3 Longline Coats – Petite Friendly Lengths

I have been around in East coast winters for 4 seasons now, and after hating on cold weather to ruin my style moments, I have come to co-exist with it. This was possible by spicing up my coat selection, which has become a staple in my wardrobe!

I came to realize that my love-hate relationship with jackets was because they rarely fit well, especially the trench coats. It is a challenge to find the perfect fit and length in coats for someone who is 5’3″ or less. If you are a petite girl like me and think that trench or any longline coats aren’t for you, keep reading for my experience with these petite-friendly finds.

I still use my snow jacket from college and I think I will continue to do so since I do not handle snow very well. But, when it’s just chilly outside with no trace of snow or during the fall, I am learning to add jackets as a style quotient instead of treating them as style barriers. I will keep my puffer jackets for freezing weather when style doesn’t matter anymore; all that matters is being safe and warm. So, here’s my wardrobe sneak peek for trench coats, which I am happy to call my own.

1. PLAID TRENCH COAT: Admit it, we have all seen plaid coats on our favorite fictional “It girls” in teen series Gossip Girl, and it is NY weather approved! I have been searching for a perfect fit trench coat ever since I landed in the States and finally found it in fall 2019. This one from Vero Moda is a perfectly structured trench coat, and this baby has earned me so many compliments from total strangers that I have lost the count now. It is a very sophisticated long-line plaid trench coat that’s true to its size (I am wearing size XS). The blue-green-black color combination of the black watch tartan plaid is gorgeous for fall and winter without giving that ‘school-girl-pinafore’ vibe. My favorite way to pair them is with high-waisted leather-coated skinny pants and a mock neck sweater. The waist belt further cinches the waist and creates a visual of continuous long lines that will flatter anyone, even the petite ones like me.

I got this one from Lord+Taylor on sale last year. I have, however, found similar pieces and linked them below.

2. SWEATER CARDIGAN: This style may not seem very exciting at first but let me assure you how versatile this piece can be! Sweater coats or sweater jackets are not too structured, pairing them with pants, denim, and dresses that are super effortless. Sometimes, I like to add a belt over the jacket to get a cinched waist. As described by the brand themselves, It acts like a multitasking layer that’s cozy and has pockets. This jacket has proven as Perfect for indoors as it is in the outdoors, keeps me sane in super Air-conditioned conference rooms at work without obstructing my movements.

I got this one from J.crew when I was looking for a camel-colored trench coat or a duster that could keep me warm and look good when trying to be a little dressy. I trust J.crew with all my sweater requirements and sizes. Super petite friendly brand! This one from J.crew comes in sizes XX-S and XXX-S! How cool is that! Juliette collarless has become my go-to layer while working in air conditioned environment. The fabric holds its shape without being too structured and looks very elegant. Try ordering your size for oversized fit or size down for regular fit.

3. (FAUX) SUEDE JACKET: I am not going to lie; this was an impulse buy. And although this is my first suede jacket, it is not going to be the last. I believe that suede is a great replacement for leather jackets; they are more versatile, easy to style, and very comfortable by not being too structured. A long suede duster coat or a suede trench coat that hits just below your knees can do wonders to the outfit. I would prefer to have it in a more neutral color like sand, black, brown, or light grey. But since my jacket is colored, I make sure to wear it over a neutral colored sweater dress or pair of blue jeans. I got this one at Burlington while scavenging through their stalls, but I found them on amazon as well to link it in the post

Hope you all enjoyed the post. Let me know what you think in the comment section.Happy layering!

With Love,

Srushti Khade