Review: J.Crew Townhouse Trench Coat in Petite

townhouse2
Coat: J.Crew Townhouse Trench in 00P, 7 colors available in petite, regular, or tall
Jeans: JBrand sz 24 from Hautelook   Suede booties: A. Vittadini (similar here or here)

 

J.Crew’s 25% off plus free ship over $100 (use code LOVEFALL) ends tonight. I started coat shopping several weeks ago in my quest for a classic camel coat. This coat seemed promising – it looks super fitted on the model and even comes in a 00P (J.Crew long coats used to start at size 0P).
townhouse1
Likes: On me (around 5′ tall and 95lbs), the 00P fits very well throughout. The shoulders, waist location, sleeve and total length fit well on me (I noticed J.Crew made many of their coats longer this season, which does not bode well for someone short like myself). The torso of this coat allowed for some layering room but was not bulky. And lastly, I’ve been a fan of the double cloth texture, the pretty lining, and the buttons with reinforced backs that are typical of J.Crew coats.

 

Dislikes: I wasn’t in love with the military structure as I’m looking for a classic camel coat. I was also not a fan of the shiny buttons that felt like lightweight aluminum (would love a tortoiseshell-button coat), but they do suit the military theme.

townhouse

I try all coats on with flat shoes, since I rarely commute during the winter in heels. The proportions of this coat (higher belted waist, shorter overall length) still look good with flats on.
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Verdict: Returned and holding out for something more classic. However, the fit is smaller and more flattering than the J.Crew coat I bought last year (see this post and this post for my video review).

Other J.Crew coats available in petite sizing this year:

 

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33 Comments

  1. Advo wrote:

    Hi, I'm thinking about getting this coat on Ebay but I'm in doubt about sizing. For reference, I'm 5 feet and 103 Ibs. I'm flat as a board but my waist-hip areas (sz 26 in H&M; jeans) are far from as slim as you.

    Posted 2.14.12 Reply
  2. PetiteAsianGirl wrote:

    @Anonymous The 00P was a close fit on me at 5 feet, 92lbs – I suggest trying the 0P.

    Posted 11.21.11 Reply
  3. Anonymous wrote:

    i really like that j crew coat! but i'm really struggling with what size to get. I'm 5'1, 115 lbs, 32-25-34… do you think i'd be able to fit the petite 00? or should i go for the petite 0? i'm not busty at all, but i am a little hippy

    Posted 11.21.11 Reply
  4. Christine D wrote:

    I noticed your flats… I love flats! Can you do a little review on them regarding comfort & fit? Thanks!

    Posted 11.5.11 Reply
  5. Katrina wrote:

    This jacket looks like a million bucks…gorgeous!!!

    Posted 10.28.11 Reply
  6. Mila wrote:

    Fabulous looking coat, loving it! And the nail polish is so fall chic, what is it?

    Posted 10.27.11 Reply
  7. Elyse Van wrote:

    disagree with some saying this coat fits perfectly on you. The coat is quite big in the burst/chest area, making the whole thing look very boxy. The shoulder might have been a bit big too.

    Posted 10.25.11 Reply
  8. elice1280 wrote:

    Hi there, did you alter this coat at all?

    Posted 10.25.11 Reply
  9. withloveshmon wrote:

    wow they all look really nice!

    withloveshmon.wordpress.com

    Posted 10.25.11 Reply
  10. creativefashionglee wrote:

    I´m a petite too, very Asian petite. I´m having a hard time looking for a coat that fits right here in Germany. I love this review. That coat is really looking gorgeous on you. 🙂

    Posted 10.25.11 Reply
  11. Stephanie wrote:

    I like the look of it with the lapels folded down in the first photo. I hope you snag your perfect trench!

    Posted 10.25.11 Reply
  12. Vanessa wrote:

    I agree with SME that the coat looks boxy. To me it obscures your shape, but I guess that's the issue with most coats of that material. Rather than the classic wool coat, I decided to go with a lighter material trench and purchased the ASOS petite Exclusive trench. They were out of my size when I ordered the first time, so I went up a size (too big), but I was able to order the size 1 today. The jacket is cute and I think the 1 will be a really good fit (I'm 4'11 and 103 lbs).

    Posted 10.24.11 Reply
  13. Callandra wrote:

    Thanks for the reveiw Jean! I'm loving the icon trench, it's fabulous 🙂

    Posted 10.24.11 Reply
  14. quite contrary wrote:

    I love that coat in the blue or purple (and I don't even like purple) but I agree that there's something a little off about the buttons. A bit too bright and flimsy looking, maybe.

    I'm seconding the request for a tutorial on how to tie the belt, please!

    Posted 10.24.11 Reply
  15. Lesley wrote:

    Jean,

    Can you please do a simple tutorial on how to tie the knot on the trench coat? I just got a trench..and can't seem to figure out what to do with the belt. Thanks!!!

    Posted 10.24.11 Reply
  16. dietingfashions wrote:

    I am also on the hunt for a winter coat.I do like the trench coat on you. It's very flattering. The military style is still in. I bought the military style coat from Loft last year, but this season I'm searching for something else. I did keep my military coat I got from Zara. That was like 3 seasons ago. Maybe Zara will go for something classic this season.

    I do like the electric blue Metro Coat. Simple, straight lines.. looks Modern rather than classic.

    Posted 10.24.11 Reply
  17. Anonymous wrote:

    hey, girl! Love this trench coat, it loooks beautiful on you!
    I was wondering if you could recommend a good place to by a nice and warm parka (under $150). I'm coming to the states in december and will be staying in baton rouge and NYC… Is that possible? Thanks! 🙂
    M

    Posted 10.24.11 Reply
  18. Liv @ Sidewalk Couture wrote:

    Wow how crazy! I just bought the townhouse trench and the icon trench in wool-cashmere. I loved that so many coats came in petite, but I definitely preferred the icon trench.

    Posted 10.24.11 Reply
  19. lifeasthree wrote:

    I am new to your blog and wanted to tell you that I LOVE it! It is so helpful for this petite girl. Please keep up the great blogging!

    Posted 10.24.11 Reply
  20. Anonymous wrote:

    I loved the way you tied the belt, can you make a vedio on it? Thanks!

    Posted 10.24.11 Reply
  21. Annie wrote:

    I just watched your video on the Lady Day Coat in 0p and checked the J Crew website and see that they now make it in 00p. Do you know how this compares to the older version in 0p?

    Posted 10.24.11 Reply
  22. Bing Hu wrote:

    You are so beautiful with this coat!!! I really love your blog , and your smile ^_^. I can not wait to go to mall and try this coat on.

    Posted 10.23.11 Reply
  23. Natasha xoxo wrote:

    I love the color and the buttons. The fit is perfect as well. Thanks for posting, I may have to consider purchasing for myself 🙂

    xo, tasha
    twenty-something blog

    Posted 10.23.11 Reply
  24. Vicky wrote:

    Very nice fit, Jean. Would you say it fits the same or better than last year's 0P?
    I ordered the stadium trench and can't wait to see how it fits on me. 🙂

    Posted 10.23.11 Reply
  25. Rites of Beauty wrote:

    Lovely coat, but you are right, the military inspired details make it less versatile. I'm a big fan of holding out for what you really love/want/need.

    Posted 10.23.11 Reply
  26. SME wrote:

    It looks boxy on you… not loving it.

    Posted 10.23.11 Reply
  27. PetiteLittleGirl wrote:

    I remember that coat! The sleeve length is perfect on you vs. way too short on me. I am not a fan of those gold buttons, either. If you're looking for something more classic, the Stadium probably suits you better.

    Posted 10.23.11 Reply
  28. TaraMixandMatch wrote:

    I am so tempted to buy a coat from J Crew with this sale….I am really trying to control myself, but it's so hard! The coat fits you really well, and it is the perfect shade of camel 🙂 I hope you have luck in your quest for the perfect coat!

    Posted 10.23.11 Reply
  29. Megan wrote:

    Oooh, it looks very luxe!! I love it, but you are right about it looking more military style and less classic. Can't wait to see what you find next!

    http://www.longliveclassy.com

    Posted 10.23.11 Reply
  30. Ping wrote:

    jean– i remember that coat! good fit, but i agree with you on those buttons. i think you have enough coats to hold you over until you find the perfect one! r u back in boston now?

    Posted 10.23.11 Reply
  31. Anonymous wrote:

    Thanks for the review. I love the cut but also hate the buttons. Probably would have bought it if the buttons were different. Maybe will buy if it goes cheap enough that it is worth replacing the buttons.

    I purchased the Metro Coat and the Stadium Cloth Trench in 00p and look forward to seeing how they fit. Crossing fingers as I purchased the Stadium Cloth trench last year in a 0p and it is a little big so hoping the 00p will fit better.

    I also ordered the wool no. 2 pencil skirt. Pained me to pay so much but I am hoping the quality and fit are worth it.

    I miss the days when J.crew had petites in store – that was the best. I walked into a store today and most of the regular sizes seem really big.

    BargainPetite

    Posted 10.23.11 Reply
  32. easy petite looks wrote:

    ive been looking at this one, too. it looks like it fits you perfectly. i agree that the buttons are a little much. i got lots of other things during this sale, but didn't pick up any coats.

    Posted 10.23.11 Reply
  33. Cher wrote:

    I've had my eye on the Townhouse trench. The military-inspired look of it and the buttons are what drew me to it in the first place. But if you are looking for something more classic and versatile for all occasions (though I think military style is a classic look as it has come back every fall/winter season as far as I can remember), I would go for the Icon or the Stadium.

    Posted 10.23.11 Reply

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