The Trench Coat Update That’s Perfect for Petites

Once the first notes of autumn begin to course through the air, I’m ready to ditch my summer clothes for all the things I missed: Sweaters! Pants! Silk scarves! And…the trench coat. At 5’6’’, I love a good, long coat that will go to my ankles. One of my favorite wardrobe staples is the Sézane Clyde trench—a signature style of the Parisian streetwear brand. As I’ve been pursuing fall fashion looks, I couldn’t help but notice that this classic silhouette has received a flirty update…and petite PureWow editors are rejoicing. Say hello to the cropped trench.

From Runway to Retail, You Can’t Escape

I first spotted the trend when Sézane cropped the Clyde, turning it into the Bobby Jacket ($310). Then, while reviewing Derek Lam’s SS26 presentation in early September, I saw it again, more fitted and dramatic, double-breasted and one with an aggressive belt. Sézane has also added more iterations to this autumn’s lineup, including the Carter Jacket ($330). Zara hopped on the train, too—I counted no less than a dozen designs as I was perusing for the season’s best coats. Not to mention the slew of social media content I’ve seen. (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. Below are three styles editors are loving right now—including two under $150.