Spring Coats: A Professional Way to Complete Your Work Wardrobe

A Burberry trench coat is undoubtedly a classic that we adore. But this season, we are completely drawn to Burberry’s versatile car coat. It will stand up to the test of time just as easily, and has so many features that are just perfect: the cotton twill is water-resistant; it has a removable wool warmer vest, making the investment much more justified since you’ll get to wear it in colder weather; and, the hood is removable. Burberry coats tend to be a very slim fit (we suggest going up 1-2 sizes on the trench), but this easier car coat silhouette goes up to size 16 and, while still slimming & super flattering, is not as trim. If you are between sizes, size up just to the next size. In black or navy, they are both timeless options that you can wear to work and on the weekend.

Elie Tahari, one of our favorite work resources, has come through with a fresh trench coat update, that will take you to work every day of the week. It works over suits, dresses, jeans, and everything in between. The body is tweed, with a stylish raw edge finish. And the black sleeves and flap panels? Those are a tight gridded mesh. The sleeves are not opaque – yet, they are certainly not sheer enough that you need to worry about what color you are wearing underneath. The fabric provides a modern, textured look that balances the tweed fabulously. Trust us, words don’t do it justice. That’s why it’s selling out fast. If your size is already sold out through the ‘shop it’ button, Saks Fifth Avenue carries this coat, too. It comes in XS-XL. (Note: The coat is a big on the Saks model. Nordstrom’s image, that we are featuring, is more accurate.)

Via Spiga’s single-breasted trench style has a modern fit and equally modern design. The hem has a flirty stitch down pleat detail that is so flattering and works beautifully over skirts and dresses, as well as pants. But is also has a practical hood, should the weather stop cooperating on your way to work. While this coat comes in black and a couple great pop colors, we have to pick the muslin. The pale creamy beige is so "of-the-season", and at this price, if you’re nervous about investing in a pale colored coat, this is the perfect one to try.

The gold tone buttons and eyelets elevate this dark navy Michael Kors trench to a military-inspired must-have. The buttons are subtle – we are not fans of shiny, flashy buttons – but they are just enough to give a crisp finish to the coat. The shorter length hits just beyond the hip, so it looks great with trousers or skirts. And the double-breasted closure is made to fit all sized women…well-endowed or less so.

There is a lot of love in the office for this Club Monaco modern–fitting jacket. It’s the perfect blend of a trench and the uber-stylish kimono styles that were all over the runways this season. The button hip pockets and back flap (click through the ‘shop it’ button to view – it’s beautiful) give it the structure it needs, while the lyocell fabric is soft as can be, so it drapes in the most flattering way. The sleeves are wider with a dropped shoulder, which adds to the kimono twist on this amazing trench. Add a gauzy scarf on cooler days – it fills up the open neckline perfectly.

We’ve talked about Everlane before – it’s one of our favorite new sites. They are all about the customer, with a focus on pricing transparency and quality basics, keeping their prices down by only selling directly to the customer. It’s clear that they spent just as much time and attention developing their first outerwear piece, as they have with the rest of their assortment. The jacket has a bit of an a-line shape, so the fit is easier and swingy, hitting just at the hip, to flatter curvy and straighter figured ladies alike. Check out the video through the ‘shop it’ button to see it in action. You won’t beat the price, and the quality will hold up to everyday wear all season long. It comes in timeless navy and sage, too.

This Lafayette 148 New York coat is an open-front style, but don’t let that deter you. There’s nothing worse than a messy-looking coat when left unbuttoned, and this solves that problem with ease. If you drive to work or are often traveling to meetings, this is the perfect coat that will always give you a polished look when you walk into any room. The fabric is actually an antiqued denim – denim is in every type of clothing this season, and of course, Lafayette has used it in a completely professional way – it doesn’t even look like denim. But it does provide a stylish edge to an otherwise traditional coat. And let’s not forget the perfect opportunity you now have to add a beautiful scarf.

We couldn’t resist including this exploded polka dot Ann Taylor topper. Polka dots are in abundance this season, but Ann Taylor’s remains sophisticated and flattering in a navy/black color combination that will even work if you are wearing striped pants or a floral skirt. The modern-fitting a-line shape and mid-thigh length will work with everything.