Designers love to reimagine a classic, and for the tricky transitional season, the trench coat is no exception. Creative directors have taken scissors to the staple, cropping inches off its hemline. The result? A boxier shoulder, extra legroom, and a fresh silhouette: the cropped trench coat is back—and in a big way. While we’ve long waxed poetic about the timeless full-length version, its shorter counterpart feels both chicer and sportier than many of its traditional iterations.

From Prada and Balenciaga to Frame and Cos, cropped trench coats deliver a flattering, tailored, cinched-waist silhouette that suits just about everyone. This fall, we’re styling ours with everything from plain white tees and great denim to lightweight knits and polished midi skirts. As with any closet classic, the possibilities are endless.

Featured in this article

The Traditional Treasure

Burberry Waterloo cropped trench coat

Jump to review

Vogue’s Cropped-Trench-Coat Wish List:

If you’re shopping for one, why not start with Burberry’s heritage hero? Lined in the house’s signature plaid, the double-breasted, belted design shields you from looming rain clouds—stylishly, of course. Meanwhile, khaki versions from J.Crew, Toteme, and Barbour are heirlooms in the making, with details like exaggerated shoulders, bold belts, and bomber-inspired cuts. Modern takes from Lemaire, The Frankie Shop, and Proenza Schouler White Label already have the street style seal of approval. And on the high street, cropped trenches from Massimo Dutti and Zara prove timeless with a twist—worthy of a prime spot in your fall wardrobe.

Below, 30 standout styles to shop now.