It’s been raining the past few days here in Georgia, and you know what comes in handy when the skies open up? A trench coat. This week I reached for a cropped version, and it reminded me why I love this wardrobe classic in just about every length.
I will always love a traditional trench coat. The J.Crew Icon Trench is exactly what its name suggests: a true classic. And Sézane’s Clyde Coat with its check lining has that little something extra I can never resist. But a cropped trench brings a different proportion to the table, and paired with wide-leg jeans, it feels fresh without straying too far from my American Classic roots.
That’s really what I’m wearing now: pieces I’ve loved for years, just with a slightly different point of view. You don’t need to reinvent your wardrobe every season. Sometimes changing the proportion is all it takes.
Key Takeaways
• A cropped trench works beautifully with wide-leg jeans because the shorter jacket balances the fuller denim.
• Keep the layer underneath simple and streamlined so the proportions stay clean.
• Suede booties, khaki, black, and denim make an easy early-fall combination.
• A classic wardrobe stays current when you update the silhouette or proportion instead of replacing everything.
How Do You Style a Cropped Trench Coat?
The easiest way to style a cropped trench coat (Similar Cropped Trench, Similar Cropped Trench, and Similar Cropped Trench) is to balance its shorter length with a longer line on the bottom. I like mine with high-rise, full-length wide-leg jeans, then I keep the layer underneath relatively streamlined.
That combination gives the upper half of the outfit a little definition, while the jeans create a long line down the leg. It’s simple, it’s practical, and it still feels polished.
Why I Like the Cropped Trench
A full-length trench is one of those pieces I’ll probably always own. But there are days, especially in early fall or on a rainy day when the temperature is still mild, when I don’t want quite that much coat.
That’s where the cropped trench comes in. It still has everything I love about a traditional trench: the khaki color, the structure, and all those wonderful menswear-inspired details. But the shorter length makes it a little sportier and easier to wear with denim.
I talked earlier this year about the cropped trench in 5 Spring Jackets Every Woman Over 50 Needs This Season, and I’m still wearing it now that fall has arrived. When a piece works in more than one season, that’s always a win in my book.
My trench is Ralph Lauren circa 2022 and is no longer available, but I found three similar options:
A Black Top Keeps the Outfit Grounded
Underneath the trench, I’m wearing the Drape Funnel Neck Top, currently 25% off during the Nordstrom Fall Savings Event. I love a good black top, especially one with a little something going on. The funnel neck and draping make this more interesting than a basic tee, but it’s still simple enough to let the trench and jeans do the heavy lifting.
It’s also one of those pieces that will work just as well with trousers or a skirt, and I always appreciate a wardrobe piece that can earn its keep in more than one outfit.
Why Wide-Leg Jeans Work Here
I’m wearing the Mother The Hustler Roller Sneak Jeans, also 25% off during the Nordstrom Fall Savings Event. I’ve been wearing wide-leg denim for several seasons now, and I’m not ready to put it away. I especially like the longer length here with the shorter trench.
If you’ve been wondering how to wear some of the newer denim silhouettes, I just shared The Fall Jean Trends I’m Actually Wearing. Wide-leg jeans are still very much in my rotation, and the trick is always getting the proportions right.
Suede Booties Make It Feel Like Fall
I could have worn black shoes, but I liked the softness of the taupe suede here. Suede is one of those textures that immediately makes an outfit feel like fall, even when the denim is a lighter wash.
That’s also why I don’t put away light denim once summer is over. Change the shoes, add a jacket, bring in suede or leather, and suddenly it works beautifully for the new season. I talked more about that in Denim Outfits for Women Over 50: Summer to Fall.
My Suede Booties have limited sizing, so I found a similar pair and another similar option as well.
The Accessories
The Burberry Tote introduces pattern and ties together the black, khaki, denim, and brown tones in the outfit. Then I added my Sunglasses and simple Teardrop Earrings.
You know I love accessories, but I don’t think every piece has to make a statement. Sometimes the bag does the work, and everything else simply supports it.
Why This Cropped Trench Coat Outfit Works
There’s nothing complicated about this outfit. It’s a trench coat, a black top, blue jeans, and suede booties. All familiar pieces.
What makes it feel current is the proportion: the shorter jacket, the wider denim, and the longer line through the leg. That’s the kind of update I’m always looking for. I don’t want a closet full of clothes that work for one season and one season only. I want classic pieces I can keep wearing, just styled a little differently.
Plus: Kitchen Helpers – 10 Amazon Finds
Last week we freshened up the front porch as we eagerly await the fall season. This week I want to share with you some Amazon finds that can hopefully make life a little easier in your kitchen. Some of these items include space savers and tools to make life a little easier, such as opening jars and moving heavy appliances. Storage can also be tricky, and I found a wonderful container that collapses. Read on ahead Grit and Glammers for all these helpers that can make the kitchen safer, more organized, and easier to navigate.
What are some Amazon finds that can help in my kitchen?
Let’s face it. Cooking and working in the kitchen can be drudgery at times. With a few curated items from Amazon, the kitchen can become a simpler, easier place to complete those tasks that we do every day. New silicone utensils, a wood fiber cutting board, a Good Grips jar opener, a small adjustable shelf organizer, stick-on appliance rollers, a collapsible pet food container, a convenient magnetic pot trivet, a stone drying mat that rolls out, stick-on cord keepers, and small silicone produce keepers. You won’t remember how you ever lived without these little conveniences.
Three pieces that help out and keep you safe
We need to be aware today of all the microplastics in our environment. Pharmaceutical-grade silicone is the safest material to use for utensils. This set of GIR silicone utensils fits the bill.
GIR: 5-Piece Silicone Ultimate Kitchen Utensils Set – this set covers almost every utensil need you could have in the kitchen.
Cutting boards are often made of plastic, but this one is safer because it is made of wood fiber and will not release chemicals into the food you cut on it.
Epicurean Kitchen Series Cutting Board, 14.5 x 11.25 Inch, Natural – these also come in a variety of sizes.
Keeping produce in the refrigerator – especially that half of an avocado – can be tricky. Using these silicone keepers is a much better option than those small plastic bags.
Avocado Saver & Onion Storage, 4Pcs Silicone Fresh Produce Holder – these are easy to use, are reusable, and come in cute colors.
Space Savers and Storage
We can always use a little more space in our kitchen. These three listed below can help with that.
Collapsible Dog Food Storage Container with Wheels, Khaki – Having those unwieldy bags of dog food in your pantry or laundry room can be a problem. This container collapses when you need it to and comes in different colors.
EVERIE Extendable 3-Tier Kitchen Cabinet & Pantry Organizer – This shelf organizer works well for foil/plastic wrap and is extendable, making it even more useful.
Cord Organizer Kitchen Appliances – Appliances, especially the ones we keep out on the counter, can have long cords that get in the way. This cord keeper saves space and keeps the counter neat and tidy.
Kitchen gadgets that make life easier
Magnetic Wooden Trivet for Hot Pots and Pans – This trivet is a lifesaver for protecting your countertops. It’s easy to use, as it just sticks to the bottom of your heavy pot quickly as soon as you take it off the stove.
Stone Dish Drying Mat for Kitchen Counter – A drying mat for those hand-washed dishes can come in handy, especially when it rolls up and can be put away. This one also comes in several colors.
OXO Good Grips Jar Opener with Non-Slip Base Pad, Handheld Manual Opener – Unfortunately, as we get older, it can be more difficult to open jars, but not with this jar opener, which has a nice, cushy handle.
Self-Adhesive Appliance Sliders 4 Pack Kitchen & Furniture Rollers – These tiny gadgets stick to the bottoms of your heavier appliances, making it easy to move them around on your countertops.
Closing Thoughts
I enjoy cooking, but I also value convenience and ease when I’m in the kitchen. These Amazon kitchen helpers can provide extra storage, keep the counters tidy, and be safer to use. Little upgrades that make your kitchen feel more organized and functional are always in style. These are curated selections for you, Grit and Glammers.
Style has no expiration date – and neither do you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Absolutely. A cropped trench isn’t about age; it’s about proportion. I like it with high-rise, full-length jeans because the shorter jacket defines the upper half of the outfit while the denim keeps the leg line long.
Wide-leg jeans, straight-leg trousers and high-rise pants all work beautifully. I especially like a full-length hem because it balances the shorter jacket.
Keep the layer underneath fairly streamlined. A fitted knit, a simple tee, a button-down or a draped top like the one I’m wearing all work without adding unnecessary bulk.
Yes. I wear light denim well into fall. Suede, leather, khaki, black, camel and other richer textures and colors are an easy way to make a lighter wash feel seasonal.
For light rain and those in-between fall days, I find a cropped trench incredibly handy. It gives me the coverage I need without the weight and length of a full trench coat.
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Mother The Hustler Roller Sneak Jeans
Amazon Kitchen Finds
Extendable Pantry Organizer Shelf
Collapsible Dog Food Storage Containers
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Before You Go
Are you a traditional trench-coat woman, or are you ready to try the cropped version? And which of today’s kitchen helpers would make your life easier? Tell me in the comments.
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