In search of the perfect trench...

I went searching for the perfect trench yesterday.

First stop, Ann Taylor. I really thought this was going to be THE ONE:

http://www.anntaylor.com/catal.....ory=Petite

The color is perfect (if it's too white it looks awful on me). I love the black buttons. Fit was perfect in the shoulders and length.

However, it has this weird goofy zipper thing going on. It looks strange if it's left open. But even if I could get used to that, I just don't like the belt at all! I do not like belted trenches. They make me look all poofy and frumpy.

(I also tried on the denim bomber... which looked horrendous on me. This is just not my shape).

Moving on.... to BR. I tried on all their trenches and this one was nearly perfect:

http://bananarepublic.gap.com/.....=627562032

I actually didn't mind the belt with this one. I loved that it didn't have any epaulettes (I can wear them if they are scaled correctly, i.e., small) nor any belting on the sleeves (hate that). The collar and lapel is definetly "my" look. The only thing I didn't like is that it was very loose in the waist, even when cinched with the belt. It's bizzarre, because it has darts all around the waist. I don't know why it's so loose. So once again, if left unbelted and open, it looks goofy - overwhelming.

If this goes on sale I may be tempted to get it anyway, and have it taken in at the waist.

I keep walking by the Burberry area of Bloomie's, but have never tried any of their trenches on. If you are familiar with them, can you tell me if they would fit a 5'0" person? They are awfully expensive, but if the fit was right, you can't beat the quality. And I really would love a trench that was truly waterproof and had a zipout lining for warmth. It just seems like such a tall order - too many requirements. I fear I will have to settle on something.

17 years ago

marianne

Active Member

I love Burberry trenches, but I could never bring myself to invest in one. Maybe in 10 years or so. They have many styles, so maybe some will work for you. The ones I tried seemed to be for taller people, but maybe I just gravitated toward them.
I like the AT trench, but I agree that the zipper is weird.

Tanya

Veteran

I actually like the AT trench with the zipper. I beleive that all the double breasted trenches ( and coats and jackets) are meant to be worn buttoned only, they all look strange worn open. The BR trench is cute, but nothing special.

Bluefly got some cute trenches for spring:

http://www.bluefly.com/Via-Spi.....detail.fly

http://www.bluefly.com/DKNY-ve.....detail.fly

http://www.bluefly.com/MICHAEL.....detail.fly

There are many more on the site!

http://www.bluefly.com/Designe.....k/list.fly

shiny

Thanks Tanya! The Via Spiga, DKNY, and Michael Kors will all be huge on me. Even the smallest petite DKNY and Michael Kors tend to run too large on me - especially if it's a dress or a 3/4 length coat.

The Elie Tahari Riki *might* work out .... it is very similar to the black puffer I already own in that brand. I may have to give that one a try... hmmm...

yublocka

(website)

Have you guys seen those dresses that look like trench coats? Someone was wearing a light coloured metallic one at work today. If I knew who she was I would have asked where she got it from. I was literally swooning. Do you know the kind I mean?

Lucy

Have you looked at the Nordstrom site lately? They have some pretty trenches by Tahari, and I also love this one:
http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/30.....3&P=2

Anonymous

Last fall I tried on Burberry trenches at Nordstroms. They have petites, but they were too short for me (5'4"). I felt that they ran a bit on the small side. The trenchs I ended up buying (short Calvin Klein and long DKNY) were both XS. The Burberry that fit best was a 6P. Regulars were too long in the arms.

Thanks Joy! Good to know.

Lucy, that trench is gorgeous. Wow. I am seriously tempted. Unfortunately it's not in stock at any Nordie's near me, so I'd have to order online. But I spent my Feb budget already, and a little of March's too. Just today, I ran over into March's budget, because I found the perfect graphic T and a vest to go with it. Grrrr.

If you order it, let me know how it fits and give me the full review!!!

I wish I could order it. I just can't afford it right now. I do think it would better on you, though. It sort of reminds me of your Paris jacket. Anyway, I'll keep my fingers crossed that it goes on sale!

HannahC

Shiny,

Both the AT and BR trenches are gorgeous. Tough choice

Just wanted to tell you about the Burberry trench: I never checked their sizes in person (waaay out of my budget), but I have a petite friend (around your height and size) who wears a Burberry trench and looks (at least to me) completely swallowed by it. The size is right, the shoulder seams are in the right place, but still ... Maybe it is the length? (She wears a long one).

Category