I have a weakness for a good cropped trench – it’s one of the few styles that I feel as excited to wear today as I did 10 years ago (see an outfit I still love from back in 2014)! And design element-wise, the cropped trench coats I’m interested in right now are actually very similar to the ones I loved a decade ago, reinforcing the longevity of this style for me.
Thank you to Nordstrom for partnering on this post.
Halogen Trench Jacket
The crop trench I recommended last year sold out quickly so I’m not sure how long this will last, but this beautiful navy trench is fully stocked right now from xxs to xxl! The deep navy color is classic and the crepe fabric drapes fluidly and can be dressed up or down. This looks so elegant with a pair of tailored ankle pants or a looser full length trouser for workwear, or casually with my Levi’s jeans, a white tee and sneakers. I’ve also been eyeing this black crop trench ever since last year but my size went in a flash.
This jacket has the design elements of a classic trench, but the drape fabric and shorter length feels more fresh, chic, and a little more playful. As someone petite, I also love the shorter torso length for showing off a little of my waistline unlike regular length jackets which fully conceal it. The shoulders are very lightly padded just to give it some structure.
Sizing: I’m wearing size xxs which is TTS with the sleeves fitting a little long on me. The above fit photo shows the original length sleeve, and I’ll probably fold and pin it a little shorter.
Soft Wide Leg Jeans
This is one of my mom’s favorite brands of denim, so I decided to give this wide leg jean a try! I’ve been into more rigid, low-stretch denim the past year, so these took me by surprise with how superbly soft, stretchy and comfy they are. My legs almost forgot how good a stretchy denim can feel, and the wider cut style here only increases the comfort factor!
Sizing wise, I definitely found them to run big at the waist and need a sturdy belt to cinch it in or will possibly get waist alterations. The size 00 measures about 26″ at the waist (and stretches!), 10″ rise, and 27.5″ inseam. The length of this size is not as long as the website description, and works on me with a mid heel. If you’re worried about raw hems unraveling , I get a little bottle of anti-fray from the craft or sewing store that I use on many of my cut denim hems!
Chunky knit cardigan
I first mentioned this chunky cardigan a few months back and wanted to include it again since it’s now on sale in two colors! Size XS is a relaxed, oversized fit on me, and the weight is a medium thickness with balloon style sleeves and very cute front pockets.
Blondo Tall Boots (petite friendly + narrow calf)
I tried these on and was so surprised at how well the shaft fit on me, both in terms of a petite-friendly shaft height and a narrow calf circumference! They’re also waterproof with a stable, stacked block heel.
One important note though (per reviews) is that it seems the calf gets much wider as shoe size goes up, so several reviewers who bought bigger sizes mentioned the calf being too big. On the size 5 pair that I tried on, the calf was about 13″ around the calf (so rare to find!), 13.25″ tall and with a 2.75″ heel. Another note I have is the zipper on the pair I tried on was a little stiff, but I’m not sure if it’s a widespread thing or just on the ones I tried.
Wow, this outfit is a masterpiece!
Hi Jean,
Just wondering how you found the comfort around the ankle on these boots, I just put them on and they feel quite stiff.
Zoe
Hi Zoe! Mine are an older version of this boot that is no longer sold, so I linked the current version that appeared to have good reviews. So unfortunately I haven’t tried the pair linked. Sorry to hear that the ankle area feels stiff! I haven’t had that issue with my older ones.
I love how the cropped trench looks both very professional and (in the dark color) slightly edgy, almost like a motorcycle jacket.
I’m a long-time reader — your blog is the most specifically helpful of any fashion resource I’ve followed, because you are always thoughtful enough to include specific sizing information and practical tips and tricks. I was hoping to ask if you have shop recommendations for women’s business suits for someone who’s almost exactly your size (same height, same basic measurements)? I haven’t had to wear a suit in almost 20 years, but will be working on an upcoming trial and need a basic suit or two. In the past, I always needed extensive alterations (taking in the waist of jackets, sometimes shortening sleeves). Just at a loss of where to look, and what styles would be appropriate and flattering — specifically, jacket length and pants fit (straight leg? wide-leg?). Thank you for any suggestions!
Hi Lily, thanks so much for following along all this time! This is a tough one because I can’t remember good suiting that I haven’t had to get altered. If you just need one suit I’d personally go Theory, maybe a navy color. I would do a straight pant and either a collar-less jacket or a regular one button blazer which you may need the sleeve shortened on. I’ve tried Theory outlet suiting recently and it feels pretty good for the price point. Alternatively, Ann Taylor fluid crepe suiting is pretty good but requires substantial alterations. I’ve showed the cream suit before and it’s lovely but would need sleeve shortening, pant waist taken in and hemming.
Love navy & black! I think the combo is so chic. The combo used to feel rebellious but I’m happy it’s become more common as we cast off certain ideas of what to do or not to do.
Also love the way you’ve styled the Wit & Wisdom sweater. It’s the perfect transitional look. Just wish it were easier to find knits with even a smidge of natural fibers at that price point. I can’t bring myself to spend that much on synthetic fiber knits. I just stick to being patient at the thrift.
Hi Vanessa, thank you so much, and totally agree on navy and black! In terms of sweaters with natural fibers at a reasonable price point, I highly recommend Quince. They have sweaters made of cotton, wool, and cashmere all for under $100.