'I'm a fashion writer and New Look's £45 faux suede trench elevates any outfit'

As the summer holidays end and the kids go back to school, that new-season feeling starts to creep in, with autumn styles starting to replace warm-weather fashion on the high street. Each autumn, there’s always one standout piece of outerwear that goes viral, be it a sell-out barn jacket or a leather bomber jacket - and this year, it’s expected to be a suede trench.

In 2025, we’re seeing a major suede revival, with the fabric taking over accessories, bags, boots and beyond. The trend toes the line between boho chic and quiet luxury, and I’ve found the ultimate piece to nail the trend without breaking the bank.

High street favourite, New Look, has launched a Tan Faux Suede Belted Trench Coat which offers a way to make a real statement when it comes to styling suede. The retailer has tipped the jacket as ‘going viral’ - and I have a feeling its purse-friendly £45 price tag and chic silhouette might have something to do with it.

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The coat has already gathered an enthusiastic response online, with Instagram awash with comments. Some of the replies on New Look’s recent posts read: “Oh I love this jacket,” “love the colour of this one too,” and “haven’t taken mine off.”

This style of jacket is set to be immensely popular this season, with a number of retailers offering similar designs - but none as affordable as New Look. Monsoon has this Tove Suedette Trench Coat Brown for £130 which comes in a dark brown hue finished with a classic lapel collar and button fastenings. It comes in sizes XS to L, which is more restricted than New Look’s, where it may be easier to find a better fit.

The Cotton On Faux suede trench coat in brown at ASOS has fewer sizes still, with only three available, XXS-XS, S-M, and L-XL. This comes in at £85 - still £40 more than New Look’s.

Never one to let ‘FOMO’ set in, I headed straight to my local New Look to try it on to discover it’s been just as popular in store, with my size having sold out. Luckily, I was able to get my hands on one size up (size 12) to give it a spin in the fitting rooms.

What was immediately noticeable about the coat was how soft and lightweight it was. It’s not a winter coat by any means and would be unlikely to withstand very cold or rainy weather, but is a piece you can buy now and wear immediately on cooler summer days over a T-shirt and trousers.

While I was wearing a size larger than usual, it’s definitely still got a roomy, oversized fit with relaxed drop shoulders for a slouchy but sophisticated feel, ideal for throwing over a knit in the cooler autumn months, too.

While lightweight, it’s not flimsy, with a good amount of structure giving it its classic trench shape. It features timeless details like a cinched belt, storm flap and gorgeous buttons on the cuffs and front, and the best part? Two side pockets for keeping your phone and keys close to hand.

The faux suede material feels buttery and is machine washable, making it more convenient and low maintenance than real suede, too. Plus it immediately elevates any outfit, whether you’re wearing it for weekend coffee dates over jeans, with tailoring to the office, or over a date night look.

The jacket comes in sizes 6-22 and is also available in a dark chocolate brown shade, too. While there aren’t many reviews from shoppers just yet, one said it was a ‘gorgeous coat,’ adding: “Well made and looks amazing.”

For £45, it’s the perfect balance between trending and timeless. It’s an affordable way to dip your toe into a trend, but equally will find yourself reaching for it autumn after autumn, too. It is, in short, the definition of affordable luxury.