Q&A about individual items, ensembles, and wardrobe

BR Coat: opinions

This coat is 4 years old and I originally thought I had outgrown it, but when I tried it on again today, it seemed more like a question of flattery and not fit. A new coat is an investment I just can't make right now, but regardless, if this one isn't flattering, I don't want to wear it. I normally wear my more casual red toggle coat with jeans and boots, and reserve this one when I need more length for skirts and dresses. It also works as my "nice" coat for interviews.

These are some thoughts that occurred to me after seeing the pictures:

-The pockets. I hate those pockets, and the buttons drive me nuts when I need to reach in quickly and get out my metrocard or some loose change. They look even worse unbuttoned though. I'm not sure if there is anything I can do about this. They just look oddly placed and rather big.

-It's double breasted. I prefer single breasted.

-I don't know if there is enough shape. It looks nice from the side, but from the front it looks kind of shapeless. It comes with a belt, and when I first bought it I used to be able to belt it on the second-to-smallest hole, which looked amazing and that is why I ended up buying it. Now I don't have as much waist definition, so the belt has become rather unflattering. It also comes up high, so it almost forms an empire waist which is a bit weird (it isn't supposed to, I just have a large bust). I have been wearing it beltless for a while now, but looking at the picture, I don't think that has helped me achieve any more shape.

http://img.photobucket.com/alb.....G_2168.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/alb.....G_2169.jpg

Thoughts?

Edit: I guess I should write why I *do* like the coat: I love the frayed edges, the length, the flare at the bottom and how it flounces around when I walk, and also the herringbone. It's a really great coat but I just don't know if it's a great coat for ME.

The latest reply was from Tanya . You can follow further contributions to the conversation through the RSS 2.0 feed.


14 Replies

Posted 3 weeks ago

Well Maya I like this coat on you much better then zara puffer coat.In this coat you look so much slimmer,just compare pictures side by side.You look really sharp in this one,zara one - I don't really like it on you,makes you look too puffy.This is my opinion,everyone else liked it on you,I guess I see different.

Posted 3 weeks ago

Maya, the coat is not that bad. It does not look shapeless from the front. Is it possible to switch out the buttons to something smaller or in a color that 'pops'? I think the collars are a little large for your frame/bust-size and ideally a tighter herringbone pattern might be suitable for this style.

Posted 3 weeks ago

I think this coat is very cute on you!

Posted 3 weeks ago

Maya,
I love it on you. I would just wear taller boots because of its length. I think the shape is very flattering and I love the frayed edges!!

Posted 3 weeks ago

Maya, I love this coat on you too. It doesn't look shapeless and from the side it looks amazing. If you wear it enough that the pockets are a problem, could a tailor remove the flap and buttons and just make them welt pockets? It doesn't seem like it would be hard to do, but I'm not a seamstress.

Posted 3 weeks ago

I really like the coat on you but do have slight reservations about the pockets. Joy makes an excellent point about having the flaps removed.

Posted 3 weeks ago

Rena: This coat does not compete with the puffer. A puffer is never going to win against a tailored wool coat in terms of style, but it wins hands-down in terms of warmth. Of course this one looks better, but I am willing to compromise a little once the temps dip below freezing. As far as puffers go, I think the Zara one is as good as it gets.

Jean: Taller boots might work with the coat, but they won't work with the rest of me! I'm too short to have boots that are much taller than these.

Joy & Julie: I just did the easiest alteration of my life. I hacked off the buttons and just tucked the flaps into the pockets. They look like welted pockets now. I think I would still prefer the pockets to be less visible, but it's a lot less expensive than getting a whole new coat!

Posted 3 weeks ago

With the right accessories could you make this coat work fro the Free People interview?

Posted 3 weeks ago

It's waaaay too warm right now for this coat Julie. I still have no idea what to do with that interview, but apparently I dress well under pressure. I came up with my J Crew outfit with just a few hours to spare. I'm guessing that will be what happens this time too.

Posted 3 weeks ago

Good changes - I was just going to say I like the fit on you. It's hard to find a coat you will love for years.

Posted 3 weeks ago

I’ve seen this coat on Maya irl and complimented her on the look straight away. Do you remember that Maya?

The collar on the coat is SO flattering. It creates a V which is best for the bustline, but the collar lapels are huge which is an excellent design feature for Maya’s dainty shoulders and long neck. I adore the false plain fabric too (very versatile and dirt friendly).

I have no problem with the pockets! They look great. And the DB effect actually works because the rest of the silhouette is flattering. I hope that makes sense :0)

Posted 3 weeks ago

Thanks Angie. I do remember you liked it back in January now. And the red coat too :)

I will put off getting a new coat then! I'm relieved. Two coats in one season would be painful for my wallet.

Posted 3 weeks ago

Maya - joining in late but I think this coat is excellent - extremely flattering on you.

Posted 3 weeks ago

I am also late, but I do think that the coat looks beautiful on you.

Posted 3 weeks ago