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.
Zara Belted Double-Breasted Trench Coat
Cos Slim Lightweight Long-Sleeved Top
Reformation Greta Super Stretch Low Rise Wide Leg Jeans
Vans Premium Old Skool 36 Sneaker
Eliou Louka Necklace
Kate Spade New York Serena Leather Satchel
Shop More Trench Coats and Sneakers for Spring
Lioness Trencherous Longline Coat
Universal Standard Henning X Us Park Soft Trench
Shopbop Line & Dot Shiloh Trench Coat
The Frankie Shop Lulea Faux Suede Trench Coat
Avec Les Filles Draped Double-Breasted Trench Coat
The Frankie Shop Astoria Cutout Tencel Lyocell-Blend Trench Coat
& Other Stories Belted Cotton Trench Coat
Massimo Dutti Trench Coat With Detachable Scarf Detail
By Anthropologie Cropped Trench Coat
Mango Oversized Cotton Trench Coat
Open Edit Belted Trench Coat
Shopbop Anine Bing Randy Oversized Trench Coat
Able Kimberly Trench Coat