With April showers approaching, it’s time for the return of the trench coat, the quintessential spring must-have. Not too heavy, not too light (dare we say, just right?), and typically made from water-repellant and wind-resistant fabrics, trenches are the outerwear of choice for transitional weather. While knee- and calf-length jackets are always a wise wardrobe investment, this season, a new crop of, well, cropped styles are trending.
Rather than a traditional, longline trench coat, cropped styles are a bit boxier and often more casual, offering a modern twist on a classic staple. From chic khaki and green options to unique silhouettes and fabrics, like cape jackets and denim iterations, there are plenty of styles to peruse.
Read on to pluck out a sporty design for long walks, a lady-like style for work and al fresco dinners, or a versatile jacket that can do it all.
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Khaki-colored coats are a tried-and-true trench style that will forever work. Thanks to the neutral colorway that goes with almost everything, it’s also the easiest style. Consider the various shades of khaki (sand, camel, etc.) to find the one that best suits you. Then look out for details like double-breasted closures for a touch of distinction.
Sam Edelman Gina Convertible Trench Jacket, $, available at Anthropologie
L'Agence Kento Crop Trench Coat
L'Agence Kento Crop Trench Coat, $, available at Shopbop
Torrid Lightweight Twill Crop Trench
Torrid Lightweight Twill Crop Trench, $, available at Torrid
Gap Asymmetrical Trench Jacket
Gap Asymmetrical Trench Jacket, $, available at Gap
BCBG Max Azria Double Breasted Crop Trench Coat
BCBG Max Azria Double Breasted Crop Trench Coat, $, available at Nordstrom
Cropped Cape Trench Coats
Capes will define 2025, so why not jump aboard the trend with a cropped cape trench coat? Whether you opt for a sleeveless button-down cape that floats with every movement, or one with fluttery sleeves and a poncho-like silhouette, there’s a range of cropped styles that are both functional and fashion-forward.
& Other Stories Cropped Trench Cape, $, available at & Other Stories
If you’re looking for neutral outerwear that’s versatile, but still stands out from a sea of trenches, consider going green. Think olive, moss, sage, or, of course, khaki green. With a wide range of light and deep hues — plus streamlined and utility-inspired silhouettes — you can find the style that’ll complement your spring wardrobe.
Abercrombie and Fitch Relaxed Short Trench Coat, $, available at Abercrombie and Fitch
Land's End Trench Rain Jacket
Land's End Trench Rain Jacket, $, available at Land's End
Mango Double-Breasted Cropped Trench Coat
Mango Double-Breasted Cropped Trench Coat, $, available at Mango
Massimo Dutti Trench Coat Short Layer Water Repellent
Massimo Dutti Trench Coat Short Layer Water Repellent, $, available at Massimo Dutti
Universal Thread Trench Coat
Universal Thread Trench Coat, $, available at Target
Unique Cropped Trench Coats
Step out of the box with a short trench (or trench-inspired jacket) that doesn’t play by the traditional rules. Maybe that means opting for a denim fabric (instead of classic cotton gabardins), or for fresh details like dainty cut-outs, dramatic collars, and cinching belts.
By Anthropologie Cropped Trench Coat, $, available at Anthropologie
Cuyana Overlay Collar Jacket
Cuyana Overlay Collar Jacket, $, available at Cuyana
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From The White Lotus to Summer House, it’s hard to miss all the warm-weather and vacation-ready fashion on our screens. And they’re inspiring us to upgrade our own spring wardrobes, especially while many of us are in the midst of annual closet cleanouts. So if you’re realizing that you may need a spring dress (or two) to round out your spring outfits, look no further than the trends taking over the season.
There are plenty of styles (many of which we saw during Paris Fashion Week’s recent season) worth experimenting with this season. Think everything from nostalgic bubble hems and playful drop waists to joyful butter yellow and chic polka dots. So whether you’re in need of an everyday must-have to wear to the office and on dates this spring, or special-occasion dresses for weddings and holidays, take inspiration from the trending styles below.
Butter Yellow Dresses
After its surge in popularity last year, butter yellow is back again this warm-weather season. That’s especially evident in the spring dress lineups from our favorite brands. Pick from casual minis and milkmaid dresses (yes, they are still having a moment), versatile midis, and tried-and-true maxi slip dresses for every type of occasion, from Easter to Mother’s Day and wedding season.
Bubble Hem Dresses
As whimsical as it is versatile, the bubble hem provides a maximalist (yet still wearable), nostalgic touch to dresses currently on the market. While bubble hem skirts have had their time in the spotlight the last few seasons, we’re looking at full-blown bubble hem dresses now. And since they’re predicted to be a defining trend of 2025, there’s no better time than right now to try it out. For spring, look out for warm-weather-approved fabrics, like cotton poplin and details like smocked bodices.
Polka Dot Dresses
Whether you want to channel Julia Roberts’ brown horse race ensemble in Pretty Woman, or Marilyn Monroe’s white number in The Seven Year Itch, throw on a polka dot dress to create your own cinematic look. This spring, stick to classic black-and-white color palettes for a timeless look or try pops of pinks (or neutrals like navy and brown) for a more youthful take on the print.
Drop-Waist Dresses
Drop-waist dresses started trickling in last year when the European summer aesthetic was all the rage. Luckily, they’re not going anywhere this season — and can be found on a wide range of styles, from denim midis to taffeta-like gowns. For more modern iterations of the ’20s look, look to V-shape waists and dipped hip details rather than harsh hip cutoffs and solid hues.
Floral Dresses
Yes, florals consistently re-emerge as a favorite every spring, but it’s impossible to ignore the bold floral dresses that are being scooped up by shoppers this season. Whether the print is small or large, opt for vibrant pinks, blues, and yellows that contrast the dress’ overall hue (ex: black, white, and cream). Additionally, look out for more unexpected flowers like sunflowers and hydrangeas for a twist.
Heading off on a trip and don’t know what to wear? Whether you’re venturing to the airport, the train station, or in the car, one thing’s for sure: Comfort is non-negotiable. Sure, trusty leggings and cozy sweats are MVPs, but, sometimes, you want to look a little more “effortless jet-setter” and a little less “just rolled out of bed.” Enter: travel pants.
When curating our list of the best travel pants, we held them to sky-high standards: They needed to be versatile enough to wear straight off the plane and into whatever adventure awaits, comfy enough for the bizarre yoga-esque positions you’ll find yourself in while attempting to sleep on a long-haul flight, and stylish enough to pair seamlessly with the rest of your wardrobe (and avoid the dreaded overpacking guilt). Bonus points to pants with practical perks like wrinkle resistance, technical fabrics, and — the holy grail — pockets.
Meet our 29 favorite travel pants below. Once you experience the magic of sweat-wicking, breezy, and polished bottoms that don’t scream “athleisure overload,” we promise you’ll never look back.
All linked products are independently selected by our editors. If you purchase any of these products, we may earn a commission.
When your travel day calls for comfort and personality, these drapey wide-leg pants deliver both.
Old Navy High-Waisted Playa Wide-Leg Pants, $, available at Old Navy
Gap Linen-Blend Relaxed Straight Ankle Pants
Lean into the butter yellow trend with these breezy pants — perfect for a travel day en route to your sunny beach escape.
Gap Linen-Blend Relaxed Straight Ankle Pants, $, available at Gap
Ann Taylor Weekend Collection Belted Wide-Leg Ankle Pant
Comfy tailored cotton wide-legs? That’s just good business trip sense.
Ann Taylor Weekend Collection Belted Wide-Leg Ankle Pant, $, available at Ann Taylor
Damson Madder Piper Waffle Jogger
Your basic jogger is shaking. Red waffle fabric and contrast picot trim just raised the bar.
Damson Madder Piper Waffle Jogger, $, available at Damson Madder
Quince Ultra-Stretch Ponte Bootcut Pant
Quince has done it again — first with its washable silk, now with its ultimate travel pant, combining the sleek silhouette of dress trousers with the comfort of your favorite yoga bottoms. The pull-on style and four-way stretch make it as functional as it is stylish — perfect for running, squatting, mid-flight naps, or anything else your day throws at you. Honestly, we wouldn’t blame you for wearing it to work, too. It also comes in four different inseam lengths.
Quince Ultra-Stretch Ponte Bootcut Pants, $, available at Quince
Treasure & Bond Pleated Wide Leg Pull-On Pants
Light, airy, and totally utility-coded. These high-waist, wide-leg pants are perfect for snoozing in flight and wearing straight off the plane.
Treasure & Bond Pleated Wide Leg Pull-On Pants, $, available at Nordstrom
SPANX AirEssentials Brushed Straight Leg Pant
Comfort meets polish: These straight-leg pants have a silky-soft feel, four-way stretch, and pintuck details for a more refined travel look — perfect for long-haul flights, road trips, and beyond.
SPANX AirEssentials Brushed Straight Leg Pant, $, available at SPANX
Lululemon Dance Studio Relaxed-Fit Mid-Rise Cargo Pant
Pockets make the difference between good travel pants and great ones — and this mid-rise cargo style from Lululemon ticks all the right boxes, blending all-day function with effortless style.
Lululemon Dance Studio Relaxed-Fit Mid-Rise Cargo Pant, $, available at Lululemon
Pilcro The Izzie Relaxed Pull-On Barrel Pants
Bring the barrel-leg trend to travel days with these twill pull-on pants. A gently tapered fit and rave reviews ensure a comfort-plus feel through every leg of the journey.
Pilcro The Izzie Relaxed Twill Pull-On Barrel Pants, $, available at Anthropologie
Caslon Wide Leg Linen Pants
Pajama-level swish meets go-anywhere polish. These linen-blend wide-legs are as easy as they are elevated.
Caslon Wide Leg Linen Pants, $, available at Nordstrom
Rag & Bone Miramar Terry Wide-Leg Pant
Hear us out — jeans, yes, but not really jeans. These super-soft, denim-lookalike wonders come highly recommended by stylish women for comfort-first moments, from marathon travel days to pregnancy. A must-try for their exceptional softness.
rag & bone Miramar Terry Wide-Leg Pant, $, available at rag & bone
The Group Haven Pant
These high-rise pull-on pants keep you cool and comfortable on the move. The sweat-wicking fabric feels sleek, while the relaxed wide-leg fit makes long hours easier.
Laid-back and utility-driven, these cargo pants are built for travel days. An elastic waist keeps things comfortable, while roomy pockets stash essentials within reach.
We The Free Park Ave Pants, $, available at Free People
Mango Wide Leg Knit Pants
Polished but low effort — these refined knit pants bring stretch comfort with a sophisticated drape. The wide-leg silhouette and elastic waist make them a first-class choice for travel days.
Mango Wide Leg Knit Pants, $, available at Nordstrom
Vuori Halo Essential Wideleg
Do you dream of Vuori’s DreamKnit? Same. These ultra-soft wide-leg pants deliver that signature feel — with a mid-rise fit, drawcord waist, and front slash pockets — perfect for travel days or laid-back lounging.
Vuori Halo Essential Wideleg, $, available at Vuori
OFFLINE By Aerie Real Me Xtra Trouser
Meet the Aerie Xtra Trouser: buttery-soft with a super-wide waistband that hugs comfortably and a wide leg to balance a fitted top. Pair it with an oversized shirt or classic sweater for a non-try-hard, put-together vibe.
OFFLINE by Aerie Real Me XTRA High Waisted Trouser, $, available at Aerie
Dôen Hilaire Pant
These vintage-inspired palazzo pants offer retro charm with ease. The horn button detail at the high waistband adds to their timeless character.
The iconic swish of ’90s-inspired parachute pants is like an audible time machine, triggering nostalgic vibes we’re fully into for travel days. And with sweet tie bows in the mix? We’re swooning.
Daily Practice by Anthropologie Full Twist Pants, $, available at Anthropologie
Emerson Fry Midnight Tulip Wide Leg Pants
As smart as they are roomy, these pants practically guarantee you’ll at least look the part of a business class upgrade.
Emerson Fry Midnight Tulip Wide Leg Pants, $, available at Tuckernuck
Everlane The Dream Pant
Wrinkle-resistant and business-ready (thanks to the pintuck detailing), these cotton-blend pants rival the comfort of your favorite sweats.
The look of trousers with the ease of a drawstring? That’s the kind of duality we love — perfect for channeling the polished vibe of travel’s golden era on your next work trip or adventure.
Abercrombie & Fitch Menswear Pull-On Pant, $, available at Abercrombie & Fitch
J.Crew Factory Kelsey Flare Pant
Unburdened by legit work pants on a plane? Say hello to these cute kick-flares crafted from a so-soft cotton blend — equally smart with a blazer and loafers as they are with a crewneck sweatshirt and sneakers. Available in classic, petite, and tall lengths.
J.Crew Factory Kelsey Flare Pant, $, available at J.Crew Factory
Cou Cou Intimates The Pant
Who knew cute pointelle could be travel-ready? Pair with the coordinating tank and a comfy half-zip for so-cozy airport style.
Not your average track pant — these polished wide-leg trousers bring a sleek upgrade to sporty style. With a relaxed fit and an adjustable waist, they’re equal parts comfort and cool for travel days and beyond.
Reformation Julien Poplin Pant, $, available at Reformation
Alex Mill Riley Pant
Travel days call for pants that feel like pajamas but look pulled together. Made from ultra-soft lyocell, this drapey pair keeps things breezy, comfy, and effortlessly polished.
Alex Mill Riley Pant in Drapey Twill, $, available at Alex Mill
Athleta Brooklyn Mid-Rise Ankle Pant
Side-panel pants with a professional punch? Count us in. They bring ventilation and a subtle textural twist to your look, and they're available in regular, tall, and petite lengths.
Athleta Brooklyn Mid Rise Ankle Pant, $, available at Athleta
Eloquii Side Stripe Track Pants
These track pants blend comfort with polish, making them perfect for travel days. The rich burgundy hue elevates the sporty silhouette, while the wrinkle-resistant ponte fabric and wide-leg fit keep things easy from takeoff to touchdown.
Eloquii Side Stripe Track Pants, $, available at Nordstrom
Madewell Satin Pull-On Straight Pants
Hop aboard the satin pant trend in transit — nothing looks more luxe (without the fuss or discomfort).
Madewell Pull-On Straight Satin Pants, $, available at Madewell
Spiritual Gangster Victoria Rib Pants
These ribbed flares nail two trends in one — a textured knit and a subtly flared leg. Soft, stretchy, and kissed with wool, they’re the perfect blend of style and warmth for chilly plane cabins.
Spiritual Gangster Victoria Rib Pants, $, available at Nordstrom
Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?
All linked products are independently selected by our editors. If you purchase any of these products, we may earn a commission.
Refinery 29’s Global Fashion Director Irina Grechko knows a thing or two (or twenty-two!) about what makes a good fashion investment. Watch this space monthly to get answers to all your shopping questions, and insights on the season’s top trends and covetable styles, as Irina shares her shopping picks as if it’s her job… because it is.
After years of working in fashion and traveling everywhere from Japan to London and Iceland for work, I’ve got my packing down to an art — I rarely bring more than I need (if only so I have room in my suitcase for all the destination shopping). I have my favorite luggage brands (Rimowa and Away), my must-have travel jewelry and cosmetics cases (Tumi), and, most importantly, my go-to outfit formulas.
In terms of the latter, what has helped me streamline my packing is to identify the “theme” of the trip. If I am traveling for Fashion Week, I start planning outfits with shoes, which need to be comfortable — as I am constantly on the move and need to be able to jump on a subway or walk briskly when running late — but presentable. If I am going on a more leisurely trip, I will pick a few colors and plan looks around them for maximum outfit combos. Regardless of where I go, every piece of clothing needs to work with at least two other pieces in my suitcase.
Most recently, this technique has served me when I was away for 10 days in Paris during Fashion Week. Ahead, my go-to packing list.
Next step is looking at the bottoms that will work with my shoes. When settling on a color palette for a work trip, I tend to stick to neutrals for maximum versatility and outfit options. For me, this tends to mean dark-wash, tailored jeans; a go-with-everything white denim midi skirt; and a pair of classic navy, black, or olive trousers (I went with navy this season).
Packing List: Tops
I don’t overthink tops when traveling, packing my favorite tried-and-true (if boring) tees, button-downs, and sweaters. In addition to the staples, I bring blazers that can also double as tops (see photo above), as well as turtlenecks for extra texture or a pop of color (Pleats Please Issey Miyake styles work great for this).
In the last two months, no top has gotten more traction in my closet than this Mango blouse. I throw it underneath suits (see photo below), leather jackets, and sweaters for an instant element of drama that elevates what could otherwise be perceived as a basic look.
Packing List: Suit
Speaking of suits, after years of bringing dresses that I would wear only once on trips, I began to pack skirt and pant suits instead. These are so versatile — not only can you wear a matching set together for a look that doesn’t take more than a few minutes to put together (great for mornings when you’re running late), but you can also sport them separately with other items in the suitcase. I love the look of a wool pant tucked into a high-knee boot, or a striped blazer over a more casual mariniere tee or an athletic polo shirt.
Packing List: Outerwear
Some fashion editors consider coats the most important part of the outfit during the cold-weather season. And while that’s true — when editors run from show to show in February, their outerwear is the only thing you see — if I were to bring a coat for every day of PFW, I would have to lug two suitcases and still not have room for anything else.
Instead, for versatility, I tend to stick to a few oversized outerwear silhouettes. That way, I can create layered looks underneath and cheat the image of more looks than I actually have in my suitcase by wearing the jackets open and closed. This waxed Barbour jacket (a signature of the brand for a very good reason) looks equally good with a sweater underneath as over it. Meanwhile, the Mango leather jacket with adjustable zippers that move both ways (photo below) can be worn to highlight the top or the bottom part of the outfit.
Packing List: Accessories
Shoes aside, my accessories are limited to three handbags — two medium-sized crossbodies and an evening-appropriate (and flat) bag that could range from an oversized clutch (see suit photo) to a small shoulder style (photo above) — in solid colors that go with every possible look, as well as a mix of chunky gold and silver earrings that can dress up a simple outfit.
After years of receiving scarves as gifts, and thanks to my Instagram algorithm that’s now filled with styling hacks, I’ve begun to take advantage of my collection and adding them to my must-pack list, not only wearing them around my neck but as ties, belts, headbands, and bag accessories.
