The Trench Coat Update That’s Perfect for Petites

Whether or not you subscribe to the idea of the capsule wardrobe, there's no denying the versatility—and longevity—of a good trench coat. At 5’6’’, I love a long coat that will go to my ankles. In both spring and fall, it's a breezy pick that helps me figure out how to dress transitionally as the temperatures fluctuate. One of my favorites is the Sézane Clyde trench—a signature style of the Parisian brand. But, in the midst of perusing the latest fashion week runways and new seasonal collections from retailers, I couldn’t help but notice this staple silhouette getting a flirty update. Yep, you read that right. The trench coat is getting a new look, and petite PureWow editors are rejoicing. Say hello to the cropped trench.

I first spotted the trend last fall, when Sézane cropped the Clyde, turning it into the Bobby Jacket ($320). Then, while reviewing Derek Lam’s SS26 presentation, I saw it again, more fitted and dramatic, double-breasted and boldly belted. Sézane has also added more iterations to this spring's lineup, including the Carter Jacket ($330). Zara hopped on the train, too—I counted no less than a dozen designs as I was searching for the season’s best coats. Not to mention all the options I've spotted at the likes of Anthropologie, Boden and Amazon, plus the slew of social media content that's come acros my feed. (Examples 1, 2, 3 and 4.)

When I went to my 5’3’’-and-under PureWow colleagues, they were enthusiastic about the trench coat’s makeover, which made it decidedly short-girl friendly.

“Love the concept—a cropped layer is always a great way to make legs appear longer, and it's great for those of us who want the crisp, classic appearance of a trench but without the billowy volume of a traditional long one,” says 5’1’’ senior commerce editor and resident petite fashion expert Stephanie Maida. Wherever you fall on the height spectrum, though, this fresh take on the classic trench is worth a try—especially as the weather starts to warm. Below are six styles editors are loving right now, including two under $150.