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How to wear SSB?

Transcona Shannon

Veteran

Beige is a horrible color on me. HORRIBLE! But I have always loved the look of a classic beige belted trench coat. The pics below are of a vintage Burberry trench that just makes me smile. There is something so incredibly classy and iconic looking about throwing on a traditional trench over your LBD and running out the door, you know?

So my question is hypothetically (well maybe not quite totally hypothetically, this vintage Burberry is available in my petite size) - can you make a SSB trench look good on anyone with the right scarf and handbag? If the scarf is next to your face and complexion, is the SSB less "sucking"?

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Dressing

22 replies

Latest reply was from Sona

Adelfa

Veteran

Honestly I think that color is going to be hard for most of us to wear. But yes, the right scarf would make a huge difference. Are you okay with wearing a scarf a lot?

goldenpig

(website)

Veteran

I think the SSB gets a pass when it is a Burberry trench!

I tried on a few Burberry trenches and was surprised that it looked OK on me, because normally I don't do beige well either.

Anonymous

I think coats get a bit of a pass on SSB because of the scarf factor and also the iconic factor and the coat factor.

A SSB shirt is a different animal from a SSB trench, in my opinion.

texstyle

(website)

Veteran

I can't help but wonder if SSB is indeed so SS, then why do $$$ makers such as Burberry choose to use it for their color? FWIW I have a classic black trench from many years ago that looks much like a Burberry and I find it perfect over a LBD. Does Burberry make them in other colors?

Transcona Shannon

Veteran

Adelfa - I am more than ok wearing a scarf all the time. Our falls are chilly and a scarf is essential.

Natalie - you look gorgeous in the beige trench. Well, you look gorgeous in ALL the trenches!

Ceit - can you imagine me in a SSB blouse or dress? EGADS!

textstyle - it's a good question because I don't think beige is a great color for most people. It is however probably the most versatile neutral color. I do appreciate your suggestion of black but I'm only interested in the beige.

Aziraphale

Veteran

Aw, I think beige gets a bad rap on this forum. I don't think it sucks the soul out of everybody. (It suits me, for one). And you're right, a beautiful beige trench coat is all kinds of classy.

Having said that, I think it's a bit like colours of interior wall paint. A lot of them look kind of beige, but there's yellow beiges, gray beiges and ever-so-slightly pink beiges. Trench coats are a bit like that. At a glance, they're beige, but they all vary a bit in the base colour. What this means is that there's probably a beige for everybody. Any way you can try on the Burberry and see if that beige is one that works for you? If not, I agree that adding a scarf in a flattering colour up by your face would probably do the trick. I don't think the colour of your handbag would make the blindest bit of difference, though.

ironkurtin

Veteran

Not all beiges are the same, and different skin tones work with different beiges. Agree with Ariz that a scarf will make a bigger difference than a handbag.

Vildy

Veteran

Not all beiges have the same undertone and it's certainly worth a try.
I have a vintage Burberry that belonged to the very short father of an acquaintance and that I got at her yard sale for two bucks, that I love and the beige is just fine. I realize it's not the modern day trim looking fashion Burberry but I'm happier feeling like the heroine in a black and white movie.

rae

(website)

Veteran

I agree with Dana that not all beiges are the same. If you are going to go with a Burberry, especially, try it on first and see how the color works for you. The Brooks Brothers beige trench actually worked on me, right? You can also sometimes find out the color name (if buying online or from Ebay/Etsy) and then try on a different Burberry coat in the same color in-store.

But I would NOT go into it figuring you can always "fix" the color with a scarf. That is going to severely limit wearability - fine for a bargain basement thrift find, but IMO not something you want to start with if it's an investment piece.

Transcona Shannon

Veteran

Ok...confession time...the pics of the Burberry Prorsum vintage Mac trench I posted are for a trench currently available on eBay. I have checked the measurements and I believe they are pretty close to perfect for me. It is a 12 Petite. The bids close in two days (so far, no bids and no one watching) and the starting bid is an excellent price (under $200). Not what I would consider "investment". If I bought it outright, she is asking $250. Excellent reviews of the seller, good price for shipping. BUT...don't you hate buts?...no returns based on sizing. She does offer 14 day returns but not based on fit because she has provided very detailed measurements. However, I could ask her if she would consider returns based on color, in case the beige is not a flattering tone.

There is no way on God's green earth that I can afford a new Burberry trench. Especially since we are saving for a life style change and I'm committed to not shopping for "want" this fall/winter. I do however need a trench that works better with dresses and skirts than my navy London Fog jacket. So it's kind of this one or not at all (in reference to Burberry). Plus the vintage element of it just speaks to me.

Help???

rae

(website)

Veteran

Definitely ask if she is okay with a color return. Monitors can show colors differently, and lighting can mess with the coloring, too. You can also ask for additional photos of the color in natural light as well as photos next to common objects everyone would have... say, next to a true, optic white or next to a box of cheerios, something like that.

Beth Ann

Veteran

Just say no! Or say Navy, which was worn often, as well.

I've always loved the classic trench on others, but I just feel less than fab in them myself. If you FEEL terrific with the look (and a scarf, perhaps), then go for it!

BTW --- measurements don't tell the whole story about size. The weight and stiffness (structure) of the coat affect the ease hugely.

rachylou

Veteran

Yes, I would say this, for me, would be a time to go navy. But very true that all beiges are not created equal. And no, I don't think a scarf really does anything when it comes trenches, not one designed like this.

'Course, trench coats don't excite me. So you have to take my opinions with a cup of salt.

rae

(website)

Veteran

Shannon, have you tried on any beige coats? Maybe stop by someplace and fit on some things that you think are the same/similar color?

Anonymous

Also, I say this with the love...are you sure you don't just have Burberry goggles on? If this same coat was listed but not Burberry, would you like it as much?

Thistle

Veteran

I am not loving the jacket. I am sort of wondering if you fell in love with the trench after all of the recent posts, particularly around the BB trench and some Burberrys.

There was a gorgeous trench from MK in cinnabar at the Nordies sale. Which means, there will be similar pieces in Canada as we get closer to coat season. You will be able to find them in a myriad of colors that flatter you. And they were half the price on sale as the vintage Burberry.

Burberrys are nice, yes, but so are many other coats that will be equally flattering and within budget.

Transcona Shannon

Veteran

Ahhhh my wise ladies - you are soooooo good at bringing me back to reality.

I have sent the seller some additional questions and requested some pictures which she has already responded to. She has asked for my phone number to send the pictures from her iPhone to my phone but that isn't gonna happen - I don't give out my cell number.

I have tried on beige before and it does definitely depend on the shade. Will need to try on more - thanks for the suggestion Rae.

Ceit & Thistle - you sure you're not a psychologists? I think you're right that with all the Burberry trench talk on the forum as of late, I got those goggles on. Gonna take them off and try to see clearly!

Not proceeding and I thank you ALL for the great advice

Marley

Veteran

It sounds as though you are re-thinking this - which I think is a good idea! FWIW - I would not buy a Burberry off of eBay that I thought I would pretty much always need to wear a scarf with. Good luck!

Transcona Shannon

Veteran

Chalk it up to a moment of madness Marley (wow...that's alotta mmmmmmm's...)

Marley

Veteran

Shannon - my last name is hyphenated - and both names also start with an "M." Dont' know what ever made me think that was a good idea!

CocoLion

(website)

Veteran

I personally do not understand why people think beige is so unflattering. With the right make up, even just lipstick, beige can look much better than black. I think black is the soul sucking color, on me at least. However I will still wear it!

Sona

Veteran

Shannon: I really do not think this shade of beige is for you.It would be SS. Instead you need a different kind of SS-soul satisfying. its out there, may not be a Burberry but a beaut none the less. PPP on this one- do not settle for something less.

Your friendly 'I've bought so many wrong coats for me and ended up consigning them for a pittance' therapist.