In the Spring and Summer Trends post, I mentioned that short trench coats are having a fashion moment. They’re a contemporary update on the iconic classic long and belted silhouette. The short trench looks and feels lighter, sportier, and more modern. Cropped at the waist or high hip, these shorter versions retain traditional trench details like double-breasted fronts, storm flaps, big collars and epaulettes. There are single-breasted versions too. Fits are generally fluid, boxy and oversized, although tailored versions exist. Belted versions add waist definition. Colours are neutral and many in earthy stone, khaki, toffee, or tan. There are also olive, cream, black, brown, navy, and false plain options. A potentially fab topper that can be great to wear in mild and transitional weather.
The idea is to wear the short trench with just about any outfit, thereby allowing outfit proportions to fall where they may. The short length of the trending trench is a slam dunk pairing with wide and voluminous pants, jeans, dresses and skirts. Looks fab with shorts too. The unbelted versions are particularly appealing if belted toppers feel fussy, cumbersome, and uncomfortable. Notably, when double-breasted versions are worn open, they drape architecturally over the outfit. Boxy single-breasted versions worn open can drape architecturally too.
Personally, I enjoy wearing trench coats, and usually have a couple in my outerwear capsule. I keep their colours light and bright, and their silhouettes, long, belted, classic, fluid, and preferably hooded. My trench coats are effective raincoats to wear in the Seattle drizzle. That said, I threw caution to the wind this year and bought a short, tan, oversized trench coat without a hood because my ’80s gene is alive and strong. I was shopping with a super stylish friend at MANGO and spotted the Cuba Oversized Short Cotton Trench Coat. Tried it on, and fell in love. My friend gave it a smiley thumbs up, and that was that. It’s big, yet its short length and neat high collar give it just enough structure so that my narrow shoulders don’t drown in the silhouette. The tan and blonde tortoiseshell buttons are an easy match with my hair. It looks good worn over my tailored, fluid and oversized tops and wide bottoms. I’m excited to wear it regularly as soon as the weather warms up. I suspect it will become a wardrobe essential and workhorse.
Over to you. What are your thoughts on the short trench trend?
