Latest Installment in Becky's Coat Saga

My quest for the perfect winter coat continues. This happens to be red coat #3 in the series. It is the Double weave three-quarters jacket from Talbots in cardinal red.

Front view I:
http://i285.photobucket.com/al.....oo/039.jpg

Front view II:
http://i285.photobucket.com/al.....oo/043.jpg

Back view:
http://i285.photobucket.com/al.....oo/042.jpg

Side view:
http://i285.photobucket.com/al.....oo/040.jpg

I like the way it fits better than the previous two coats (I didn’t post pics of the second one, the Calvin Klein from Nordstrom; it was so large it swallowed me whole, and 2P was the smallest size available). This one is more streamlined and gives a hint of waist definition rather than just roominess in that area.

The downside is it’s not wool, so it won’t be as warm, plus I doubt it will wear as well over time. It’s not crucial that I have an extraordinarily warm coat, since our winters are relatively mild, and this would not be my “walk my kid to school in freezing weather” coat.

What do you think of the length? I’m still so confused about whether a coat is supposed to be longer than one’s skirt length, or if shorter is OK, especially for petites.

CRS would be great if you feel comfortable with that, or any other comments/feedback are welcome.

17 years ago

shiny

Veteran

I'll let someone else comment on the length. I do think Angie has rules about this, but I don't remember them! Personally, I have and probably will again wear coats that are shorter than my skirt. I still think that skirt looks a tad long on you for some reason though.

I like: the color, the three buttons (they hit you perfectly), the shape in general.

I'm wondering: what size is this, and could you size down or is this the smallest? It looks just a TAD big in the shoulders and waist. Just a tad. If this is the smallest size, I'd say keep it. Plus you could probably wear a jacket or bulky sweater underneath.

Have you thought of trying out Old Navy's new petites? This could be cute on you (I think it comes in red too):

http://www.oldnavy.com/browse/.....=610874002

(I was just about to post my own coat thread too)

Anonymous

I LOVE the three buttons and where they hit you. I wonder if you can go down a size? If this is the smallest size I say keep it. If you can, I'd say try a size smaller on to see how it looks and feels. This is not so big looking that it is a definate no. Just a tad big looking in the shoulders, almost not worth mentioning. It is by far the best one so far. It really looks like you, I hope you like it.

Becky

Thanks for the feedback. This is actually the smallest size offered, so no luck sizing down. Actually, the coat feels quite snug in the shoulder area; I'm not sure I *could* wear anything very bulky underneath. I have on a medium-weight sweater underneath in this pic, and it felt like I wouldn't want more bulk. The sleeves are too long, though, and would have to be hemmed.

Amanda

Active Member

Becky, I think it is okay to have a coat that is shorter than the skirt like you have -- but I don't know the "official rules." I really like this coat and even though to our YLF eagle eyes it does a tiny bit big at the shoulder, I say if you like it keep it. You look great in red and that style.

Kristen

(website)

I don't think the length is a problem, but as long as you're getting the sleeves hemmed, I think the fit is good. I actually think the buttons are a little big for your frame; I know it's a pain to find petites, but one of the great things about that size is that when you wear proportional clothes, you look absolutely tiny! The size of the buttons don't let you quite get that key proportion. You might want to consider swapping them out at some point.

The color is fantastic!

marianne

Hi Becky, I think the coat looks awesome! I don't see the problem with the shoulder fit. The color looks great on you.
I don't remember Angie's rules about coat length, but I usually don't wear skirts longer than my coat - maybe an inch longer if it's a dark pencil skirt... Come to think of it I haven't worn skirts in winter in ages, so that's what I USED to do.
Does the material have wool content?

Antje

Becky, I really like the coat. I think it's perfect for you, very flattering style and color. However, and this is a big however, I don't think it looks good over the skirt. I think this is a wonderful coat over pants, but it just doesn't look quite as fab over the skirt. It might be the length (not sure what the right formula is, though) or maybe this relatively straight style of coat just generally doesn't work so well over a skirt. I personally do not wear this style of coat with a skirt. I either wear a short jacket (e.g. bomber style), or a more tailored or belted coat with a skirt.
If you're looking for a coat mainly to wear with pants and only occasionally to wear with a skirt, then I think this is fine. However, if you wear skirts a lot in winter, I'm not sure this is the best you can do.

Becky, back at about the time of NAS, I was (and still am) looking for the perfect winter coat. Like you, mine doesn't have to be especially heavy, so I was looking at Nordy's trenches. None would cover a knee length skirt. Angie advised me to wait for more coats to come out. Dress length just doesn't seem to be the style this year for most coats. I'm sure that they should ideally cover your skirt. I was even ready to invest in a Burberry if it had been the right length. Maybe next year.

http://youlookfab.com/2008/01/.....ng-a-coat/

and

http://youlookfab.com/2006/12/.....d-dresses/

Alecia

Joy, thank you so much for posting those links. Very helpful. Becky, I like the fit and color of the jacket but do think you need to take into account the length and what you'll likely be wearing with it most.

Thank you, Antje and Joy, for your insight into the length issue. I do want a multipurpose coat that will work for both pants and skirts (can only afford one coat right now), so I'll just keep looking...

Bump for Angie.

Angie

Fashion Stylist

yoohoo Becky!

Love the coat and it fits well if you shorten the sleeves. Fabulous elongating cut and super colour!

I do not prefer the length and style of the coat with the skirt. Coats look better shorter, or at least the same length as the skirt or frock. Remember this?

Also, belted longer coats look better with skirts and frocks which is to Antje’s point. This coat is perfect for pants. Any chance you can get a shorter coat for skirts as well?

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