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Trench coat length?

viva

Veteran

I am planning to buy a trench coat for the spring, and I wonder what you all think about length. I don't necessarily need this to be the trench coat of a lifetime, and I am definitely not making a Burberry purchase here. I'm not even entirely sure how much I will wear it. All I know is that I love the idea of a trench coat and I want to give it a try.

In my mind, I have been thinking of a very traditional look -- double-breasted, straight to just above the knee, light khaki (see pic 1). However, I just stopped in to my favorite consignment shop and they have a Banana Republic one that fits me perfectly but is shorter than I had expected -- it's mid-thigh length (otherwise, a traditional design) -- similar to pic 2. I could get this one for $10, plus what I have on account at the store.

I will likely wear this trench with jeans most of the time -- skinnies, straights, and BFs. What do you think is the right length trench for jeans?

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21 replies

Latest reply was from LadyLilac

retailgirl

Veteran

For that price I'd get that trench! I have a short pink trench that I love ( about the same length) and it works with pants and even with a blazer or jacket underneath. Longer is nice, too, but that one looks good.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Personally I much prefer the longer look in #1. More elegant, and versatile for my own style. I'm loving this one from Massimo Dutti and might check it out. I like that colour with light blue and white.

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Aida

Veteran

I get a lot of trench coat weather and would find both lengths useful. I have two trench coats and both are a mid-thigh length somewhere in between the two lengths you've shown (that second is too short for what you're after IMO), though I wouldn't mind adding an above-the-knee to wear with my longer skirts/dresses. In my case I think that the proportions are better with a shorter coat since I'm short, but really I think anything in the range of knee through mid-thigh will work with jeans.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Coming back in to say that many of my clients prefer the shorter length trench actually - especially at 5ft to 5ft 4. Taller clients tend to prefer the longer option. I'm 5ft 6 - NOT tall - but prefer the longer length trench coat.

My cream trench coat is in-between the two lengths your linked to, and I wish it was just a little longer. I prefer the length of my citron trench coat (a few inches longer). Here - worn with the same jeans.

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Aida

Veteran

Angie, I love the length of your citron trench. That's my perfect length too, although I think my coats are an inch or two shorter (but not quite as short as your cream).

jackiec

Veteran

I'm right there with you,Vivian, wanting to add a trench at some point. I prefer the longer length of the first one, but for $10 I'd try the BR one! Personally I want a lighter one more cream like Angie's, but I can see how useful these tan colours would be.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Aida, I just measured my trenches. There is less than half an inch difference between the two. CAN YOU BELIEVE IT. My citron trench looks longer and feels longer - must be the cut.

I've tried on tan trenches, Jackie and Aida. And while the women in Japan wear them BEAUTIFULLY with their complexions - I look like death warmed up. The toffee of the MD style is therefore more appealing - or a stone like Burberry offers.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

One last thing, Viv. I am ALSO feeling in the mood to wear a very modern classic trench coat - in the classic colour. Must be a reaction to three years of wearing far less structured clothing.

Anonymous

I'm so glad you raised this conversation, as I too am hoping to find the perfect trench for spring. Like you , I don't know how much wear I'll really get out of it, but I want to try it. I've had a shorter one from a few years ago, which while really nice, ended up being too awkward (short) a length to wear much . I didn't that flair that you associate with a trench, nor did it have any movement, which is always a cool thing. I have no idea what I'm talking about , just know that I'm in the same boat as you

Anonymous

In fact, I tried a few on while out and about yesterday and nothing grabbed me. It's also about the fabric too, right?

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

These look fab to me. And am trying a few:

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Long Cotton Trenchcoat

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Cotton Trenchcoat

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Collection Ellen Tracy Trench Coat with Detachable Hood (Nordstrom Exclusive)

$298.00 $129.90

Sale

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DKNY Double Breasted Trench Coat

$198.00 $129.90

Sale

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Michael by Michael Kors Belted Trench with Detachable Liner (Plus Size)

$258.00 $128.97

Sale

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Mackage Leather Trim Asymmetrical Zip Long Trench Coat

$390.00 $261.30

Sale

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Soft unlined belted trench coat

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Tailored denim effect trench

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BCBGMAXAZRIA Henri Drape Front Trench Coat

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Mander

(website)

Veteran

I have a short one in red and I actually prefer it with jeans. Maybe because of my large build I feel that it is more sleek around the thighs somehow?

UmmLila (Lisa)

Veteran

I also like the idea of the drama and sweep of long trench coats. But I'm not into traditional trench coat color, or stiff fabric or epaulets. I would probably also want one with a warm, removable liner. A tall order.

crutcher

Veteran

I liked the London Fog that Angie featured on the Nordstrom spring purchases in her blog...I am tall (5'9") and the longer length looked perfect for me...You know how I love black...couldn't resist the black coat...The reviews were just so praising of this coat...Since today is my birthday, I decided to treat myself with a new trench..Will let you know when it arrives...
(Viva, for the price, and since you are just trying to decide how you will style the trench, run for the consignment store and get the $10 one...You can always change your mind, resell it and get a different one...)

Style Fan

Veteran

I have a mid thigh Burberry trench coat and I love it. I wear it with jeans and I find it is the perfect length for me. I think it depends on how tall you are and what you are wearing it with. I am 5'7". I have had my Burberry for 10 years.

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Saks Fifth Avenue

Burberry Brit Marystow Double Breasted Trenchcoat

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old chic

A really classic trench coat can work in almost any length. My 30-year-old navy gab Burberry is several inches below my knee and I just dug it out and wore it with tall boots in roarin' bad weather a few weeks ago. I understand that it's completely off-trend, that nobody has been showing anything like it below the knee for decades. But I just loved the grand sweep of the thing. I'm tall, and it made me feel Garbo-esque. Maybe I won't want to wear it again for another 10 years, but it was fun.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Ooh! This is fun. I would really like to add a lighter coloured trench to my wardrobe but must consider carefully since I do not get a lot of trench weather.

I currently own two trenches, both black, if you can believe it. One was gifted to me by a lovely fabber -- it is a Theory mid-thigh, with a slightly fuller, more feminine cut. I love the fabric (doesn't wrinkle) and find the length easy, especially for travelling, but ideally it would not flare out quite as much as it does. Having said that, I often wear it open and the flare is not at all noticeable then.

I also have a very classic knee length London Fog. It's a great coat but I almost NEVER wear it. Why? Well...it just feels like too much coat sometimes. And it also feels too black. I think I would wear it a whole lot more in a lighter hue.

Thanks for those links, Angie! On the hunt.

Deb

Veteran

I have a pale, light weight short trench and a black wool long trench. They both serve different purposes and seasons. The light, shorter one is my favourite and it is a real work horse in autumn and spring. It looks great with straight and skinny leg jeans. I think personal height and shape has a lot to do with which proportion looks best. You could wear either really well IMO since you are quite tall. Also our Australian climate doesn't warrant a full length coat beyond winter. Does yours? The shorter one you have found sounds like a real bargain if you like it. You can always upgrade to a better quality and/or a different length in the future if you find you love the style.

viva

Veteran

Thank you, everyone for chiming in! Unfortunately, I was hit with a terrible cold/flu Saturday night and have been pretty much horizontal since Sunday morning - today may be the same. I may not get to my consignment shop until tomorrow but when I do, I will try on the trench one more time, and if it works I will give it a try. Style Fan, your picture really helped: it's that length exactly. And Lisap, it's a lighter weight fabric, which is what I want (fabric matters!). But, Suz, like yours, as I recall it flares out a bit.

Still, all your comments will all help me assess whether it's worth taking home. It is only $10 ... on the other hand, I could take the money I have on account and put it towards a longer length trench, which I think is more my style. Although, what I really worry about it exactly what Suz said: too much coat.

Thank you again, and thanks Angie, for those links!

jackiec

Veteran

Aw, Vivian, feel better soon. That's no fun. Great thread. I'm loving the additional coats that Angie has posted, especially the Zara ones

LadyLilac

Thanks so much for this thread! A classic trench is on my list for the spring as well, since I first tried and loved the navy Gap trench from last spring(link below). I've been surprised by how much I've liked the trench below from H&M, as the styling and color (stone, not warm) are close to my ideal coat. Be warned, it is a softer trench, as in NOT made from a stiffer cotton or raincoat-esque material.

As far as the length, I prefer mid-thigh, and it seems to work fine with jeans or nicer outfits.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/like/1.....038;chn=ps

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