Every item on this page was chosen by an ELLE editor. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy.
Hunting down the perfect pieces for your closet can be a hassle, especially when it comes to outerwear. Sure, there are many tasteful options out there—wool coats and puffer jackets, to name two. But something that will forever be timeless and a wonderful addition to your closet is a stylish short trench coat. Yes, there are the more traditional styles that hit at your knee or ankle, but stylist Stephanie “Lex” Alexandris and I are here to bring perspective to the cropped style—and why it makes our outerwear shortlist.
As you might guess, a short trench coat has very similar features to the traditional mid-length or full-length styles: a double-breasted front—with a possible tie for a cinch at the waist. If that’s your taste, no worries; there are plenty of options without.
When speaking with Alexandris about how to style a cropped trench, she stated, “From Scandi girls to French babes, a short trench is forever a wardrobe staple. If you’re shopping for the perfect cropped trench, I’d go with as classic, minimal, and tonal as possible. Think Brigitte Bardot shopping at Max Mara. This layering piece should be easy enough to throw on over any outfit to add sophistication.” Her final tip? “Go one size up for a cooler, effortless vibe.”
So go ahead, invest in a timeless piece for your wardrobe, and snag yourself a shortened trench coat. I narrowed down the virtually endless assortment on the internet to a select 15—shop them all below.
The Modern Luxury
Khaite The Declan Jacket
The Modern Luxury
Khaite The Declan Jacket
When in doubt, indulge in a luxury coat that will remain a staple in your closet. Need a place to start? Try out this timeless Khaite trench. Simple, sweet, and extremely well-made–it’s the perfect coat for every season.
Sizes: 0-12
Color: Beige
Material: 100% cotton
The Touch of Navy
J.Crew Short trench coat
If khaki isn’t your color, try navy. A splash of this neutral hue in your closet works wonders. Dress it down with cargo pants and a chunky sneaker or up with a pretty dress and a kitten heel.
Sizes: XXXS-XXL
Color: Navy, Vintage Khaki
Material: 100% Cotton
The Casual Army Green
Everlane The Organic Cotton Herringbone Jacket
A deep green is the ideal choice for a twist on the classic trench–and in 100 percent cotton, no less. The oversized feel will offer that effortless vibe Alexandris mentioned. Treat yourself to this sweet coat—I know I will.
Sizes: XXS-XL
Color: Beech, Bone, Navy
Material: 100% Organic Cotton
Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below
The Tried-and-True
Burberry Cotton Gabardine Cropped Trench Coat
The Tried-and-True
Burberry Cotton Gabardine Cropped Trench Coat
When you think of a trench coat, you think of Burberry. Doesn’t this cropped jacket make you want to run away to Europe? Snag it now and fantasize about your next trip.
Sizes: S-XL
Color: Black and Honey
Material: 100% Cotton
The Classic
Max Mara Khaki Double-Breasted Jacket
A classic khaki cropped trench is impeccable for any season—something casual enough for a coffee date and elevated enough for the office.
Sizes: XXXS-3XL
Color: Khaki
Material: Body: 66% cotton, 34% polyester. Lining: 100% polyester
The Mongrammed One
Versace Allover Logo-Jacquard Trench Coat
The Mongrammed One
Versace Allover Logo-Jacquard Trench Coat
If your color is pink and you love the monogram look, this Versace trench is for you. It’s perfect for a full day of shopping—er, errands—or just an added oomph to your every day looks.
Sizes: XXS-XL
Color: Pink
Material: Outer: Lamb Skin 100%, Polyester 60%, Cotton 40%
Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below
The Plaid Statement
Filkk Navy Checked Kimono Jacket
The Plaid Statement
Filkk Navy Checked Kimono Jacket
It’s giving a stroll in the park with your bestie. Style with your best wide-leg jeans and your favorite pair of ballet flats.
Sizes: 2-12
Color: Navy Checked, Green
Material: 100% Cotton
The Vegan Leather Head-Turner
7 For All Mankind Wrap Vegan Leather Blazer
The Vegan Leather Head-Turner
7 For All Mankind Wrap Vegan Leather Blazer
You can never go wrong with a cropped black vegan leather trench coat. There’s something subtle edgy, yet playful–mix it up for a day of reading magazines at the coffee shop or going out to a party.
Sizes: XS-L
Color: Black
Material: 100% polyurethane
The Vibrant Shock of Red
Free People Highlands Solid Peacoat
The Vibrant Shock of Red
Free People Highlands Solid Peacoat
Have you been head over heels for the color of the year? If so, snag this poppy red number before it sells out.
Sizes: XS-XL
Color: High Risk, Tea Combo
Material: 100% Cotton
Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below
I know the photo shows a longer wool trench, but don’t let that fool you—this is a two-in-one (just remove the bottom half!). If you’re in the market for something versatile, this will be an excellent investment in your wardrobe.
Sizes: XXS/XS, S/M, L/XL
Color: Bone, Camel
Material: 90% Wool, 10% Cashmere
The Denim Trench Jacket
Dries Van Noten Belted Denim Jacket
The Denim Trench Jacket
Dries Van Noten Belted Denim Jacket
Calling all cool girls: Denim is always a good idea. So, why not try it in a cropped trench? It will make a great statement with your favorite pair of square-toed boots.
Sizes: 2-12
Color: Ecru
Material: 100% cotton
The Oversized Take
H&M Double-Breasted Trench Coat
Wrap yourself in this relaxed, oversized option. Those who love oversized blazers will obsess over this, no doubt. And, can we talk about this pistachio green hue? Divine.
Sizes: XS-XXL
Color: Light Green
Material: 100% Polyester
Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below
The Quilted Cutie
Karen Millen Quilted Trench Mix Belted Short Trench Coat
The Quilted Cutie
Karen Millen Quilted Trench Mix Belted Short Trench Coat
Now 51% Off
Unsure of which neutral colorway to adopt this season? Go for a two-toned coat, instead. The structure offers a unique utilitarian aesthetic that would pair nicely with a sleek riding boot.
Sizes: XS-L
Color: Khaki
Material: 70% Polyester 30% Cotton
Suede is trending this season, and you will be pleased to know that this cropped trench is only $80. Snag this coat and style it with your favorite trousers and chunky loafers.
Sizes: XS-XXL
Color: Khaki
Material: 92% polyester, 8% elastane
The Boxy Cropped Faux Leather
Norma Kamali Double Breasted Trench Mini
The Boxy Cropped Faux Leather
Norma Kamali Double Breasted Trench Mini
So, you’re searching for a faux leather trench. Well, look no further. Norma Kamali has provided you with a sleek, sophisticated option that will be sure to make a fabulous staple in your wardrobe.
Sizes: XXS-XL
Color: Woods
Material: 100% polyurethane
Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below
