DF came over today to help me evaluate the trenches. She and I quickly realized that the Turquoise, even though it fits properly, still looks overwhelming on my frame. The large cape, pocket flaps, and belt buckle are overly distracting in person. The decorative collar belt confused everyone and looked fussy and odd.
Angie is absolutely correct that a mid tone neutral grey plays well with my mid tone colorful wardrobe. As soon as DF saw the grey trench, she loved it for me. While grey seems bland and drab for many, this particular tone brings out my eye color, and emphasizes the natural ombré effect of my silvery hair. The most apparent drawback of the grey trench for DF is that it’s proportions are comparatively large. DH and DS think there may be too much redundant material when I belt it, and that it looks overwhelming when it hangs open. One size smaller and the trench did not have these problems but the sleeves were much too short.
I called Burberry and spoke with a helpful SA. She suggested that I might prefer the narrower cut of the Chelsea trench, but would benefit by being able to order the larger size for sleeve length. It comes in Navy or Honey. I decided to take a risk on the navy. DF and I agree with Angie that the grey is a slightly better color. I have a lot of grey in my wardrobe, and already have a grey down sleeping bag style parka, a grey pea coat, and a long grey wool dress coat for winter. A grey trench would complete the collection!
However, as usual Angie’s suggestion to pay attention to my feelings is spot on! Surprise to me, the Navy Chelsea trench makes me happiest! I felt an immediate positive reaction, possibly joy as I opened the postage container and saw it folded neatly inside. I love the classic dark navy color and non-bulky fit and flare silhouette. When I look at my reflection my imagined vision of how I should look wearing a trench coat matches with the reality of this trench. To my eye it looks polished and elegant, and maybe possibly a bit serious, or composed. The sleek fit and delicate proportions of the detailing add to my happiness. In comparison with the grey trench coat, the buttons on the navy are a few millimeters smaller in diameter; the epaulets a few millimeters narrower, etc. The differences are subtle, but the daintier details of the Navy trench coat better echo my personal small tall build. The Navy color works well with my dressy items, most of which are fuschia, dark or mid charcoal, red, mid tone turquoise, or silver, and adds some nice variety to my wardrobe. The fit is perfect right out of the box. There is no need for me to get any alterations unless I get a warmer added at some point.
DF suggested I keep all three trenches. In the past, I might have done, but I have learned much about my style preferences. I believe one shorter colored trench and one longer neutral trench offers the function and variety I need.
ETA: Bennett, you’re comments about the buttons were funny and really made me think about why I had such a strong natural preference for the navy trench. I went back and looked at them a few times before I realized the sizes were different on each trench. I measured them to make sure the colors were not causing an optical illusion, but there really was a size/width difference.
