I love coats. The only thing I dislike about summer is that I have to hang up my coats.  They’re the perfect way to pull together an outfit.  And my favorite of all coats, is the trench coat.

So let’s look at some of the loveliest trenches on sale this spring (most of them under-$250).  And if you already own a trench coat, we’ll talk about how to style your trench to give it new life.

The Basic Trench comes in three colors: brown, black, and navy.  A khaki or stone color is by far the most popular.  In the price range, the best reader-reviewed trench is from London Fog.  For a darker khaki, try this London Fog option.

In the market for black?  Calvin Klein has you covered.  Looking for navy?  I like this Ralph Lauren for a summery style, or this Brooks Brothers trench with navy buttons for a seasonless look.

Plus-size ladies should try this City Chic coat in khaki, also in black.  Petite ladies should try this London Fog trench in stone or black.  Maternity?  ASOS has you covered.

Alright, now that we’ve covered the basics…let’s bring on the fun trenches!  Give me color, give me style, give me life!

Stylish Trenches typically come in different colors (occasionally prints).  You can also go with a different style from the traditional buttoned down classic.

I love the warmth of this pink.  No cotton candy here.  I just love this ASOS trench in misses or petites.  If you’re afraid of a colored trench, this one is just as versatile as a stone trench thanks to the muted hue.

Last fall, all I wanted was an olive trench, but I demurred.  I thought it was a fad, that I’d be over it by spring.  Nope, not over it.  This Lucky Brand trench is a nice option.  I may splurge a little bit on this Club Monaco.  Plus-size?  Ralph Lauren has a nice olive trench.

Oh my gosh.  If you’re on board for a bright color, this Hobbs London is the truth.  For a less expensive option, this Jack Wills trench is deeper in color but just as phenomenal.  Other bright colors to try include red and teal.

Drape trenches are very popular right now.  This BCBG coat mixes three trends — the muted color, the tie sleeve, and the drape — into one chic coat.  If you’d like something more subtle, this grey trench from Nordstrom is lovely.  The Everlane drape trench is popular.

Styling Tips. My first trench styling tip is to push up the sleeves for a more casual look.  It has a relaxed chic to it.  Can’t keep your sleeves up?  Try a pair of men’s sleeve garters to help hold them up.

If you’re looking for a real high fashion look, try draping the trench over your shoulders.  It has a very devil-may-care appeal to it.

The square silk scarf is replacing the oversized scarf as the chic style for spring.  I mean, how cute does this silk scarf look tied around her neck in a vintage style?  For soft colors, try this Treasure & Bond scarf.  For something bolder, I like this Echo botanical scarf.  I also love this heart-print scarf with a blush trim.

Another option for jazzing up your coat is replacing the tie belt with a structured leather option.  This whipstitch double buckle is a nice belt.  This Zimmerman filigree belt is also a great choice.  Just remember to size up to accommodate the bulk of the coat.

Lastly, there are always the alterations options.  A few years ago, I took in an old stone-colored trench and had a tailor put a different fabric under the collar (inspired by this Zadig and Voltaire trench).  I’ve been thinking about having something embroidered on one of my old trenches because I love the look of this Karen Millen one so much.  You can also have the buckles and buttons changed out, or have a colored trim added to the lapels.

{image found here; this post contains affiliate links that generate commission for the author}