Trapeze jackets: in or out

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Angie is co-founder of YLF and its resident fashion stylist.

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Outfits Ensembles Trends Advice

Trapeze jackets: in or out

— by Angie

on December 5, 2008

Trapeze jackets started coming through in 2006 and became all the rage in 2007. They were still popular for Spring 2008, but have taken a back seat to form fitting jackets in the second half of the year.

I welcome the return of jackets that define the natural waist because of their universally flattering integrity. There should never be a shortage of this type of jacket in stores. So does that mean that trapeze jackets are out? I don’t think so. Trapeze jackets have a vintage, retro flavour that lengthens their fashion life. I have a few examples in my wardrobe and I’m still regularly integrating them into ensembles.

By all means continue to wear trapeze jackets if you bought into the trend and fancy the look. They do not look dated and get a big fat “in” from me. If a jacket with waist definition is your preference, you’ll find plenty of those around this season too. There is something for everyone.

Autumn 2008

13 comments · Add a comment

Tanya

Thank you for this piece of information Angie. I have been wondering about this, since I have one winter one and one summer one. I am glad to know that I can continue to wear them; since I really like how they look with skinnies over longer fitted knit knit top.

December 5, 2008 at 8:28 am

Sal

(website)

I look dreadful in this style, but admire it on others frequently. Glad to hear you haven’t given it the boot, Angie!

December 5, 2008 at 8:29 am

San

I love it when there is something for everyone. I didn’t think the style would last so long and didn’t buy into it. I do appreciate it on other people though.

December 5, 2008 at 10:04 am

Marlene

(website)

I really like this look and try and have tried to fit it into my wardrobe. Unfortunately, I am so short waisted that I’m finding it very challenging. I am sticking with more waist-defining shapes.

December 5, 2008 at 10:34 am

Antje

I love the look on others but haven’t been able to make it work on me. I put one on and then just stare at my belly taking center stage, not good. I’ll continue to pass, sadly.

December 5, 2008 at 12:30 pm

Lissie

This is a really good look for me as I am pear shaped with a longer torso, very slight upper body and small chest. I purchased a bottle-green leather swingy jacket from Banana Republic last fall. I wore it to death last fall and winter and am still loving it. This particular jacket really looks like a vintage piece and I think I will still be wearing it over very modern looking separates for several seasons to come.

I don’t wear skinnies, but like Tanya, I find it looks great over a longer, fitted knit top. I just pair mine with narrower bootcut jeans, a pencil skirt or slimmer trousers. I think having sleek separates on underneath is key.

December 5, 2008 at 12:34 pm

Carrie

I have a couple dressier ones that I wear to work (over longer fitted knit tops) and still get a lot of complements on them. I’m glad to hear I don’t have to pack them away!

December 5, 2008 at 1:20 pm

Lulu

I love trapeze jackets with skinnies, although I’ve found that ones which work with skinnies don’t work with pencil skirts and vice versa. Something about the length of the jacket?

Even though stores were saturated with trapeze jackets for the last several seasons, I tried on literally hundreds before I bought three that flattered. Jackets and other tailored items are so frustrating.

I welcome the return of waist-defining jackets. But are “boyfriend blazers” more in than shrunken lady jackets for upcoming seasons? I’ve seen lots of boyfriend blazers on celebrities and street style blogs lately. I have one such suit jacket from more than 10 years ago, but it looks too top-heavy with skinnies.

December 5, 2008 at 5:12 pm

Maya

I’m relieved! I remember a couple of years ago, or maybe last year, I was looking for a fitted jacket and all they had were trapeze jackets which look simply awful on me. I love the look on others and it is among the top trends I wish I could wear but can’t…so I don’t wish it would go away, but I am glad it’s slowing down.

December 6, 2008 at 12:13 am

Julia

I love this look so much I bought two trapeze jackets last year, sadly they don’t look great on me. I’m glad that they are still in style because I’m going to host a cloth swapping party next month and I can bring it with me.

December 6, 2008 at 7:01 pm

Karen

I think this looks staying power depends on the amount of fabric in the trapeze part of the coat. If it falls into lots of columns adding extra bulk, or makes you look pregnant, then I don’t think this look will transfer to next season. If the coat has a gentle trapeze shape and flatters your shape then this coat will be one you can wear. A retro 50’s look will always be a classic if worn in a contemporary way.

December 7, 2008 at 11:47 pm

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

I bet you look great in the right trapeze jacket, Julia. But good idea to clothes swap if you’re not happy in the style.

Karen, it goes without saying that overly voluminous trapeze jackets are out. They don’t look good on anyone. Remember this blog post? That’s the retro styling you’re speaking of:

http://youlookfab.com/2007/09/.....-flatters/

December 8, 2008 at 9:47 am

cathy

I am undecided. Two of mine are in the sell pile for Buffalo Exchange. I do not wear them that much and like the fitted look more for my figure. OK I hope they disappear with puffy princess sleeves.

December 14, 2008 at 2:32 pm

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