Fall cropped trench style

stripes and chambray1

Banana Republic trench (altered), Halogen pumps, friend’s J.Crew necklace (similar)
Target chambray shirt (similar here), Gap dress

Temperatures have slowly but surely been dipping overnight around here…I’m in denial that summer is soon over, but on the plus side am excited to dust off my beloved outerwear collection.

stripes and chambray

This outfit is a mix of old and new, starting with a comfy tee dress that’s been a great foundation piece throughout the seasons. To transition into cooler weather, I’d throw on a casual chambray layer plus neutral trench if it’s really chilly. Compared to the traditional longer trench with belted waistline which I love, this shorter style has a more playful, cape-like flare.

stripes and chambray2

In my search for a short trench to update my fall wardrobe, I tried on both an option from Ann Taylor as well as this one from Banana Republic’s Heritage line. The Ann Taylor one is available in petite and fit pretty well, and would’ve required some sleeve length and width alterations which is my usual trouble spot with jackets. However I really liked the warmer caramel color, the swing vs. fitted silhouette, plus the classic trench details of the BR one. I did get more substantive professional alterations to convert it from regular to petite sizing, which I can do a detailed post on soon.

stripes and chambray3

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43 Comments

  1. Princess Elisha wrote:

    I love your outfit!! Especially your beautiful coat!!

    New FASHION post on http://www.robecart.com

    Posted 11.19.14 Reply
  2. Elisha Kelly wrote:

    Cute striped dress paired with denim jacket. It's cool!! Find accessories that will add beauty to your outfit.

    http://www.robecart.com

    Posted 11.18.14 Reply
  3. tamujojo wrote:

    hi there! do you have a link to the sunglasses?

    Posted 10.11.14 Reply
  4. Joyce wrote:

    I love this look! It's fabulous and chic at the same time. It looks really well put-together and coherent. Definitely a good look for me to try in the future.

    http://www.charactersandcarryons.com

    Posted 9.8.14 Reply
  5. kim wrote:

    Their 2P used to run relatively small if I remember correctly. It's been a while since I've purchased from there though. I am not sure if sizing has changed since then. I will try to remember to report back about their sizing.

    Posted 9.4.14 Reply
  6. Anonymous wrote:

    Hi jean! Thanks for replying back, u are awesome. I ended up ordering them nd I love them. The fit is perfect! I always have trouble finding sunglases that fit my face structure bc I hve flat cheekbones nd nose bridge. Sunglasses are either too big for my face or rest on my cheekbones when I try them on so I never end up buying them. These BR sunglasses are the best nd extremely comfortable to wear. They dont have the little plastic nose pieces which leave dents after each use which is a huge plus for me. THANKS FOR REPLYING BACK!

    Posted 9.3.14 Reply
  7. Anonymous wrote:

    WOW! Thanks for the versatile suggestions! I will wait for the FERN to become available!

    Posted 9.3.14 Reply
  8. Jean wrote:

    Hi Kim – what a striking color and I do love cerulean blue with coral or orange. Thanks for sharing! Unfortunately Boden doesn't offer extended enough sizing but I love many of their colors and prints. And I'm so glad you liked the Marlies!

    Posted 9.3.14 Reply
  9. Jean wrote:

    Interesting! This one in particular is lined, but I can't see anywhere inside the seams because they're enclosed. I've had several reviews at different stores not pass censor ship for various reasons but so far none because of low ratings so I really hope that is not the case for yours. For example this trench I bought has several negative and even 1 star reviews that made it publicly…hopefully yours got caught in a glitch or for some other reason other than intentional filtering (mine were usually not passed due to external links).

    Posted 9.3.14 Reply
  10. Jean wrote:

    I think this dress is very retro and might be harder to pull of on a day to day basis unless that really resonates with your personal style! The color and silhouette are gorgeous and I love piping in general, but I think the amount of piping + the front buttons make it a little too old fashioned to be a classic piece. Modcloth is known for more whimsical and unique pieces though so if you really love something, I'd never allow someone else's (mine) opinion hold you back!

    Posted 9.3.14 Reply
  11. Jean wrote:

    Hi there – tough call and I think it really depends on your skin tone and what other color families/shoes you have the most of in your wardrobe! Personally I think a green is universally flattering and I like that fern shade. Because it's a solid color I think it'd look cute with a printed cardigan or blazer, or that solid "dream of the crop" cardigan also at modcloth but with a printed scarf. Both colors would also look nice with patterned, like herringbone gray/brown tights plus your tall boots!

    Posted 9.3.14 Reply
  12. Jean wrote:

    Hi there – yes, they are Havana and as you can probably tell I'm guilty of wearing them almost daily! They go with everything plus are a rare style that doesn't fall down my flatter nose bridge. Do you have a BR store near you? I'd highly recommend trying sunglasses (from anywhere) on before purchasing because everyone's nose and facial structure is so different, which is key in finding glasses that sit properly on your face.

    Posted 9.2.14 Reply
  13. Jean wrote:

    Hi there – you can email extrapetiteblog at gmail.com. I have to admit I'm very behind in emails though due to work and travel but will do my best…if you leave links here though I can take a look sooner! : )

    Posted 9.2.14 Reply
  14. Jean wrote:

    I'm surprised as a fellow Bostonian since it's my most worn piece! You are right though in that there's limited time to be wearing a jacket of that weight, but I layer mine quite a bit with blazers, cardigans, etc. I also don't have your legginess and feel that a longer jacket + waist cinching belt is more flattering than shorter peacoats : )

    Posted 9.2.14 Reply
  15. FASHION SNAG wrote:

    That tee dress looks so versatile!

    http://www.FashionSnag.com

    Posted 9.2.14 Reply
  16. Cynthia Nguyen wrote:

    Always great to see someone reuse and restyle a chambray in such an elegant way.
    I'm wearing mine today too!

    Cynthia
    http://www.pinchofchic.com

    Posted 9.2.14 Reply
  17. Hope Howland wrote:

    Love the striped dress!! It seems like it would go with anything!
    Hope
    hchdesigns.blogspot.com

    Posted 9.2.14 Reply
  18. TaraMixandMatch wrote:

    Really loving your layering here!

    Posted 9.2.14 Reply
  19. rodelma lopez wrote:

    thanks for the idea jean…got similar style in my closet…you are awesome indeed

    Posted 9.1.14 Reply
  20. kim wrote:

    Love the outfit, as usual. Also wanted to share this dress in turquoise with you from Boden – http://www.bodenusa.com/en-US/Womens-Dresses/Day/WH716/Womens-Ottoman-Shift.html – as I think it would go great with your leopard clutch or marlie pumps, or with the orange dreamsicle sole society jenn pumps! I am loving the marlies myself (thank you for the review) and I am hoping they come out with new colors and more extended sizing for the jenn pumps. I am trying the dress myself in a different color, and in considering what it could be paired with, I remembered the orange pumps so thought I would share.

    Posted 9.1.14 Reply
  21. hamster428 wrote:

    I don't know if this trench is lined, but I've found that BR generally doesn't serge the seams for their lined jackets. This was a problem with the longer classic trench option which you can lift the lining to check, and another jacket I could see through the lining when held up against the line. I don't know if this is a common practice for retailers but it's unacceptable to me because serging edges is fundamental to not have them frayed. I have pics on one of my recent posts on my blog to show what I'm talking about. Oh, and fun tidbit, my (very mild) review never passed censorship on the BR product page. Just want to let everyone know in case this matters to you.

    Posted 9.1.14 Reply
  22. A Golden Tulip wrote:

    Been eyeing that cropped trench… its looks great on you.. perfect for petite figures… love the casual layering..

    xo

    http://agoldentulip.blogspot.com/

    Posted 9.1.14 Reply
  23. Anonymous wrote:

    Jean, Here is another dress I want to buy … but not sure if it's classic or trendy. And how would YOU wear it in Fall/Winter. I would love your expertise, ideas and opinions.

    http://www.modcloth.com/shop/dresses/greenery-greetings-dress

    Posted 8.31.14 Reply
  24. Anonymous wrote:

    Jean, I wanted your opinion on a few dresses. This dress comes in both PLUM and GREEN. Which color is MOST classic? I'm trying to avoid buying trendy and focusing on building up a CLASSIC wardrobe. I live where it snows in the winter. But I own BOTH peep toe booties (in black) and over the knee boots (also black). Being sleeveless, how would YOU wear this dress in the Fall/Winter?

    http://www.modcloth.com/shop/dresses/so-happy-to-gather-dress-in-plum
    http://www.modcloth.com/shop/dresses/so-happy-to-gather-dress-in-fern

    Posted 8.31.14 Reply
  25. Anonymous wrote:

    I love the outfit!….I am in love with your BR sunglasses….What is the name of the color of your sunglasses? Online they only have the Havana color but they look lighter than your sunglasses. I want to make sure I buy the correct colored sunglasses bc they r pricey… 🙂

    Posted 8.31.14 Reply
  26. Giovanna wrote:

    Such a cute look! Love the layers! Stripes and denim are a fave of mine!

    xx
    giovanna
    http://www.HeyLoveBlog.com

    Posted 8.30.14 Reply
  27. Anonymous wrote:

    Absolutely stunning!! I'm going to to recreate this outfit..:) since it's not fall for me yet, I'll wear a striped skirt and a chambray top. I found a pair of leopard flats at old navy. Once again it's not the best quality but not bad for the price 🙂

    Shenu

    Posted 8.30.14 Reply
  28. Anonymous wrote:

    I wanted your opinion on a few outfits that I would like to buy. I have a few photos that I can send via email. Would you mind letting me know what that is?

    Posted 8.30.14 Reply
  29. tailoredandtrue wrote:

    Lovely outfit! I love the way you layered stripes with two solid yet distinct overlayers! It looks great 🙂

    http://www.tailoredandtrue.wordpress.com

    Posted 8.30.14 Reply
  30. Revital wrote:

    lovely outfit! you look great!!

    http://www.aboutacloset.com/

    Posted 8.30.14 Reply
  31. Miss Hot Couture wrote:

    I have been waiting patiently to enter this contest for some time since I got my latest Glamour issue but it's not that cold here yet for the Fall style!

    http://www.misshotcouture.blogspot.com

    Posted 8.30.14 Reply
  32. Diane Hoang wrote:

    Trench coats are my favorite for the fall/winter season. They're so trendy and make any outfit so much more classy and chic. Love how you styled it!

    xx,
    Diane || http://www.modernisticphoenix.blogspot.com

    Posted 8.29.14 Reply
  33. B.A.D I Blog About Design wrote:

    I love the coat too! Your shoes are so cute 🙂

    Check out the B.A.D blog: blogaboutdesign.com

    Posted 8.29.14 Reply
  34. Petite-ish wrote:

    Very cute as usual! Of all the closet classics that are beloved by bloggers (and chic women everywhere), the trench is the most neglected in my wardrobe. I find the longer length and lightweight combination a bit awkward – my utility jacket and peacoat fill the role trench's role in most weather conditions. But maybe I should give this shorter length version a try! You always make it look so chic!

    Posted 8.29.14 Reply
  35. Julie wrote:

    I'm loving the striped dress! Very chic. Looks great with that jacket for fall.

    Style by Joules

    Posted 8.29.14 Reply
  36. Sweets & Style wrote:

    This is a beautiful look. So polished, chic and elegant! Love it al.
    XX
    Miri
    http://currentlywearing.com

    Posted 8.29.14 Reply
  37. Helen Veyna wrote:

    I love every single detail of this outfit: the stripes, chambray shirt, shoes! You look so chic, and I like that this outfit can transition from summer to fall.

    -Helen Grace

    Sweet Helen Grace

    Posted 8.29.14 Reply
  38. Mei Fleming wrote:

    Classic polished look! This trench adds a sophisticated touch.

    http://www.eyelikefashion.com

    Posted 8.29.14 Reply
  39. Liz | Shopping My Closet wrote:

    Perfect fall outfit!

    Liz @ ShoppingMyCloset.com
    Come by! Weekly Style Me Wednesday fashion blog link-up

    Posted 8.29.14 Reply
  40. Temi Truly wrote:

    Love the trench coat!!!

    ❤ Temi Truly

    Posted 8.29.14 Reply
  41. Berty Morales wrote:

    Absolutely stunning and love the combination of prints and patterns!

    Flextra by Ryka/Giveaway
    Become a Fashion Fan To Participate: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.479996575436488.1073741911.310725935696887&type;=1
    #StyleHuntersLoveRyka

    Posted 8.29.14 Reply
  42. Rebekka wrote:

    The trench coat looks so amazing 🙂

    Posted 8.29.14 Reply
  43. Sasa Zoe wrote:

    Looking so chic! Love the trench coat<3

    http://www.shallwesasa.com

    Posted 8.29.14 Reply

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