https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/can-we-talk-outerwear Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Sun, 12 Apr 2026 15:54:46 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/can-we-talk-outerwear/page/2#post-1992939 Thu, 17 Jan 2019 01:49:04 +0000 bj1111 1992939@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>nemosmom, I hear you on the bulkiness of long puffers. &nbsp;I wish I could be warm enough with long johns and jeans. &nbsp;when I need a short puffer, I'm cold enough to need a long puffer. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/can-we-talk-outerwear/page/2#post-1992844 Wed, 16 Jan 2019 21:24:07 +0000 nemosmom 1992844@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><div><b>bj111</b> - yes! my puff vest is uniqlo and it is awesome. I sometimes layer it under my thinner jackets in the fall.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>smittie</b> - there are cars that auto start?!?! WHAT! :O When I drive, it's not usually far, but it's many stops, and in/out a lot, and depending on the day it involves buckling and unbuckling the kids from the back. So the futzing with the tail of the coat is maddening. Mostly when I sit on it and nearly strangle myself....</div><div><br /></div><div><b>anchie</b> - I would love the warmth of a long puffer, I just don't love them. I tried some on yesterday, and they were just overwhelming. Poofy hoods and neckrolls, bright hardware, plastic-painted-metallic logos on the sleeves, constricting to walk in... For now, I think I'll keep wearing long johns under my jeans and work my way toward a longer silhouette&nbsp; <br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b>Laura</b> - thank you for sharing your count. That is helpful! Sherpa hoodies are the best. I have one I use as loungewear!</div><div><br /><b>Lesley</b> - thanks for the vote on a short puffer. I am on the right track!<br /></div><div><b></b><br /></div></p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/can-we-talk-outerwear/page/2#post-1992815 Wed, 16 Jan 2019 19:45:58 +0000 Lesley 1992815@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Clocking in at 7 coats here in Syracuse, NY (we win the "Golden Snowball" award every year, thank you very much). But that is because I am a minimalist and also currently sans formal winter coat... I have been hunting like crazy this season for one but no dice yet.</p> <p>I was going to offer support that you were totally missing a short puffer... you need a short and a long to survive winter! Short is for spring and fall or "heat waves" (har) when it's cold but not crazy cold (or good for you, since you hate long coats). Long is for those deep wintry days when nothing else will keep you warm. I also do have a fleece-lined raincoat with a hood... it's pretty perfect for dog walking. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/can-we-talk-outerwear/page/2#post-1992814 Wed, 16 Jan 2019 19:45:27 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 1992814@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Anchie, you must have a warm puffer. Mine is lightweight, so the shortness is just right. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/can-we-talk-outerwear/page/2#post-1992812 Wed, 16 Jan 2019 19:43:31 +0000 Laura (rhubarbgirl) 1992812@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I agree with all, the two big gaps I see are a shorter 'lightweight' puffer/down jacket, and a hardcore knee-length down coat. Also options for rain.</p> <p>I have a large collection of light jackets because I too used to live in the Bay Area and wore them a lot then. Plus I tend to pick up vintage wool coats secondhand as they seem to last a long time and it's fun to have different colors. Numbers: I've got two vests, one insulated and one just wind-blocking; a couple of regular hoodies and one with sherpa inside; two raincoats, one shorter and one longer; one leather jacket; two jean jackets; one shorter wool jacket and two mid-thigh wool coats; two lightweight down jackets, one that's more gear-like and to the waist, one that's more formal and to low hip, and then one serious winter coat with down, insulation, and a hood. That's not counting the few fleeces I can wear alone or layered, or the many blazers and blazer-alikes that can be inside or outside wear depending on the weather. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/can-we-talk-outerwear/page/2#post-1992739 Wed, 16 Jan 2019 18:06:38 +0000 anchie 1992739@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>To be honest, I don’t really understand the point of a short puffer. When it is cold enough for puffer, I also need more coverage. But I don’t drive so that could be a reason. Those that you ordered look great, I would love to have a need for them. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/can-we-talk-outerwear/page/2#post-1992737 Wed, 16 Jan 2019 17:54:28 +0000 Anonymous 1992737@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Nice choices! I really like all of them.<br />I can see why you want a short puffer if you don't like sitting on your coat.<br />I really prefer sitting on my coat in the car. If I had car auto-start with heated seats, I might think differently! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/can-we-talk-outerwear/page/2#post-1992728 Wed, 16 Jan 2019 17:36:41 +0000 bj1111 1992728@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>also consider uniqlo packable down as layers under lighter outerwear to extend their season or even under other thinner puffers. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/can-we-talk-outerwear/page/2#post-1992714 Wed, 16 Jan 2019 16:53:00 +0000 nemosmom 1992714@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>Angie</b> - thank you for your feedback on Zara's puffer! 4 years is a good run! Both the Zara and the Boden look like they work beautifully with your wardrobe, too. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/can-we-talk-outerwear/page/2#post-1992711 Wed, 16 Jan 2019 16:41:41 +0000 Angie 1992711@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>Nemosmom,</b> I LOVE my Zara puffer. It's four years old, well made, and gorgeously tailored. It's glitzy and more equestrian than sporty. Fab gold hardware. I love my new Boden puffer too. Impeccable quality and a beautiful fit. Both are WORKHORSES. I'm open to a short white or red puffer too.&nbsp; </p> <p>Not too puffy and VERY warm.&nbsp;</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/can-we-talk-outerwear/page/2#post-1992708 Wed, 16 Jan 2019 16:32:14 +0000 nemosmom 1992708@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><div>Thanks again to everyone for ALL your help! I ordered a few short puffers. I couldn't decide on a color, so I got an assortment to try with my winter footwear (cognac, rust, olive, evergreen, grey). Finds below. Hopefully ONE of them will work....<b> </b><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>FYI: If anyone is looking for puffers, Zara has some out now that are made from recycled polyester/recycled plastic. <br /></div> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/can-we-talk-outerwear/page/2#post-1992610 Wed, 16 Jan 2019 13:44:06 +0000 nemosmom 1992610@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><div><b>Roberta</b> - Hi Chicagoan! *waves* I love yellow in the winter. I'm thinking whatever I add will need to be a happy color... there's a lot of black!</p> <p><b>Fashintern</b> - there are some great thin options out there. I just don't know how insulating they are....<br /></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b>Jessikams</b> - YES! Thank you! I tried on a puffer yesterday that was had a collapsible hood (it folds/tucks into the collar), but even that was too bulky and I felt claustrophobic. I can imagine having a hood and dealing with seatbelts, and bag straps would be challenging. UGH winter :(</div></p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/can-we-talk-outerwear/page/2#post-1992591 Wed, 16 Jan 2019 12:47:57 +0000 Jessikams 1992591@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>If adding to your coat wardrobe, give some thought to the hood/ no hood issue too. I find hoods mildly annoying because my crossbody bags get sorta tangled in them when I try to take the bag off upon coming indoors. And if it’s cold and windy, I prefer a nice snug hat rather than a flappy hood catching the wind like a sail. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/can-we-talk-outerwear/page/2#post-1992558 Wed, 16 Jan 2019 08:16:06 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 1992558@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><div>"short puffers are THE BEST for driving"</div><div>I think that depends on puffy the puffer is. Nothing like fighting through a mound of pillow to reach the seatbelt over your shoulder, then digging to find the other half under more stuffing.<br /></div> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/can-we-talk-outerwear/page/2#post-1992509 Wed, 16 Jan 2019 02:34:59 +0000 Roberta 1992509@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I am also a Chicago gal, and have an assortment of coats for driving, walking, work, casual, and one coat that is long and warm and very pretty for a couple of winter engagements that I attend every year. What I have enjoyed most in the past year is something I "stole" from Angie - a bright yellow peacoat. It's wool and quite warm, incredibly cheerful in cold, dark weather, and great in the car. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/can-we-talk-outerwear/page/2#post-1992485 Wed, 16 Jan 2019 00:55:31 +0000 Angie 1992485@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Great.&nbsp;</p> <p><b>Nemosmom,</b> short puffers are THE BEST for driving. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/can-we-talk-outerwear#post-1992436 Tue, 15 Jan 2019 21:15:20 +0000 nemosmom 1992436@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>torontogirl</b> - YES! Thank you for the reminder!! I hit Nordstrom Rack this morning to poke around and ALMOST walked out with a black leather moto.... I MUST STAY FOCUSED!</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/can-we-talk-outerwear#post-1992427 Tue, 15 Jan 2019 21:06:03 +0000 Helena 1992427@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>nemosmom, Chicago and Toronto are very similar weather-wise (my cousins can tell me their weather today, so I know what we're getting tomorrow :)</p> <p>It's easy to be too coat-heavy for spring and fall, because, as you note, they tend to be SHORT and consist more of wild swings between warm and cold, rather than truly temperate weather. But of course these are the most fun coats from a fashion perspective. So as an aside, I would maintain the variety you have for these seasons (although maybe not build this area), even if you only have a few weeks to enjoy them - make the most of it! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/can-we-talk-outerwear#post-1992426 Tue, 15 Jan 2019 20:58:59 +0000 nemosmom 1992426@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>ooh <b>smitte</b> that's a COOL coat! Sold out in my size... I found a few others I liked on ASOS, but pickings are slim.... who knew winter was a&nbsp; bad time to shop for coats! HA! </p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/can-we-talk-outerwear#post-1992425 Tue, 15 Jan 2019 20:57:06 +0000 nemosmom 1992425@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><div><b>Christina</b> - your winters sound like mine; jackets come out late in September and don't get put away until at least mid-May. Seeing your collection was helpful; thank you for posting it!</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Angie</b> - It's technically a 4-season climate here, but our Spring and Fall are <u>very</u> short. I drive more now than I did in SF (I didn't own a car and walked or used transit to get everywhere). I'll explore puffers again - it sounds like they are frontrunners in what I am missing. I love that you have ones that aren't black. Thank you for those links - I will go read up!</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Joy</b> - yes! I have freezing seats, too! But I don't like futzing with the "tail" of my coat. Your Lole looks nice, and not gear-ish at all.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Fashintern</b> - Yeah, I. don't like the blob effect either. I DO want more colorful than black. There are a lot of black coats out here and I'm just not a fan of them <i>for me</i>... I need to remind myself to be PPP and hopefully something will turn up.<br /></div></p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/can-we-talk-outerwear#post-1992380 Tue, 15 Jan 2019 18:30:03 +0000 Anonymous 1992380@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I've seen a few of these sherpa motos at Zara over the past few months.&nbsp; (Maybe they're called 'aviator jackets'? Not sure.) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/can-we-talk-outerwear#post-1992345 Tue, 15 Jan 2019 17:32:18 +0000 Angie 1992345@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>A few more thoughts, <b>Nemosmom</b>. (I missed you were in Chicago).&nbsp;</p> <ul> <li>You need a short, warm FUN puffer</li> <li>You need a LONG arctic puffer</li> <li>Denim jackets and light weight blazers can be worn UNDER coats so they're not as seasonal as you might expect</li> <li>Wool coats differ in their level of warmth, which is why I have an assortment</li> <li>I'm also VERY picky about lengths, which is why I have an assortment</li> </ul> <p>You might find these posts helpful:&nbsp; </p> <p><a rel="nofollow" href="https://youlookfab.com/2018/10/23/driving-and-outerwear/">https://youlookfab.com/2018/10.....outerwear/</a></p> <p><a rel="nofollow" href="https://youlookfab.com/2017/10/30/length-variety-in-your-outerwear-capsule/">https://youlookfab.com/2017/10.....r-capsule/</a></p> <p><a rel="nofollow" href="https://youlookfab.com/2017/11/02/width-variety-in-your-outerwear-capsule/">https://youlookfab.com/2017/11.....r-capsule/</a></p> <p><a rel="nofollow" href="https://youlookfab.com/2017/01/09/celebrating-puffer-coats-jackets/">https://youlookfab.com/2017/01.....s-jackets/</a></p> <p><a rel="nofollow" href="https://youlookfab.com/2018/10/10/the-tale-of-two-capes/">https://youlookfab.com/2018/10.....two-capes/</a> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/can-we-talk-outerwear#post-1992342 Tue, 15 Jan 2019 17:24:38 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 1992342@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I've newly returned to the world of the 4 seasons, and can tell you what I have, because it seems to be mostly working for me:</p> <div>-cobalt blue parka with black faux fur around the hood (warmer than I've needed here this year)<br /></div><div>-just-past-the-knee length navy wool coat (that I've had since 8th grade) fitted, works for dressy and for wearing with tall boots to the corner store when I don't want to change out of my pajamas (lounge clothes)<br /></div><div>-LL Bean leather bomber jacket (20+ years, so it has a nice patina)</div><div>-lightweight red puffer with hood (important, because winter is drizzly here). I love this coat and have really enjoyed it in the 4 months I've had it, but it doesn't work with my new bag, so I'm looking for a different coat to fill that spot. I'd rather get more variety, not just another puffer.</div><div>-pale pink puffer vest with sherpa lining and fake fur around the hood</div><div>-unlined suede jacket that just comes to my hips</div><div>-red plaid baseball jacket bought 1.5 years ago, rarely worn. I'll keep it if I start wearing it this spring or fall, but otherwise it's out.</div><div>-peach and white leopard print trucker jacket that I expect to wear this spring</div><div>-bright blue rain jacket with hood, zero lining. <br /></div><div><br /></div><div>You've identified some functional holes, which is the most important part. Your coats are more colorful than most in Carla's recent (funny!) post. Do you want anything really bright/colorful? I generally don't like coats that reach just below the fingertips, but am considering something like the finds here to replace the red puffer. Being fitted and such bright colors, I think they'd feel happy to me. How do you feel about the shapes? Both of my puffers are slightly fitted; my parka is cocoon shaped and the only "blob" shaped coat I have, as the rest are pretty short (except for the one that isn't). That's intentional. I'm not crazy about surrendering the waist, and winter clothing often feels like "surrender the entire shape of the human form" to me. Obviously, you need to know thyself and not copy me, but those are a couple things to consider. Good luck and stay warm!<br /></div></p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/can-we-talk-outerwear#post-1992320 Tue, 15 Jan 2019 15:51:00 +0000 Anonymous 1992320@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Lost reply twice! Chicago needs warm coats. Puffer coats seem to adjust to warmth needed and are light weight.<br /> In finds, my most worn winter coats. This year I am alternating mostly between the last two but I like sitting on a coat in the car....freezing leather seats.<br /> Most winters and warmer days I wear the first 3 or a trench coat.<br /> My sister lives in Chicago and love to wear a wool with faux fur lining cape all winter. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/can-we-talk-outerwear#post-1992314 Tue, 15 Jan 2019 15:34:16 +0000 Angie 1992314@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>Nemosmom,</b> where do you live in the US? If you live in four seasons - I don't put a brake on the outerwear. But you need the<i> RIGHT</i> outerwear capsule.&nbsp;</p> <p>I&nbsp;am outside in the&nbsp;elements a lot - urban living and dog walking - and I feel cold fast. I have a huge and very varied outerwear capsule.&nbsp;Different looks,&nbsp;colours, lengths, dress codes, and thicknesses. Nothing is orphaned - but of course, some items are more used than others.&nbsp;</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/can-we-talk-outerwear#post-1992309 Tue, 15 Jan 2019 15:16:00 +0000 Christina F. 1992309@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><div>Apparently, I have 10 pieces of outerwear! We have a four season climate but I need outerwear from Oct-May most of the time, sometimes even into June.</div><div><br /></div><div>I could probably stand to have another option in the colder months, but storage is an issue for me. I also often wish I had a dressy counterpart to the green jacket, which is pretty lightweight - the red trench is a bit heavy to work in the same temps, and I'm very temperature sensitive.<br /></div><div><br /></div><div>This is not counting denim jackets and other such toppers, which I mostly wear as toppers indoors or at night in the summer. The blue raincoat and purple coat are mostly worn for travel/outdoors type stuff.<br /></div> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/can-we-talk-outerwear#post-1992308 Tue, 15 Jan 2019 15:11:00 +0000 nemosmom 1992308@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>Suz</b> - you have a great collection. I had a wool peacoat that was too small; that could be an option. And there is a unanimous vote for puffers.... OF COURSE you can pm me re: your waxed jacket!!</p> <p><div><b>Glory</b> - thank you ! Your list is helpful! <br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b>Synne</b> - your collection is fab! I love your assortment! And it's nice to hear that your outerwear is a continuous work in progress. I thought one-and-done would work for me, but apparently not.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>kkards</b> - Great questions! Yes, I have a snowboarding jacket (gear) I wear for playing in snow, and I wear my parka for windy walking. Those 20 degree days still throw me and that may be my biggest hole. You make a great point about the lightweight+packability of the puffer....</div><div><br /></div><div><b>suntiger</b> - sorry to hear about your computer problems! Your blush colored puffer is a beautiful color.<br /></div><div><b></b><br /></div></p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/can-we-talk-outerwear#post-1992301 Tue, 15 Jan 2019 14:19:47 +0000 Anonymous 1992301@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I only have 4 winter toppers, these 3 plus a black faux shearling, but definitely could use a long puffer. Was hunting but computer repairs derailed it....<br /> Love that teal coat, but it looks like you dont have anything really warm. Echoing the need for a puffer! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/can-we-talk-outerwear#post-1992287 Tue, 15 Jan 2019 12:16:03 +0000 kkards 1992287@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>hmmm, i think 10-15 sounds about right for a 4 season&nbsp;environment.<br />that being said,&nbsp;<br />~do you have a coat to wear sledding/playing in snow with the kids?<br />~walking outside in windy Chicago?&nbsp;<br />~wearing &nbsp;days that start at 20F and end at 60F?</p> <p>as others have said, i think a puffer is esstential.<br />part of the reason that i like puffers is that weight of the coat vs the warmth...so that if i need to take the coat off inside its not like carrying around a 10 pound weight and i can even roll it up and stuff it in a bag if needed.... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/can-we-talk-outerwear#post-1992248 Tue, 15 Jan 2019 05:23:18 +0000 rachylou 1992248@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Nordstrom! </p>