I can't offer any specifics but have you see Angie's blog post for adorable apples?
http://youlookfab.com/2006/05/.....ble-apple/
Don't think it mentions trench coats specifically but you might be able to adapt some of the guidance. Good luck x

Edit- just had another look i think you might need to avoid a belted trench

This is my challenge too. I find it really difficult to find a flattering trench. Anything with epaulets is just awful, since my shoulders are strong enough. Belts just add bulk. Plus I'm petite (4 inches shorter than you) so I absolutely MUST have a petite coat, which limits me even farther. And I want a cream one with black buttons, which limits me farther still. One that is truly waterproof not just fashionable. With a zip-out lining, now is that asking too much?

I've been on the hunt for over a year and still haven't had any luck. I can tell you that I focus on beltless styles that have an empire waist. I don't mind a full skirt (balances out my bottom and top half). No epaulets. Soia Kyo comes closest for me, except that most styles have that huge neck which swallows me up.

This weekend at a thrift shop I tried on a Nanette Lepore trench that would've been perfect - fit fantastic - I just didn't like the pattern (very busy print). So I have not lost hope that the perfect coat is out there!

If it helps, myshape keeps recommending Jessica Simpson trenches to me. One particular style that is satin - which is not what I'm looking for - but that might be a brand worth checking out. I have also been wanting to try Nordie's Gallery trench.

Do they make trenchcoats without a belt? I would love to try on such a thing. I can't seem to find any online. Thanks for the detailed suggestions shiny, this is a frustrating search isn't it? Hey, did you see this trench on ebay? http://cgi.ebay.com/SOIA-%26-K.....0360244757
It looks a lot like what you are describing. I don't know what's up with the size med=4-6 though.

Yup took a look at Angie's apple recs Louise and I find them very helpful. Now if I could only find a coat ... and a nice jacket that fits my torso correctly ... and cardigans that don't gape when I button ...

Hi Mary! Bless you for getting out of your Gore-Tex gear.

They make trench coats without belts for sure. Think you can post a picture, Mary? It will really help us make informed suggestions.

Mary, I feel your frustration! I am 5'5 and have the same kind of short waist - I can fit 2 fingers between my ribcage and hipbones but that's it. I hate wearing belts at my natural waist - SO uncomfortable (I need that precious space for breathing and eating!!).

I like the advice of a beltless trench with empire seaming.

Ack. Gah. Hate photos of myself. Here's one (in tank top/shorts for best body type viewing). Sorry about cluttered closet/low light.
<img src="http://i867.photobucket.com/albums/ab231/monkeypuzzle/th_DSC_0084.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" >
Let me know if this link works--first time I've tried.

Thanks so much everyone for your help.

Yay your picture works great to see you. I'm not much good at body shapes but can i just say you have fab legs x

It's hard to say, because your arms are bent and not straight down at your sides, but you don't appear to have any inverted triangle tendencies. I also can't tell if your neck is short or long. From what I can see, you have an adorable figure. And lovely auburn hair!

Beltless trench... empire style... but I am wondering: do you mostly try on regular trenches and not petites? Maybe all you need is a petite trench coat? One that is scaled to your proportions?

This is also my challenge and like Shiny I am 5' (but a few sizes bigger than her and an inverted triangle to boot). I have yet to find a trench coat that I love although last year's Travel Trench at J Crew was pretty close (the flimsy cotton made it unappealing though the lining was cute). I've been wearing my Barbour jacket in the rain but it's probably the opposite of a stylish jacket:

http://www.lindaclifford.com/BarbourBedale.html

In terms of what I think would make the perfect trench - definitely unbelted and maybe with a slight a-line shape would help it not look like a sack. Like you, I also want no shoulder or bust detailing/pockets etc. I guess we'll just all have to keep an eye out for each other.

Shiny, did you get that green S&K trench last spring? That was adorable on you!

I have a belted trench and I am very short waisted. This is my only real exception to my strict no belt rule. My only explanation as to why it works is that a) the belt ties around my natural waist, as opposed to 3" below it like most belts do, and b) because if the length, you can't tell where my torso ends and my legs begin. I am also petite (5'2) and my trench hits a little bit below my bum. I think petites can absolutely go longer than that, but in my experience, the belt tends to move south as the coat gets longer.

For what it's worth, my trench is by Kensie and I found it at Macy's.

I just realized why I disliked all the coats I tried on Saturday - it's the short waisted thing! the only coat I liked stopped at mid hip and din't have darts or defined waist so it feel ok on the waist. The others all had belts and built in belt like gathering, faux belts in back, etc.
Let's keep on eye out for trenches without belt. I guess belt loops can be moved lower as well?

Monkey puzzle!!! You have a totally distorted perception of your fabulous bod! You don’t have a big bust at all! You might be short waited, but that’s fine! Thanks for the picture. You’ll look absolutely wonderful in a belted trench. I see no problem what so ever! Off you go to try them on, take pics and we’ll decide along with you which styles are best. To Maya's point, it might be a question of simply moving up belt loops.

It just goes to show that visuals are necessary in order to offer accurate style and fashion suggestions.

Shana, I did purchase that green coat, but to my eye, it's really more appropriate for spring? I think because of the apple green color. Maybe I just have to get over that. Then again, it's hard to pair my fall scarves with that color.

It doesn't rain as much here as it does in Seattle, so I don't really have as many occasions to wear one. I wear winter coats, pleather jackets, blazers, denim jackets *FAR* more often. I am thinking that the ideal investment trench for me is:

1) A classic that will not go out of style too quickly (will help with cost per wear)
2) A neutral color - that will work with everything and every season
3) Zip-out wool lining so I can wear it any season, even when it's cold here

#3 is probably the most difficult to meet: there's just not that many petite options and those that are out there, don't come with a zip-out lining (unless they're "gear").

With a coat, I absolutely must have petite. Sure, hems can be raised but it's difficult to raise the waistline, and it's all about scale. If the details (buttons, epaulets, width of the waistband, etc) are designed for a normal height person, chances are, the coat is going to overwhelm me.

But since I don't wear this item all that often, I am determined to take my time and wait for the PERFECT coat... even if it takes years.

Yesterday was the perfect occasion for a trench - it was raining heavily with lots of puddles. My rain boots got a workout. But I went out in just a tweed blazer with a scarf, and a decent umbrella. Since I only had to walk a bit from car to door, it worked out fine. If I had to commute by foot that would be a different situation!

Shiny, I agree, that apple green did seem very spring. My dream trench sounds similar to yours though I am not sure if I need the zip out lining. I have tried on various Burberry coats a gazillion times and they are all unflattering on me. I really love the Barbour coats (they have a great store on Newbury street) - they are EXCELLENT for rain. Mine is 6 years old at this point and it still looks new. I just wish they would make a more feminine looking trench version.