I struggle with trenches and other non-technical raincoats because uninsulated coats don't seem to work for my climate. I picked up a secondhand waxed cotton coat late last winter and only wore it a few times in April and May. Maybe without a pandemic it would've seen a little more action, but I'm not sure. I almost always reach for a Gore-Tex jacket, because even in trench lengths they are so light, functional and easy to layer -- and pack away in my bag if the rain lets up.

I do like the look of this Helly Hansen *insulated* trench for fall and spring -- Gore-Tex and Primaloft. (Sold out at Nordies but available from plenty of other non-Findable retailers, and does come in colours other than black.) I think Eddie Bauer makes something similar, but without the classic belted look. I'll admit the belt really appeals to me despite the fuss factor of tying/untying.

Greenjeans, I just got this on deep discount. It's a belt-less CASUAL and fluid trench coat that still looks very polished. Lightweight. Maybe that's what you need?

I love it, Angie! Thank you for suggesting. It's sold out (darn it) though site says to keep checking back so it may come back in stock.

I love this thread because I used to be so confused about trenches. Why would I want a rain jacket that is neither waterproof nor hooded? But then I started thinking of trenches as a more structured “cardigan” option. I look ghastly frumpy in cardigans but much better in a trench. If it’s a soft enough fabric, it’s perfectly comfy for indoor wear (at a cafe or museum, for example).

I have two trenches. One is lilac like Runcarla’s and one is a classic navy Burberry. Our Spring and Fall are also short, so we have primarily snowy and freezing winter weather or hot and humid summer weather. The trenches come out in the few weeks in between. They are the perfect weight for temps in the 40’s-60’s. If I layer a lightweight down jacket underneath I can go as low as the mid 30’s. I use an umbrella with mine. Love them! Hunting for the right trench took a long time and was well worth the effort. I will have mine as long as they last.

I agree with Jessicams and think some time in the future I might consider a shorter trench for use as a structured topper for indoor wear. I sometimes use my field jackets that way.

Keep on checking back! I did too. Fun lining. Impeccable quality. Sustainable and ethical:

I don't find trench coats useful, and prefer raincoats. We often have rain during transitional weather and I hate carrying an umbrella along with all my other stuff. This is the one I use.

I love trenches and find them very usefull in my 4 season climate with nowadays milder winters and driving a lot. I always have a black and a beige one. I had one black coated with epoulettes but artsy matte silber front zipper and buckle details, very flaterring, which I wore for 11 years! The taupe/beige never gets too be worn so much-and is so much problematic to find one I can bear with it's soul not so sucking shade--but is still usefull for a bright sunny day- and last week I just purchased one in rust/deep burnt orange as I couldn't resist the waterproof coating with a subtle silky sheen to it, beautiful cut and color! I also have to confess I never use the closure on my trenches...I wear them almost exclusively open, belt knotted to the back or in the side pokets +a long scarf which relates to my indoor outfit.

Hi! I'm back to let you know I landed on this sweet jacket and it is fab: casual, unusual color, beautiful cut and nice fit. Ostensibly a rain jacket/windbreaker it serves well in damp weather, however is not waterproof. (Heavy raindrops splat through the lightweight fabric).The waist cinches so you can adjust to suit your shape.

Thanks again for your wonderful comments which helped me understand that I love trenches! And that what I needed was a piece of gear nice enough for errands and walking.

Nice!

I have two trench coats that I like to wear out and about for errands or heading to events. I feel I can wear them with casual or dressier items. I have many weights and types of jackets and coats. If the weather is going to be terribly wet or cold and I will be out in it for extended periods of time, I will opt for raincoats with hoods or jackets and coats with built in warmth.
The Chico’s trench is close to vintage and very lightweight. It folds up easily and fits into a small tote if I don’t want to wear it. The Burberry is my favorite and I admit it took me a long time to find my perfect trench. It really was worth the time and effort. This trench is glorious and will be worn as often as possible.

Wow, @Mainelady! That is a gorgeous Burberry trench! You have reminded me I owned a trench as a teen in Maine (probably purchased at Marden's) and how much I loved wearing it, and how great it was on cool but not frigid days. I love the Chico's one, too. Can picture joyfully wearing either of those.

Wisdom, kassi, thank you. What kind of trench did you get?