolve Puffy Heart Chain Necklace

H&M Small Crossbody Bag

Nordstrom 3-Pack Everyday Crew Socks

With Pops of On-Trend Colors

Trench coats and black leather miniskirts get a whole new personality with the addition of a sweater in a very on-trend blue. It’s even better with sneakers that introduce just a touch of burgundy (still relevant and always elevated), and I’m here for the gray socks that feel a bit wrong but are oh so right.

Zara Oversized Trench

Topshop Fluffy Crewneck Sweater

H&M Leather Mini Skirt

Zara Athletic Sneakers

Johnstons of Elgin Ribbed Cashmere-Blend Socks

With Default Denim

This might be super obvious, but it’s still worth noting that the addition of your go-to jeans makes for an outfit formula that requires zero brain cells. Little tweaks like old-school sneakers and a khaki-colored trench keep it feeling a little unexpected.