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



Oliver Peoples Eyewear X Khaite
1993c Sunglasses

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


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


Jenny Bird X Revolve
Puffy Heart Chain Necklace


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.


Topshop
Fluffy Crewneck Sweater



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


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