Marianna, I also had high hopes for that one- in fact I expected it to be THE one, but for some reason it didn't work on me either. I do think you could do better, which I hate to say because I know how hard it is to find a great trench. In trying to figure out what doesn't work, it could be how it is cut in the shoulder and chest. Anyway, good luck- I'm still looking for my trench coat.

I don't think there is a problem in the chest area, I just feel that at 5ft 10 the belt is hitting you higher than usual creating an unusual silhouette, almost empire line. However that is just my opinion and I'm not an expert.

Interesting ideas. I still can't quite figure out what's wrong with it, but Julie's thought makes sense. Generally anything with a belt doesn't look good on me.

I agree Marianna - perhaps it's too loose under the armpit and the belt doesn't catch you in a flattering way. Too bad. On the other hand Gertrude is just too cute for words!

No - something is off - I think this one should go back Marianna!

Too bad the fit isn't right because the color is great. I was thinking about trying NR for coats - will look for that one just out of curiosity.

Marianna, there's something up with the belt-loops on that coat. I'm a couple of inches shorter than you, and even on me the loops sit on my ribcage. I'm going to get them repositioned so they're at my natural waist. Have y ou tried tying the belt in a different place to see if that changes the look at all?
I get a lot of comments on that coat, and the material is gorgeous isn't it? I hope you can figure out a way to make it work, but if not at least it wasn't an excessively expensive experiment.

Michelle, it is so weird... I went back and looked at your pictures in it and it just sits better on you, and everyone else. I really want to figure out what's wrong with it. I think it may be the belt... it is in a weird place. I'm going to try to play around with it, because it's a great color and seems comfortable and warm (and weatherproof!) so I want it to work... but something is off. I almost feel like it's too big in some areas, but I know I can't size down.

I was wearing my moto jacket when I bough the trench, and I was thinking that we're slowly becoming wardrobe twins! :)

Marianna,
I have the same coat that I bought last August and I have been wearing it quite a bit. The color is great. I am trying to wean myself away from black, and that is a wonderful alternative. I am a rectangle, and I never perceive belts to be very flattering on me. I took the belt off and I love it. I used my trusty seam ripper to pick at the stitches that held the loops, and I stashed them, as well as the belt, in my closet in case I ever need them.
Debbie in NH

The colour is sublime! And look at Gertrude’s little stretch. Big kiss for your little baby :0).

It’s the shoulder line of the garment that’s the problem. It’s not strong enough, Marianna. You need a trench with a revere collar that shapes into a front V and stands higher up against the neck. This might have been Sinead’s challenge too. Does that make sense?

Hmm, yes that makes perfect sense. I had to Google "revere collar" but now I completely understand. It's such a shame... this trench seemed great in every other aspect, and I love that it has a warm lining. Oh well. Told you I'm a serial returner. :)

Angie's reponse has raised a question for me, so sorry for the potential hijacking, Marianna!
Angie, I'm curious as to when you feel a revere collar is necessary. You were very insistent that I need such a collar for my wool winter coat, and you successfully recommended this trench for me. I know Marianna and I have different body types. I'm trying to understand the look a revere collar imparts to a coat and why you think we both need it in such different circumstances. Does my question even make sense? :)

I agree that the color of the trench is fabulous, but I'm not good with fit issues. (Angie--- seconding Michelle's question about the collars... I'm not sure how to search through your posts, but have you addressed how to choose the best coat/jacket collar for your body type?)

Great follow up questions and I am begging for answers too. I feel lost in this coat search!

Good questions, Michelle. You have a stronger shoulder line than Marianna which made the trench work better for you. Also, I think you may have had the collar folded in a revere way, which made it even more flattering. Marianna’s was not folded that way – does that make sense?

Revere collars are FLOP PROOF on all body types especially if they are cut close to the neck. Neat, chic, slimming and powerful. That’s why I suggested it to you Michelle. No fuss!

Marianna, are you looking for a new Winter coat too?

Angie, yes, I am on the search for a new winter coat. I have a plain black wool coat from BR that I've worn for two years now, but I don't love it anymore. The fit is weird and I feel frumpy in it. I've surprisingly never owned a trench, and after getting caught commuting in the rain a few days ago, and ultimately getting soaked, I've decided that I need a trench too. I have a black puffer that I reserve for the cold cold cold days, and it may not be the most flattering but I'm not going to replace it at this point. I always thought it was super flattering until I read your blog about puffers. I'm afraid the seaming is all wrong. Once I start getting a steady paycheck I'll be able to slowly replace these items, but I think a trench and wool coat are first on my list.

Marianna, why don’t you start a separate thread on coat possibilities. We’ll get you sorted with the right silhouette.