How to Style an Oversized Trench Coat as a Petite & Look Taller

I knew I needed a trench coat in my wardrobe this Spring. This timeless piece is so versatile and adds chic to an outfit. Finding the perfect trench coat and styling it can be challenging as a petite. I purchased this oversized trench in petite sizing and was shocked at how oversized it was. I was debating returning it. Determined to make it work, I tried a few things and what a difference it made!

Here are some guidelines I recommend for styling an oversized trench coat:

Accentuate the waistline:

If you are wearing the oversized trench open, tuck in your top or add a belt to visually define your waistline underneath the looser jacket. If you want to wear the jacket closed, wear the belt at your natural waistline. You can do this by removing the belt loops and tying where your natural waistline is. Or if you wish to keep the loops, tying over the belt loops. When the trench is belted at your natural waistline and sits higher than the lower placement, it will visually draw the eye up - making your legs look longer and the look overall visually elongated as well. Another option is to style the coat with another belt of choice.

Show some arm / style the sleeves:

This will make a big difference. Rolling them up or using these bands from Amazon will keep the sleeves up and draw the attention up. Showing a little bit of wrist and skin is both flattering and elongating. This also creates a horizontal line at the waist which also helps accentuate the waistline and create better proportions.

Add height:

To elongate the look, pair the trench with full length pants. Cropped ankle pants might make the proportions of the oversized jacket look off. Wearing longer and full length pants keeps the lines extending beyond the bottom hem of the jacket - which extends and elongates the leg. To add height, I recommend heels to give you a few more inches for more balance. 

As shown in the side by side comparison photo, the right side is a lot more visually pleasing and makes a big difference when I have the belt at my natural waistline a few inches higher, pushed the sleeves higher, and added height with a slightly heeled boot.