Do you love or loathe the new Trapeze jacket?
September 27th, 2007A-line trapeze jackets (or swing jackets) were fringe fashion a year ago, but today they’re mainstream. After an unflattering 80’s shoulder-pads plus boxy-jacket phase, designers and style gurus reverted back to glamour and encouraged ultra-feminine, body skimming looks instead. For two decades our eyes re-adapted to this forever flattering hour-glass silhouette. Until recently, that is, when swingy jackets flooded the retail market and caught us by surprise.
The new style is compared to a classic tailored jacket in the pictures below. Trapeze jackets can be described as “boxy” because they don’t cinch in at the waist, but they’re not what I’d call “bad 80’s boxy”. This is still a tailored jacket, which makes the look more reminiscent of the elegant 40’s decade. It’s a nice new style if you can find the right jacket for your body type. For many, the new boxy style is unappealing because it’s more flattering to wear a jacket that’s tailored at the waist (especially if you’re well endowed).
I will write more on the selection criteria soon, but in the meantime it would be great to hear your thoughts. Which style do you prefer? Has your eye adapted to the new look? Are you wearing it?
A roomy, emerald green trapeze jacket (left) and a tailored grey, polka dot style (right) represent your new and classic jacket silhouettes this season (both from Tulle). If you love the new trapeze style, there is certainly room for both in your wardrobe.
September 27th, 2007 at 7:01 am
I bought one on sale at Banana Republic and I think it’s quite cute. It gives a gamine and sweet look with a pair of slim ankle cut jeans and flats.
September 27th, 2007 at 7:18 am
For my size and figure the tailored jacket is much more appropriate!
September 27th, 2007 at 7:22 am
I love them and am looking forward to seeing which ones work with my body. They are a nice fashionable change from always having a tailored jacket. A bit more fun
September 27th, 2007 at 7:30 am
I bought one with full length sleeves but haven’t worn it yet. I can’t figure out if it hits me in the wrong spot on my waist/hip area or not! It seems to flatten my chest a bit. I might take it back. The style is very cute on other people but not sure if it’s suited to me. My 25 year old neice had one on in a houndstooth with 3/4 length sleeves and she looked super.
September 27th, 2007 at 7:34 am
I love them on the right figure. They look terrible on my buxom physique.
September 27th, 2007 at 7:36 am
I recently bought a trapeze style cardigan with 3/4 length sleeves, and I love it. I wear it with a longer-length t-shirt or knit shirt underneath. It jazzes up jeans, and looks great with my slim fitting work slacks. To be honest, I like the look much better than tailored jackets. I have a couple jackets but I never wear them because they feel too “old” for me. (same with button down shirts). Or perhaps the correct term is too classic. I like the sophisticated yet glamorous yet quirky look of the trapeze look best, and I plan to buy more as the season goes on.
September 27th, 2007 at 7:37 am
Hmmm Stephanie….trapeze styles tend to look better when they’re 3/4 sleeves. Somehow the proportion is easier on the eye. Have a go at a style like that and see if you prefer it to the one you have.
September 27th, 2007 at 7:38 am
I just noticed that the jacket is from tulle. Same with my cardigan. No wonder I loved that look above so much!
September 27th, 2007 at 7:43 am
I love the new trapeze shape but I’m not sure if it’s appropriate for work. I would love to know how to mix it with my other clothing to make it work appropriate.
September 27th, 2007 at 7:57 am
I have two. The first is in white eyelet with puffed sleeves. I’ve worn it a number of times and really like it. The trick was in figuring out what to pair it with. You definitely want something on the bottom that shows off your shape. The second is a 3/4 sleeve tweedy number that I haven’t gotten to wear yet because it’s been too warm.
Here is my eyelet version:
http://whatiwore2day.blogspot......tcake.html
September 27th, 2007 at 8:09 am
You’ve grasped the new jacket silhouette and how to wear it perfectly Christie and Josie. Sticking to tailored jackets if they are best for your body type Wendy and Nicole are also fine alternatives. If you’re able to wear both jacket styles, then they certainly do make a comfortable, fun and updated change as Ronnie so rightly put. I’m thoroughly enjoying the versatility of today’s fashion look for myself and for my clients. It’s brilliant that there’s a stylish silhouette for every age and body type.
September 27th, 2007 at 8:13 am
Jackets can make or break a look so like any jacket, finding the right fit and style is important. I tend to shy away from tailored jackets because that is not my style…I like more casual items. I have been very attracted to this particular style because it has all the benefits of a jacket but still unstructured and fun. I have tried a couple on and really like how they look on me. But because of my short neck, I am STILL looking for one without a high, round neckline. And living here in San Diego, there isn’t a terrible rush for that extra layer yet! This is one “trend” that I hope lasts a while!
September 27th, 2007 at 8:20 am
Quite right Kasmira. You need to keep it slim and narrow on the bottom if you add volume on the top. I just can’t see volume on top of volume working to flatter the figure.
You’ve hit the nail on the head Marlene. You’re after a trapeze jacket with a V or scooped neck that elongates the neck. Autumn is in full swing here in Seattle and my winter weight trapeze jackets have made their debuts! Hope that you find the trapeze jacket thats perfect for you.
September 27th, 2007 at 8:34 am
i love it! I need to get some! What it Tulle and is there a store or just online ordering? It’s seems more difficult to order this online because my arms are SO very long that i don’t know where a 3/4 sleeve would hit me. and what goes underneath the jacket ( like the polka-dot one) i like the look of tucking in my shirts these days and showing off more of my waist - i’m getting a bit tired of the long trapeze type of shirts that look a bit silly underneath a jacket…suggestions?
September 27th, 2007 at 8:58 am
Hi, what makes the polka dot jacket above a “trapeze” jacket? Looks like a 3/4 regular jacket to this untrained eye. Thank you!
September 27th, 2007 at 9:18 am
The polka dot jacket is not a trapeze style - it’s a classic tailored jacket.. which means that your eye is well trained Joey! It’s posted next to the green trapeze style on the left for contrast.
September 27th, 2007 at 9:21 am
I love the look of a trapeze, but I can’t pull it off. I have tried on several and they just do not suit my body shape. The tailored jackets really suit me best. They lock and load the girls and they help define my waist.
September 27th, 2007 at 10:11 am
Trapeze jackets will look absolutely great on you Lori. You can find the Tulle clothing brand in some stores and boutiques, or on-line. I took a chance and purchased one of my trapeze jackets on-line there a few months ago (the yellow style below) and wore it in London last week and felt fab. There sizes are snug and their design details funky. Their prices are good but shipping costs a pretty penny. It was absolutely worth it though and I am a very happy customer. I rather fancy the tomato red option for you and your red hair. The jacket is completely lined and well made. Fit is snug on the shoulders which was great for my body type.
http://www.tulle4us.com/shop/s.....;nPageNo=2
The three quarter length sleeves should hit you just fine. It’s best to keep it narrow and slim underneath a trapeze jacket just as the illustration shows because volume on top of volume is somehow unflattering. The classic, fitted non-trapeze polka dot jacket will require a fitted top or shirt under it - either tucked or un-tucked.
Hope that helps!
September 27th, 2007 at 11:12 am
I LOVE the trapeze style and look forward to wearing mine! The one thing I’m still trying to figure out is the right length of top to wear under it; I’m not sure I currently have something that looks right. It seems to me the top should peek out, but not be a long tunic length, at least at my 5′3” height. I ordered a couple tees from Michael Stars today that I hope will fit the bill. Still experimenting…
September 27th, 2007 at 11:41 am
I did go and try some on…
Yeah, I’m not sold on them. It’s cool that they’re different, they might even be cute on some people, but they’re more fun than flattering from what I’ve seen.
September 27th, 2007 at 11:49 am
I like both styles. Thankfully I can wear both and now at least three jackets of the trapeze! The trapeze allows a little bit extra room up top and I don’t have to worry about trying to fit for my hips nad not my waist..
September 27th, 2007 at 1:44 pm
Julie - the trapeze style will definitely work for work if it’s in a smarter fabric and your dress code is biz casual. The green style in the blog entry is casual because of it’s fabrication. That would not work for a biz casual dress environment. Keep the under layer slim and your pants narrow and straight for the best silhouette for this look.
September 27th, 2007 at 1:45 pm
My eye has now adapted to the new style, but I must admit it took a long while! I just wasn’t used to seeing bodies swathed in that much fabric at once, and it seemed unappealing at first. Now for some reason, the style has grown on me and it looks trendy and fun! However, I’m having a really hard time finding a style that won’t overwhelm my small physique. I’m 5′2″ and a small frame - could you help to recommend specific details and materials that I should be looking for when selecting a trapeze? I’m looking forward to “swinging” with the rest of them!(however I’m definitely not throwing out my tried and true tailored jackets)
September 27th, 2007 at 4:16 pm
Antje - I’d expect a slim fit top that finishes just above crotch point to be the right length for your height. Good luck with those T’s!
Theresa - the answer to your questions shall be posted tomorrow, but for the mean time, you’re looking to get the length right and the amount of volume right. Trapeze jackets on shorter ladies are particularly flattering when they are shorter in length ( grazing hip bone or even shorter then that). Also, look for a style that isn’t as voluminous in it’s swing or sleeve shape, and three quarter sleeves seem to work best.
September 27th, 2007 at 10:00 pm
Definite yes for me. The trick is (even if you have big breasts) is to make sure they finish on or above the waist. That way you have the contrast of the wider swing of the jacket, with the comparative skinniness of the waist. 3/4 length sleeves work for me too.
September 28th, 2007 at 5:13 am
Tulle is too cute but seems to be junior’s sizing.
September 28th, 2007 at 5:43 am
I loved it! The short trapeze jacket is perfect for my petite frame. Unfortunately, I tried to buy one and my husband said I looked like I was wearing a cut-off graduation cape and wouldn’t let me buy it.
September 28th, 2007 at 6:41 am
I’ve tried on trapeze jackets, but always felt like a goof in them, nomatter the length or sleeve. (I do have a bigger bust) I love 40s-inspired looks, but I think I will try a trapeze cardigan instead, the silhouette in a fabric with more drape is much more flattering to my figure.
September 28th, 2007 at 6:55 am
What a shame Vanessa! The right trapeze jacket is perfect for small frames..perhaps your husbands eye will re-adjust?
You’ve hit the nail on the head Icy. Busty women can wear trapeze jackets when the necklines are low and the waist is contrasted.
Your plan of considering a drapey trapeze cardigan instead Emily is a very good one. This will be more forgiving on the bust area as long as the button placement is in the right spot.
September 28th, 2007 at 7:25 am
I think this is so retro-cute! I’m going to have to try some on. However I’m worried that it won’t look good on me-most of them seem to be a sort of cropped trapeze, and since my biggest body issue is my thick middle/pot belly-I would think it might highlight that area. . .
September 28th, 2007 at 7:35 am
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January 12th, 2008 at 10:12 am
I just attended a baby shower for my very good friend. She is 8 months along, and was weraing a bright yellow, wool blend trapeze jacket. She looked great! The sleeves fell right in the middle of her wrist and elbow. Is that where they should fall? I would love some of these jackets, but the women where I work are not very fashion savvy. I’m not sure if this style would look good on me. I’m 5′2″. Any other short gals out there with some suggestions on what looks good?
January 13th, 2008 at 10:06 am
A trapeze jacket can look great if you find one that fits your size and height. Use this blog entry as guidelines:
http://www.youlookfab.com/2007.....-flatters/