IT’S the return of the mac - but with a modern makeover.
The high street is awash with one item we can all wear that will look ultra-chic.
The trench coat is the perfect transitional piece - it's a perennial wardrobe staple for a reason - but this season, it's been chopped in half.
Enter the cropped trench.
The Fabulous Fashion team can’t get enough of this style, as it's brilliant for 'inbetween' weather, plus doesn’t have to cost a fortune, thanks to the high street.
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Now the temperature is a bit warmer outside, we've consigned our winter coats to the back of our wardrobe, but we also know a British downpour could well be on the way.
Thankfully, the lightweight, on-trend cropped trench has got you covered (well, half of you at least!).
Here, Tracey Lea Sayer, Emily Regan, Clemmie Fieldsend and Abby McHale show you how they’ll be wearing theirs this season.
Tracey Lea Sayer, 52, Fashion Director
- Trench, £129, Massimo Dutti - BUY NOW
- Scarf, £47, Arket - BUY NOW
- Shirt, £25, Marks & Spencer - BUY NOW
- Shoes, £45.99, Mango - BUY NOW
- Bag, £69, Charles & Keith - BUY NOW
- Jeans, £48, Next - BUY NOW
I'm a big fan of a trench because it makes everything feel cooler and sexier, but what about the cropped trench?
Surely it means only one thing… A soggy bottom?
However, then I tried one on and fell in love instantly.
These cropped jackets are actually a great solution to inbetween dressing.
And the best thing is they won't date.
Just like the classic trench, the cropped version will be the gift that keeps on giving, season after season.
They're smart for the office, but work equally as well at the weekend with jeans and trainers.
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I've styled mine in a hi-lo way, which is how I like to dress most days: business up top with a striped shirt, and jeans down below to balance the look.
I've added a pop of burgundy with this cute Charles & Keith bag and a simple neck scarf.
Emily Regan, 24, Fashion Assistant
- Trench, £35.99, Stradivarius - BUY NOW
- Skirt, £27.99, H&M - BUY NOW
- Sunglasses, £15, M&S Collection at Marks & Spencer - BUY NOW
- Belt, £10, Next - BUY NOW
- T-shirt, £115, Ganni at The Dressing Room - BUY NOW
- Boots, £65.99, Zara - BUY NOW
- Bag, £37.99, H&M - BUY NOW
When it comes to coats and jackets, I have so many in my wardobe that any new edition has to be really worthwhile, and I'm trying to only invest in pieces that’ll stand the test of time - so enter the cropped trench.
I'm really impressed by the quality of this belted jacket from Stradivarius.
It’s a classic stone colour, so will go with pretty much everything in my wardrobe, but it also comes in a lighter beige and khaki shades if you’re looking to mix things up a bit.
The belted detail cinches in the waist and I'm a huge fan of the panel detailing at the back, which makes it look so much more expensive than £35.99 - and very Burberry-esque.
At the moment, I'm obsessed with the cowgirl-core trend (thanks Beyonce!) so I've paired the jacket with a gorgeous denim midi skirt and some suede cowboy boots.
I’m also still loving leopard print, so I've added a touch with this belt from Next.
And can you believe that this braided bag is under £40 from H&M?
It’s so dreamy and looks like it’s come straight off the Bottega Veneta runway.
Clemmie Fieldsend, 33, Fashion Editor
- Trench, £37.99, H&M - BUY NOW
- Jumper, £35.99, Mango - BUY NOW
- Sunglasses, £8.99, H&M - BUY NOW
- Jeans, £85, Boden - BUY NOW
- Trainers, £35.99, Stradivarius - BUY NOW
Despite the clocks going forward marking the beginning of British Summer Time, the weather seems to have other plans this week.
At this transitional time of year, knowing what to wear every day can be a real pain.
The cropped trench is a welcome update on a wardrobe classic that is as practical as it is stylish.
I adore this deep khaki colour jacket from H&M, and love it worn with bright separates, like this yellow Stradivarius trainers and crisp, white jeans.
I've layered it with another staple - the Breton knit - and you can slip a white T-shirt underneath for when the temperature is changeable.
Abby McHale, 29, Deputy Fashion Editor
- Jacket, £45.99, New Look - BUY NOW
- Trousers, £99, Jaeger at Marks & Spencer - BUY NOW
- Shoes, £45.99, Zara - BUY NOW
- Blouse, £18.99, H&M - BUY NOW
- Bag, £85, & Other Stories - BUY NOW
A trench coat is an absolute staple in my wardrobe, and as much as I love my trusted long version from Zara, it’s definitely time for an upgrade.
I love this cropped trench from New Look, as it’s super-lightweight and perfect for this time of year.
I've paired it with a smart geometric-print H&M blouse and some trousers from Jaeger at Marks & Spencer, then kept things tonal with these gorge red ballet pumps from Zara and a woven-style & Other Stories bag.
While this outfit is quite smart, I know I’ll get so much wear out of this jacket, as I'll throw it over everything from jeans and a T-shirt to dresses and skirts.
