I Have Proof—These Are the Shoes New Yorkers Always Wear With Trench Coats

Spring in New York is a glorious, unpredictable beast, and—like everything else in NYC—there’s an art to navigating it. The answer to the question mark that is dressing for wobbly spring weather is undoubtedly a classic trench, which locals embrace when we only need a light layer, and it might get super windy, and it might shower out of the blue, but it also might be warm enough that we want to push up our sleeves. Perhaps simultaneously.

Given how New Yorkers gravitate towards chic-yet-practical dressing, it shouldn’t be a huge surprise that trench coats and sneakers are the foundation of so many perfect spring looks spotted in the city. It’s the classic high-low mix—an effortless pairing of polished tailoring and highly practical subway-and-cobblestone-friendly flat footwear that New Yorkers do so well.

With so many good sneakers popping up this season, the outfit options are endless: A colorful retro-inspired pair adds extra trendiness, a white sneaker gives a classic sporty edge, while black leather styles feel cool but low-key. Pair them with the elegance (and drama, let’s be honest) of a perfectly draped trench, and you have yourself the NYC spring uniform. As always, I brought receipts for a little outfit inspo—here’s how seven stylish New Yorkers are wearing trench coats and sneakers this season.

With Tonal Neutrals

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Tonal dressing is a solid short cut to rich-looking casual looks. A classic trench and camel trousers paired with a fresh white tee and sneakers is spring in a nutshell.

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Vince

Utility Trench Coat

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Éterne

Short Sleeve Boyfriend T-Shirt

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Oliver Peoples Eyewear X Khaite

1993c Sunglasses

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Over Athleisure

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We are all sometimes a person who needs to look put-together while secretly knowing that the only way they can survive the day (physically, mentally, emotionally) is by wearing leggings. I believe that a trench coat is your way through.

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Reformation

Matteo Trench

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Loulou De Saison

Sage Cashmere V-Neck Sweater

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Gap

Gapfit Lightweight Performance Leggings

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Zara

Combination Running Shoes

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Le Specs

Outta Love Sunglasses

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Bottega Veneta

Medium Andiamo Bag

With Black & White

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A little moment for trench coats over sporty black and white looks—especially when we’re talking about pairing a white skirt with a black tee (love it like I loved white jeans and black jackets all winter), and even more so with black leather sneakers which are feeling very downtown cool.

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Mango

Long Oversized Cotton Trench Coat

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Toteme

Ribbed Stretch-Cotton Jersey T-Shirt

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Hidden Jeans

Tie Waist Denim Skirt

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Jenny Bird

X Revolve Puffy Heart Chain Necklace

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Nordstrom

3-Pack Everyday Crew Socks

With Pops of On-Trend Colors

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Trenches and black leather mini skirts get a whole new personality with the addition of a poppy sweater in a very on-trend blue. It’s even better with sneakers that introduce just a touch of burgundy (still relevant and always elevated), and I’m here for the grey socks that feel a bit wrong, but oh so right.

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Topshop

Fluffy Crewneck Sweater

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Johnstons of Elgin

Ribbed Cashmere-Blend Socks

With Default Denim

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Super obvious, but it’s still worth noting that the addition of your go-to jeans makes for an outfit formula that requires zero brain cells—little tweaks like old-school sneakers and a khaki-colored trench keep it feeling a little unexpected, and I’m going to pitch the addition of a summery beaded necklace.

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