A favorite fall & spring wardrobe essential is a trench coat. I find that as the weather transitions into fall here in Los Angeles, I need to grab a light layer or jacket for the chilly morning air.
The perfect layer: a classic trench coat!
I own 2 classic trench coat styles that spark joy, are high-quality, budget-friendly and petite-friendly. The perfect combination for my KonMari Style Philosophy (read more HERE).
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Outfit Details: Banana Republic Burgundy Trench Coat Size Petite X-Small (old, similar HERE or HERE); J. Crew Factory Trench Coat Size Petite 00 (HERE or non-outlet version HERE); Banana Republic Sloan Pants Size Petite 0 (my review HERE); Michael Kors Flex Round-Toe Pump Size 5.5; Tory Burch Reversible Belt Size XX-Small; Ann Taylor Lace Top Size Petite XX-Small; Loft Camisole Size XX-Small
3 Reasons Why a Trench Coat is a Wardrobe Essential
- Transitional: Perfect for transitional weather such as fall and spring. Depending on the fabric, a trench coat can easily repel water during rainy days. However, a trench coat does not do well in cold snowy environments and therefore is a fall coat rather than a winter coat. A trench coat helps provide protection on windy days. It is also a heavier layer that makes it difficult to wear in humid/summer environments.
- Classic & Chic: A trench coat is a timeless wardrobe essential. When you close your eyes and think of a trench coat, what comes to mind?
- Did a movie-star come to mind (think “Breakfast at Tiffany’s”)?
- A chic professional woman drawing stares walking down a city street on her way to work?
- A woman running errands?
- A woman with sunglasses, heels and a classic handbag walking towards you?
- Or your favorite detective show/movie?
- There are so many iconic ways to view a trench coat. Take your confidence to the next level with a classic & chic wardrobe essential: the trench coat.
- Work to Evening Wear: A Classic Trench Coat easily transitions from work wear to evening wear. A khaki trench coat is the most common color combination and is perfect for any time of day. If you want an outfit that transitions from work to evening, consider pairing your trench coat with a classic black dress & wear with black opaque stockings for work & without for an evening out. Also, consider changing how you tie the belt depending on the occasion to give your trench coat more styling options (see belt tying video link below).
How to Find a Petite-Friendly Fit: Trench Coat
- Shoulder Width: This is definitely something petite frames have trouble with in regards to coats or jackets. Make sure the coat fits your this aspect of your frame. You don’t want to look like a linebacker with wide shoulders!
- Avoid too much Fabric: When coats or jackets have a lot of fabric it can get overwhelming on a petite frame. Make sure there is a not extra fabric that bunches up when you button/belt the coat.
- Belt: A belt is a great way to cinch the waist on a coat or jacket. Most trench coats come with a belt for easy petite-friendly fits. Jean from @ExtraPetite has an amazing video on ways to tie coat/jacket belts. Click HERE to watch.
- Coat Length: There are many different styles of trench coats. My classic khaki color is ideal length at ~2 inches above the knee. My burgundy trench is shorter at just above mid-thigh. Try to avoid any length in the mid-calf range. You want to continue to elongate your legs while wearing a trench coat.
- Arm Sleeve Length: I would consider this the most difficult category for finding a petite-friendly fit. However, I don’t believe this makes or breaks an investment purchase. I did shorten the arm length on this Banana Republic Burgundy Trench Coat because everything else fit well & it was worth the investment for this tailoring alteration. If this is something you will consider, make sure to evaluate where the buttons are on the arm sleeve; this can create more challenges when tailoring in this area.
I want to end this post with a few comments on my brand choices for these wardrobe essential trench coats. I am very brand loyal, as you can read in my intro sidebar (to the right) & have probably noticed from my outfits on social media/blog posts. I trust and highly recommend both of these brands, Banana Republic & J. Crew or J. Crew Factory for their high-quality items. They are also very reasonably priced for an investment piece like a trench coat. As always, I purchased both pieces on sale for ~$75- $150.
If you prefer high-priced brands, then you may consider a Burberry Trench Coat. Burberry is often on my wishlist and I wait to see if there are any deals on their items. Bloomingdale’s has had some AMAZING sales – see this Burberry Reymoore Trench Coat reviewed here and in video here. Shop this Burberry trench coat here or another version here.
Outfit Details: Banana Republic Burgundy Trench Coat Size Petite X-Small (old, similar HERE or HERE); J. Crew Factory Trench Coat Size Petite 00 (HERE or non-outlet version HERE); Banana Republic Sloan Pants Size Petite 0 (my review HERE); Michael Kors Flex Round-Toe Pump Size 5.5; Tory Burch Reversible Belt Size XX-Small; Ann Taylor Lace Top Size Petite XX-Small; Loft Camisole Size XX-Small
Note, my BR Trench Coat is a Petite X-Small – I believe there was no Petite XX-Small available when I purchased this years ago & would recommend trying the smaller size if available for readers my size
Also, sorry for my bright red nail color that is contrasting this amazing burgundy color 🙁
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Do you own a trench coat? If so, what color and brand is your favorite? Have you started wearing it this fall? Please leave a comment.
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Jessica Louie, PharmD, APh, BCCCP is the CEO of Clarify, Simplify, Align and Host of The Burnout Doctor Podcast. Dr. Louie uses her signature Burnout Doctor Method to coach burned out pharmacists & professionals to simplify because work-life balance is a LIE. Align work into your life & break free from people pleasing, perfectionism and thrive in life on YOUR TERMS.