Trendy vs. Classic Trench Coats [ETA PHOTOS] - YouLookFab Forum

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Trendy vs. Classic Trench Coats [ETA PHOTOS]

Chris987

Veteran

I've been thinking about how much I love wearing light blue, and after reading all the positive comments I got on a recent WIW, I'm focusing on the light blue lightweight trench I currently own. It's a bit worn, the belt is permanently wrinkled, and I've though about replacing it for a while. Light blue coats are not usually widely available.

Find #1 is the coat I have now - a DKNY petite I've had for 5+ years. It's a bit darker than the other ones I'm showing.

I saw find #2 yesterday and the color is beautiful, called "fog", and is available in petite sizes. With fitted coats, I always need a petite size to get the proportions right. This style seems somewhat trendy, especially he double-collar thing. I'm not sure this style is classic enough to go the distance, I might get tired of it.

Find #3, the double breasted one, is a much more classic style but NOT available in the "fog" color in a petite size. It is however available in a lavender/lilac in petite sizes. That color might interest me. It comes in some other colors that do not interest me, including a slightly green "seaglass". I've done a quick search at other sites and found no petites in the "fog" color.

My spring season is quite short, my lifestyle is very casual, and I don't find myself wearing my existing coat all that often, although that could be because it feels old/worn. INeither my existing coat nor any of these new options are water-resistant, which is too bad because my springs are pretty rainy. .

What has been your experience in buying classic vs. trendy trench coats?

London Fog Hooded Belted Trench Coat

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London Fog Petite Double-Breasted Hooded Trench Coat

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45 replies

Latest reply was from Chris987

Anonymous

I just purchased a new pale blue coat too - but in a brushed felt fabric. I had to make myself stop buying or thinking I needed a trench coat, because I find them too fussy and uncomfortable. Belt is always falling off, the coat creases too much, etc. However, I get the need for one in certain climates , and if i were to pick one, I'd get the lilac in the third pic. The blue one looks a bit overly designed with the front pleats, double collar etc. I believe that trench coats look best when classically designed - but that's just me.

Mirjana

Veteran

I prefer the double breasted , last picture, maybe because it's similar to mine( you can see it in my last post). I also wear it rarely, and I love classic.

JAileen

Veteran

I had a light blue trench coat when I was in high school. I lived in a place with a rainy but mild winter. Our winters here are cold but mostly dry. I keep looking at them, trying them, but they never fit right. I prefer the classic cut also. I don’t understand a raincoat that’s not waterproof, though.

cat2

Veteran

I would wait for something waterproof so you can maximize the use of it.

Chris987

Veteran

lisa p good point about the middle one being "overly designed". That's a good way to say it.

Thanks Mirjana, I think I agree that classic is best.

jaileen, the coats don't claim to be "raincoats" so in theory not a problem that they are not waterproof, but that may not be a good idea for my climate.

cat2 I think you are right.

slim cat

Veteran

I like more trendier trench coats but that's just me ( classic styles are not my best ). I have navy blue trench from BR that I still wear occasionally.
What about brighter blue rain coat from London Fog ( water resistant ) in petit size?
https://www.macys.com/shop/pro.....8&

unfrumped

Veteran

I think more along the lines of what styles are most flattering, if thinking of longevity as opposed to intentional "trendy" piece for a season or 2, which is of course ok.
Included in that is, do you like and wear trench-type fabrics and styles? Does the belting work for you or is it better to have a shaped, unbelted coat? Also, double-breasted is "classic" in a trench but doesn't actually look good on everybody. I have 2 colored (one raspberry, one navy plaid ) trench coats but can't wear tons of trench styles because the collar, epaulets, back details are just overwhelming on me, and if waist is at wrong place, and to get hip fit lined up with shoulder fit, layering, etc. And I agree with lisap that overall I find the belts fussy, and end up preferring something like reefer styles.
I guess one thing I'm saying is, I've seen any number of people wearing classic trench coats that don't look so good on them, IMO.
And yes, the blue one has some more fussy details. But on some people that would "click" with body type, face-framing etc. So it's the IRL look that counts.

kkards

Veteran

If you feel the color in #2 is speaking to you...then I’d get that one, regardless of how trendy it seems. My general feel is that this coat isn’t any more trendy than the color in #3 is... which is to say, i think the color in #3 is the same level of trendy as the coat in #2...so go with what makes you happy and you will be happy to wear this year and 4 or 5 years from now

Chris987

Veteran

Good points slim cat. That raincoat looks VERY interesting ... thanks for suggesting it! I've added a find for it.

Great points unfrumped. All of them! I do like trench coats on me but
maybe they are a bit too formal for my current style

kkards - good food for thought.

London Fog Petite Single-Breasted Hooded Raincoat

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Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

I have two classic trench coats with belts, and prefer my coats WITHOUT belts. I like mine longer. More versatile. I do wear them a lot in the Spring! Like now.

As for you Chris, I much prefer the blues to the lilacs. Both single and double breasted will work. Think long and hard about the belted style. I am loving this one for you - no belt:

London Fog Petite Single-Breasted Hooded Raincoat

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Ledonna N.

Veteran

such a soft pretty color I would wait to have my favorite color and weather proof.

Anonymous

Angie’s fine is perfect for you , Chris .

Chris987

Veteran

Thanks Angie. I'm very interested in that one without a belt also. And interesting comments about lilac vs. blue. I like a little bit of lilac in my wardrobe but maybe better to have a top or sweater that's not so large an amount of "real estate".

Ledonna - yup exactly! Color I like and weatherproof (or water resistant at least)

agreed lisa p.

cat2

Veteran

Ooh, I really like Angie’s pick for you.

I confess I bought your original double-collared pick (but in Seafoam) because I live in an area with cool but dry Spring, and look best in clothing and coats with defined waists that flair out from the hip, and I love girly detail.

Runcarla

Veteran

I own the trench coat below, but lilac is my thing, and I don’t have any light blue in my closet at the moment (but that might change!) The trench style works for me, but I lean heavy into classic styles, and I’m 5ft 7in. I like Angie’s find quite a bit and hope you give it a try.

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Jenni NZ

Veteran

I am with cat2, I love ( and in fact need) items that flare out from the waist, as I am still thicker there. My favourite winter coat is that swing shape and still suits me perfectly after 10 years.
The coat slim cat found is a similar shape though perhaps, gorgeous colour, and less fussy without the belt?
Lovely to see you back, Chris.

Jenni NZ

Veteran

Oh, and I have never purchased a trench coat in my entire life.

Chris987

Veteran

Thanks cat2. We'll have to have a group try-on!

That's a nice coat Runcarla, and I can see it working well on you.

THanks Jenni NZ!

I decided to order the one slim cat and Angie recommended, in a couple of sizes. I'll post an update once they arrive. Macys is taking over week for deliveries these days so estimating 4/13 or so.

Chris987

Veteran

Hah Jenni Z - I've owned quite a few classic trench coats over the years, including some with removable liners. They were workhorses during most of my career but not so much in the last say 5 years of my working life when The Big Casualization happened and I was doing less business travel.

rachylou

Veteran

I have learned a classic trench does me no favours. And I always need a sweater with a trench. I do better with a ‘lab coat’-like trench. And I’m a fan of the light blue trench

Suz

(website)

Veteran

I love a classic trench -- for me -- but it works well on my body type. And with my current climate. I also have a slightly less classic trench (shorter, more flared) and guess what? I wear it even more. I love it.

Having said that, I don't really wear either right now because my outings are so casual. I'm all about the walk in the woods, not going to town. So for my current lifestyle, one like the one Angie showed would work a whole lot better!

London Fog London Fog Women's Midi-Length Trench Coat

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Tilly

Always find trench coats a bit hard as a shortie. Loving the new petites ranges so many retailers are coming out with.

notsaf

Veteran

I love a trench coat and find them so useful in this shoulder season in the northeast. Look forward to seeing the one you purchased!

RobinF

Veteran

I don't really wear trench coats but quite like that one without a belt. Pretty color and I think the style is a little more casual than the classic which could suit you better. Glad you ordered it to try.

Chris987

Veteran

Rachylou - interesting how the belted coat silhouette works so well for some and not for others. I am like you in that I almost always want a sweater or some other warm layer under a coat like these so I usually size up.

Suz - great point about looking at lifestyle as a consideration. In my world even a "walk about town" is actually more like "walk in the woods: even in non-Covid times

Tilly - great point about trench coats being a little tough as a "shorty". I have a black lined one that is a long term keeper and hits right at the knee so it's a perfect fit, but I don't feel like wearing a black coat for everyday these days. However, I wonder what you mean about "new petite ranges more retailers are coming out with" .... I find it just the opposite. For example I just looked at Marks & Spencer petites in tops specifically, and found ONE cardigan sweater in 2 colors, and ONE button down shirt in white, and that was IT. I think, at least in the US, that women (and probably guys too) are gradually becoming taller and bigger and the number of us who need petite sizes is shrinking. What I see is that the larger sizes that are become more prevalent.

Thanks notasf and robinf!

Joy

Veteran

I try to always have a classic black trench in the closet as a topper for dressy occasions and funerals. My current black trench has a removable hood and zip out liner, useful for cold times. I also prefer no belt. If it does have one, it is usually permanently tied in the back.
Rachylou, I think you are right about petite sizes. I have seen several department store do away with petite departments in recent years. They seem to slowly be ordering less in petites.

Style Fan

Veteran

I like the light blue trench coat that Angie found for you. It looks like the perfect 'casual' trench. A classic trench works for me. I wear mine a lot in the spring and fall. I also take mine with me when I travel. Mine is at least 15 years old.

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Saks Fifth Avenue

Burberry Brit Marystow Double Breasted Trenchcoat

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Chris987

Veteran

Joy, I agree. I do own a classic black trench with a removable lining that
I don't wear much but when I want it I know it's there.

Style Fan that's a great coat. If Burberry ever made petite sizes I'd
give them a good look but they never have I have a black beltless waterproof hooded coat (not the trench coat) with a liner that I've used a lot for travel and it's been great to have when I visited a place where it was raining some of the time.

Anonymous

I think I like the lavendar one more too, but not waterproof would be problematic if you have a lot of rain in your transitional weather. I hesitate because you said you don't wear the other one that much.

I don't own a trench, just hooded raincoats (though I've gotten wet through one and should pass it on...). I don't like to bother with umbrellas cause I carry so much else all the time :/

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