A trench coat, jeans, and loafers is a combo that never gets old for me! Early in my style journey I started with the traditional knee-length trench with skinny jeans, and in more recent years, I’ve loved elevating that with longer, midi length drape trench coats and my everyday flat loafers.
Alternatively, a chic take on this outfit formula is swapping in a cropped swing trench and a pair of chunkier platform loafers! I picked up these loafers and jeans last month (see my reviews) and have been experimenting with more ways to style them. Thank you to Nordstrom for partnering on this post.
SM Cropped Trench Coat
This trench is running low on sizes but I’ll definitely keep an eye out for a restock or a similar item! It runs big and is a very relaxed fit on me with a lightweight fabric that flows well as a top layering piece. I have an old crop trench I love and had completely resized by a tailor, but it’s sadly now a little snug on me, so I’m embracing the loose A-line fit of this one. In these photos, I have the sleeves folded under and will be getting them altered.
Other Pieces I Tried
Other pieces I tried on at Nordstrom during a recent visit include this coordinating Open Edit trousers and vest – so chic! The waist of the pants in xxs was a good snug fit on me but note the length is verry long, and would need hemming for petites. I also agree with the reviews on the vest that it runs small – it was a snug fit on me all around and neither piece has stretch. The xxs trousers measure about 25” at the waist with a long 30” inseam.
I also tried this faux leather dress which has an on-trend, boxier fit. Size 0 is a loose fit on me though you can cinch the waist using the sash belt. For a clean look you can switch the tie belt with a leather one, and pair this with either sneakers or boots going into fall.
Can you pls address why the proportions work from “longer trench with skinnies” vs “cropped swing and flares”? Regardless of body shape or size, it’s proportions that are critical and you always skip this, but you have the eye!!
Hi! I’m not sure what you mean by cropped swing and flares, but I did mention an old “safe” combo for me (circa 10 years ago!) was knee length jackets with skinny bottoms. As someone very petite, I used to avoid longer length jackets and looser fit bottoms, but have come to embrace them. It’s generally safe to pair a flowy or long jacket with a fitted bottom for contrast, and vice versa.
Hi Jean, I was wondering if you would do a round-up of petite work backpacks? Unlike shoulder bags, which come in a larger variety of sizes, shorter, work-appropriate backpacks seem so tricky to find!
Hi Isla – sorry I’m not the best person to do this since I don’t wear backpacks! When I worked at an office though I had a slim Samsonite one that I loved for my laptop – not sure if they still make something similar
Love!
Thank you Trish!