Short Trench Coat with Epaulettes and Cuff Straps

The authority of a trench without the length. This one stops at the hip, fastens double-breasted beneath a wide double-lapel collar and draws in at the waist with a self-tie belt, so the shape stays sharp even with a jumper underneath it. The double lapel gives the front more depth than a single collar would, and it turns up against the wind without looking untidy.

The utility details are what lift it: epaulettes across the shoulder and a buckled strap at each cuff, which give a plain coat something to look at. It is cut regular with a relaxed drop shoulder, so there is room to layer without the coat going shapeless, and the short length keeps it working over jeans, trousers or a midi skirt. The belt ties rather than buckles, so the waist ends up exactly where you want it.

Alverra made it for the in-between weeks of autumn, when a full-length coat is too much and a jacket is not enough. It runs true to size across S to 2XL, so stay with your usual unless you plan to layer heavily, in which case size up. It is also short enough to sit down in comfortably on a commute, which a mid-calf coat rarely is. Our model is 5'9" and wears a size S.

• Fit: Regular with a relaxed drop shoulder, true to size
• Collar: Wide double-lapel collar with epaulettes at the shoulder
• Closure: Double-breasted button front with a self-tie belt
• Sleeve: Long sleeve finished with a buckled cuff strap
• Length: Short, sitting at the hip
• Sizes: S to 2XL, measured flat by hand, allow 1-2cm variance
• Care: Machine wash cold on a gentle cycle, or dry clean