Hot off the catwalks of New York, London, Milan and Paris, fashionistas are already queuing up to stock up on all the biggest trends of spring/summer 2018. One of the key items that has been picked up as one of Vogue’s must-watch items is the trench coat. This classic item is never truly out of style as it proves to be a timeless staple in any fashion-lovers wardrobe. This season, however, it is being updated and remodelled to suit the fun and flirty joie de vivre that is evident in the collections from all the biggest fashion houses, such as Alexander McQueen, Maison Margiela, and Celine.

So how to put together the perfect in-vogue trench look this spring? No matter what your personal style, there are a few tried and tested ways to put together the ultimate trench outfit. Here we take a look at the best items and accessories to pair with your trench to ensure you stand out in the crowd.

Killer Shoes

As any fashion girl worth her salt knows, the best way to show off your coat is to pair it with the right shoes. The general rule of thumb states that long coats are best suited to pumps and heels, while shorter coats look striking with knee-length boots. On the whole, ankle boots with mid-level coats are best avoided as they can shorten the appearance of your legs.

For a classic Parisian style, opt for a pair of cigarette pants or skinny jeans with patent loafers or pumps to complete a look that screams daytime chic. Alternatively, you could opt for a strappy sandal or court shoe (depending on the season) to suit more glamorous evening attire. Generally speaking, colours should be kept muted, with blacks and browns letting the trench coat do all the talking. If you are looking to break out of the box, try leopard print for added sass.

Accessorise Wisely

The trench look is all about the details. When your coat is the star of the show, you need to adorn it wisely. A classic wristwatch is the perfect place to start, with models such as these classy examples from Omega offering a discrete yet powerful statement. Alternatively, silk neck scarves can bring a dash of colour to an otherwise restrained palette. It is advised to keep jewellery to a minimum as it can interfere with the iconic double-breasted trench style, with its heavy collar and epaulettes. Be sure to add some of these great items that we hope you got at Xmas!

Bag Up

It goes without saying that a great bag is the staple of any successful outfit. It can be tricky to find a style that suits the understated yet iconic look of the trench coat. There are a few fail-safe options, however. A small leather rucksack is a great way to wear a bag without letting it interfere with the appearance of your coat; black works well with unfussy buckles or straps. Alternatively, a small shoulder strap bag can also work well when out and about. For evening, a clutch is the way to go: opt for something with a bright colour or in an interesting fabric to bring added glamour to the trench look.