Spring’s cropped trapeze jacket
March 6th, 2007
It comes as no surprise that the cropped trapeze jacket is one of the “it” styles for Spring. We started seeing hints of this boxy silhouette come through last season. The public’s adoption of this fringe trend has caused it to filter down to mainstream retailers this year. This boxy 60’s-inspired style will be more flattering than you think if keep three things in mind when you re-create the look:
- Keep it snug on your shoulders. The shape that you lose on your waist (due to the A-line nature of the style) must be compensated by the shape that you gain around the shoulder area. You will loose the flattering element of this style if it does not fit your shoulders properly.
- Keep it short. Above or on the waistline is preferable especially if you are a pretty pear or petite body type.
- Keep the layer underneath long and lean. Showing your waistline is imperative if this boxy style is to work. A knitted longer length top is the perfect solution
I’ve never advocated boxy styles, because form-fitting clothing is usually more flattering. But I was pleasantly surprised at how well this style worked if I adhered to the points above. This held true when dressing several different body types. Have you tried the cropped trapeze jacket?
Cropped trapeze jackets from Sashimi and French connection, available at Nordstrom.
March 6th, 2007 at 12:51 pm
I’ll be honest. This shape really scares me. I am used to fitted jackets and I am afraid that the trapeze jacket might give me the illusion that I’ve gained weight.
March 7th, 2007 at 8:47 am
I have recently bought the cropped trapeze jacket from H&M but cannot bring myself to wear it. The version I have has flared 3/4 sleeves with a few gathers at the top of the armhole.
March 7th, 2007 at 9:31 am
It is a look to get used to. Unless the trapeze jacket fits you perfectly in the all the right places, it’s going to look unflattering. Ironically enough though, I’ve dressed curvier women in this shape and it’s looked really nice. But then, a fitted jacket is guaranteed to look great, and if that’s what you are more comfortable wearing - stick to it!
March 13th, 2007 at 5:43 pm
I saw this look on a person working in a home interior store - and it was SHOCKINGLY horrid on her. She has a curvy and CHUNKY body type and wore it with wider legged pants and a close-fitting knit top over which she’d added a semi-wide belt (hitting a few inches below jacket’s end which was just below her bust.
It was not flattering - beyond not flattering. I think the belt may have been the real problem, tho -
March 13th, 2007 at 7:15 pm
It does sound like the belt was over kill. Curvier women are generally guaranteed to look better in a tailored jacket, especially when they don’t have height.
September 27th, 2007 at 6:46 am
[…] trapeze jackets (or swing jackets) were fringe fashion a year ago, but today they’re mainstream. After an […]
September 27th, 2007 at 10:46 pm
I love how they look, but wonder if women with large chests can wear them or if they would just look bulky. Anyone have any thoughts?
December 8th, 2007 at 6:16 am
I just bought a denim trapeze jacket, and I love it, but I’m not sure what to wear it with. I think narrow pants would be better than wide? I’m going to wear it with a long t-shirt and jeans today and see if anyone laughs out loud