Finding a Trapeze jacket that flatters
September 28th, 2007If you like the trapeze jacket look, but you’re battling to find a shape that’s flattering, you might find these guidelines helpful:
- Length – it’s extremely important to get the length of this jacket right. The style is best when it grazes your hipbone. Going shorter can also work, but going longer can be tricky unless you have the body type (hour-glass, inverted-triangle or rectangle). If this style hits you on the wrong part of your thighs, it’s going to look dumpy. If you’re short waisted, try the petites department even if you don’t usually shop there.
- Tailoring – swing jackets have to fit snugly on the shoulders. You’ll end up with a sloppy shoulder if they don’t. Strong shoulder lines are essential for a flattering A-line silhouette.
- Sleeve width – opt for a sleeve that’s three quarter length and not as voluminous. This will add structure to your frame.
- Slightly swing – choose a style that swings out subtly and is not as wide at the torso.
- Keep it plain – select a fairly streamlined and basic version instead of a style that’s yoked, gathered and printed.
The trapeze jacket is not the best style for women with large bust lines. Well endowed woman still look best when they maximize the shape of their waistlines. I have been able to make A-line jackets work for this body type if I adhere to the guidelines above and keep the style unbuttoned to emphasize a long vertical line. Busty ladies can also opt for trapeze styles with V or scooped necklines (Icy hit the nail on the head with her suggestion yesterday).
All three of these Trapeze jacket styles are hipbone-grazing or shorter, streamlined and tailored. I can personally vouch for the yellow style on the left, which I own and is particularly flattering.
September 28th, 2007 at 7:37 am
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September 28th, 2007 at 7:55 am
Just wondering whether you think the yellow jacket could be biz casual, or only the black one on the right? If not, why? What sort of fabrics/styles should we be looking for?
September 28th, 2007 at 8:41 am
What is the rule of thumb on that tricky 3/4 lenght sleve. I have long arms and I’m always wondering how much my blouse should stick out or what kind I should I wear underneath (tight/fitted or blousey)?
September 28th, 2007 at 8:49 am
Christie - I know you are addressing Angie but regarding the yellow jacket..depending on what bottom it’s paired with would determine how business casual it is. Pictured with the black makes the yellow pop and would be a bit more dressy but would look just as nice with dark jeans for a more casual approach.
I love how the long sleeves stick out under the yellow jacket! That’s right up my alley in my love of layering.
September 28th, 2007 at 9:06 am
Thanks for your great answer Sara!
The yellow trapeze style can go both ways Christie - smart casual or biz casual. It’s wool, tailored and well made and the patch pockets aren’t topstitched which makes for a smarter look. The black trapeze style is certainly biz casual appropriate if it’s dressed up enough. Their big plastic buttons are fun but can denote a casual element. I hope that adequately answers your question.
September 28th, 2007 at 9:20 am
Michelle and your lovely long arms! There is no rule of thumb for 3/4 length sleeves. Anywhere in the middle - ish of your forearm will work. Closer to your elbow or closer to your wrist is also an option. Blouses or knit tops that stick out underneath 3/4 sleeves can absolutely work, but it’s hard to generalize about it on paper. Fitted sleeves will usually offer a neat and streamlined look (like the picture), but the right lantern sleeve can also work.
September 28th, 2007 at 10:28 am
These jackets are so cute and definitely add a little something to an outfit. I’m also a layering fan and love the long sleeves sticking out under the jackets! I have a cute navy blue one that I got in the spring that has great brass buttons on it but I’d love to find one for fall as well. I’m stopping by lord & taylor this weekend and I’m anxious to see what they have in this style. With all the new designers they recently added I’m sure I will some cute options!
September 28th, 2007 at 12:02 pm
My body pretty much breaks every rule for using this shape–I’m short, short-waisted (more like no-waisted), and busty. I am nothing but envious of women who can pull it off (especially with a pair of skinnies), but I can’t do it myself.
I have one trapeze jacket I recently bought which I can’t decide if I should keep or not. It’s short sleeved so it’s more of a layering piece than an actual outerwear jacket. Unfortunately I can’t seem to find anything else. I went to the big Macy’s in NYC and even there the only fitted jackets I could find were the boring career types. Trapeze seems to have taken over completely, even in shirts and dresses. To be honest I am really sick of it and I can’t wait for it to go away. It’s a dream if it looks good on you and a nightmare if it doesn’t.
October 8th, 2007 at 5:26 am
I have recently bought a cute trapeze jacket and I can’t wait for the weather to change so I can wear it! It has 3/4 sleeves as the trench I bought last spring. Here in Shanghai, 3/4 sleeves seem to be a real fashion must for all seasons!