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The coat arrived...

Astrid

Veteran

... and it's just beautiful. Really awesome quality. But unfortunately the shoulders are too wide and it's too thin to be a true fall and winter coat. I could see this working in fall, with warm layers underneath. But definitely not in winter. And I want a truly warm wool coat! Ah well, it was worth a try.

Just curious, what do you think of the style on me in general? I don't think this quite hits the mark thinking about where I want to go with my style, but I can't quite put my finger on the reasons. Maybe it's too classic?

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33 replies

Latest reply was from Astrid

Ankita

(website)

I can't get over how cute you look (hope you don't mind being called cute).
I love the color of the coat, I have something in the same colour but it's a diff design, it flares at the waist and trust me Ive worn it every single day in winters for years... it was warm and pretty n cozy ☺
Apart from the fact that is not thick enough for winters what else about it is not sitting right with you?
If anything, I wish this fit better (tighter) from waist down... just a tad bit.

catgirl

Veteran

I LOVE this style of coat - I had a vintage one that was "misplaced" (really stolen by someone who gave me a ride home in college) and I have never gotten over it. But the warmth issue is a factor.

Astrid

Veteran

Thanks Ankita. Yes the color is great! I'm not sure, I guess somehow the vibe is different than I would want it to be. It lacks a bit of a twist? This fit is actually pretty good around my hips, you couldn't go tighter with this kind of cut. There's a lot of room around my waist, but if I want to go tighter there I would need a much more exaggerated fit and flare cut.

Astrid

Veteran

Thanks Una! Yes, the warmth is definitely a dealbreaker. I once had a favourite coat stolen, too. It's the worst.

cheryle (Dianthus)

(website)

Veteran

I think the shape is fab but it looks a bit big everywhere. The sad thing is most really cute coats aren't warm enough for winter if you live in a cold climate.

ETA: It has a menswear vibe to me which is offset by the seaming and tailoring at the waist.

Anonymous

It does look like a lovely coat.
It does look classic. Maybe 50's/60's classic. I'm not sure whether that's 'you' or not.
Now that you know it's good quality, maybe you can find something else by the same brand.

Astrid

Veteran

Thanks Dianthus. That's sadly true! I was hopeful because this is completely wool, but it's very thin and lightweight, not substantial at all.

Thanks Smittie - I'm going to keep an eye on the brand, but if they don't get new coats later on then there won't be anything else. All the other styles are either not my thing or much more expensive.

Gaylene

Veteran

I think the style has definite possibilities, but this particular coat needs some tailoring in the waist area. I wouldn't go so far as a fit-and-flare because I like the longer, straight line on you. But, if this coat fit in the shoulders and was a bit narrower in the midsection, I think the style would be a winner.

Joy

Veteran

Astrid, it might be the color. Maybe the same coat in a hunter green or deep red would be more appealing to you. Adding a scarf could also change things.

unfrumped

Veteran

I like the color but think you might look fab in something deeper or more colorful.
Also like what Gaylene says--something a bit sleeker. Though that can be hard for layering.
I think maybe the collar is very conservative. Sort of what I call the Johnny collar though may not be exactly, More of a lapel would look sharper.
No help, I realize.

Anonymous

It's very pretty but it might be a little too predictable? I think Joy is right that another color would make it better suited to you? Or some kind of unusual details? If it really fit well it might look different too but the overall effect is too little girl for me.

Diana

Veteran

I think it's gorgeous and I like the style a lot. I had the same thought as joy - maybe you just need it in a color.

abc

Veteran

Wow. I really like this but see the fit issue. And if it's not warm enough, what a shame. For me I love love love this coat but get your issues. Next ..

Amy

(website)

Veteran

I LOVE your short hair.

I really like this sort of coat too. To me, it's a good building block and can support a lot of different style directions. It depends HOW you wear it. The other parts of your outfit will provide the character. (We all wear t-shirts, but how we wear them varies a lot.)

Alassë

Veteran

Apart from the size, I think the coat looks very good on you.

gryffin

Veteran

Astrid - gosh I love that coat on you!! Ladylike, refined, elegant. Similiar to the Kate Spade Franny coat but minus the peter pan collar. I am no help. I don't like tight coats and I always size up to layer. If you only need one coat than, I'm sure you'll want warmer but if there was a place for fall/spring coats I just think it's fabulous!! Of course if it's that roomy, you could layer a thin down vest underneath and call it a day!!

Suz

(website)

Veteran

I love it, too, Astrid -- I think it is amazing on you. I am sorry it doesn't fit right and is not warm enough -- but oh -- I wish it could work for you. The texture is lovely; adds quiet interest. It feels retro in the best possible way to me.

It's possible that Joy has a point and you'd prefer it in a bright colour -- but this is the kind of coat you can accessorize with many colours of scarf and hat.

Firecracker (Sharan)

Veteran

I really like the style on you, Astrid. The empire seam is subtle, but along with the collar, it adds a touch of femininity to the style. I wonder, though, whether that is what is striking you as not quite right. You look so fabulous in the peacoat style, and perhaps just because I've seen you in it, I think of that style as more you. I wonder if this style is just a little too feminine, too girlish almost, for your taste.

E

Veteran

Too bad it didn't work out!

As far as what's throwing you...I think it's got a 60s ladylike vibe, which I don't usually get from your outfits. Which isn't to say you couldn't style it in a different way, but that might be what's giving you pause. You wear feminine pieces but not usually ladylike ones.

Summer

Veteran

What a pity, Astrid, but you need the warmth and a perfect fit.
I've been trying to pinpoint what it is about the style that is not quite right for you. I think Joy and Firecracker make good points about the colour and the slight girlishness of the style - I think it's the empire seaming plus the length. For some reason, I see you in a deeper colour, a longer length and more fitted through the waist - a little more dramatic and sophisticated. I don't know if that fits your current style aspiration, though.

Style Fan

Veteran

I like the coat but it does look a bit big. If it is not warm enough then what is the point? The style may not be for you. I like that look but it is a personal thing.
I have a gorgeous cognac Theory coat that is not very warm. Guess how much I wear it? Very little. Maybe once or twice a year. And it was very expensive. Kate Middleton has a similar one. I had mine first.

dakotacheryl

Veteran

Astrid, the length of the coat is perfect on you. I can see the shoulder width issue better on the photo from the back.
A peacoat style would probably be warmer due to the double layer over your core, and usually the wool is thicker on that style.
Good luck on finding your perfect coat!!

Astrid

Veteran

Thank you so much for the input, everyone! You got me thinking about it and I don't think it's the color, which I rather like, although something a bit deeper might be lovely. But I think those of you who thought it too "girly", "ladylike" or "predictable" are on the right track. If the fabric would have been warmer I would have seriously thought about trying one size down (which would be the smallest size available), but I can only afford one new coat and it has to be warm enough. So it's definitely going back.

(I also think this coat got so many positive responses partly because you can just see the quality. Know what I mean?)

I have already ordered another coat in a totally different style to try. Shorter, in a darker blue with a slight oversized cocoon shape. As different to this one as it gets, but they only had small stock in a size 36 left and with sale and further reductions available right now it would be only half the price of this one. And a well known ethical clothing brand too. So I just had to give it a try. Might be interesting to compare very different vibes in any case.

rachylou

Veteran

Um, yes: No. I think the problem is, you look like you're going to ask for more porridge. It's that sort of coat. I should think something more sophisticated.

Astrid

Veteran

LOL, you totally cracked me up.

rachylou

Veteran

Lol. Jus' sayin'...

viva

Veteran

I'm really looking forward to seeing you in the cocoon coat. I think a more sophisticated and modern (minimal) style would be a wonderful shift -- and quite different from this coat.

As for this coat, here's my take:
It's actually less girly than I expected. I think that's probably because it's too big, but I expected it to be more fitted, especially in the shoulders and upper back. But I am not convinced that even a size down would be as trim as I thought it would be.
It's got a gorgeous texture -- and it makes me realize that this is what I love about fall/winter dressing. There really isn't any texture in spring and summer fashion. Everything is so one-dimensional!
It's nice but it doesn't really add anything.
And then, there's the whole orphan thing. (Rachylou is so funny!)

Can't wait to see the next one!

Astrid

Veteran

Thanks - hopefully it will ship quickly. You're so right about texture and winter dressing, I think that's why I find so difficult to feel fab in summer clothes and mostly settle for comfortable and "good enough".

viva

Veteran

BTW, I ended up with a cocoon coat last year and I love how it looks with short hair.

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