YouLookFab Forum » Topic: coats and midis: how to avoid the frump

YouLookFab Forum » Topic: coats and midis: how to avoid the frump https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/coats-and-midis-how-to-avoid-the-frump Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Tue, 14 Apr 2026 23:01:12 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 <![CDATA[Search]]> q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php nemosmom on "coats and midis: how to avoid the frump" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/coats-and-midis-how-to-avoid-the-frump/page/2#post-1990635 Thu, 10 Jan 2019 17:01:30 +0000 nemosmom 1990635@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Janet, that coat is a beautiful color! Smittie, I'm with you on longline puffer hesitation. Part of me feels it leans gear-ish, and not as fashion-y as *I* want with a dress. That's my personal hangup, though... Stagiaire Fash on "coats and midis: how to avoid the frump" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/coats-and-midis-how-to-avoid-the-frump/page/2#post-1990596 Thu, 10 Jan 2019 15:06:43 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 1990596@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Smittie, if you try that M Dutti, please post pictures. I'm well covered for my winter outerwear, so pix from someone here are as close as I'm likely to get to that one, much as I love it and the color, lol. Janet on "coats and midis: how to avoid the frump" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/coats-and-midis-how-to-avoid-the-frump/page/2#post-1990594 Thu, 10 Jan 2019 15:03:40 +0000 Janet 1990594@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ All puffers are not created equal! Some are really puffy, some heavy, and some like my long one are magically lightweight and not too puffy, yet warm enough, which is great for keeping a streamlined silhouette and not looking like the Michelin Man. It actually packs down into a pouch! If you go the puffy route, I would look for something like that. It’s probably not the absolute warmest for arctic cold, but I found it perfectly comfortable for hours of walking around European cities in the winter, layered over a top and a sweater. It’s also great that when you take it off and need to hang it up or throw it over a chair back, you don’t have to be so precious about it, like you may feel with a wool coat. Anonymous on "coats and midis: how to avoid the frump" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/coats-and-midis-how-to-avoid-the-frump/page/2#post-1990580 Thu, 10 Jan 2019 14:16:20 +0000 Anonymous 1990580@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Nice shopping Janet. Looks good. For myself, I prefer straight coats to belted ones, so you and Fashintern have given me some hope that something straight might work. Gail, those coats look great. I am now all over the Reiss site. Lena- faux fur is another great idea. Maybe in a fun colour? My lifestyle is pretty casual, despite being in the city. Sal and Brooklyn - thanks for the tips! Waving to my friends in the South. Jessikams- nodding along with you about the utility of a long coat for long cardigan wear. I will need to think about whether I can deal with a long wool coat. I’m on the fence about a long-line puffer. That is a lot of puff! Janet on "coats and midis: how to avoid the frump" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/coats-and-midis-how-to-avoid-the-frump/page/2#post-1990568 Thu, 10 Jan 2019 13:41:30 +0000 Janet 1990568@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Lisa, the price — and the fact that there was exactly one of these in stock, and it was my size — pushed me over the edge into taking it home. I was in workout gear about to take a Peloton test ride so I wasn’t fully trusting what I saw in the mirror, but I think it fits me nicely. And when I went to check out, I had a $30 Nordstrom Note waiting for me to use, so a nice coat for $90 is a darn good deal. I’ll take pics and do a new post later today. Sorry to threadjack! Jessikams on "coats and midis: how to avoid the frump" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/coats-and-midis-how-to-avoid-the-frump/page/2#post-1990504 Thu, 10 Jan 2019 08:43:38 +0000 Jessikams 1990504@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I am having this exact problem! With the midi or maxi skirt, plus too-short coat and then all the scarf/hat etc, I somehow feel like I am wearing a burqa. Not that there’s anything wrong with that, but it’s not my target look. I would love to get a longer coat as it would also solve the long-cardigan-coverage issue....but not sure if I want it enough to squeeze it into the budget. Thank you for reassuring me I am not alone in midi frumpitude! Stagiaire Fash on "coats and midis: how to avoid the frump" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/coats-and-midis-how-to-avoid-the-frump/page/2#post-1990498 Thu, 10 Jan 2019 07:40:13 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 1990498@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Janet, very nice! You know I love the color. It also gives me courage to say what I've been thinking on this thread; I don't think waist definition matters here. Your new coat is a great example of a swoosh of color that looks sleek and lovely, without the complication of a waist. Anonymous on "coats and midis: how to avoid the frump" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/coats-and-midis-how-to-avoid-the-frump/page/2#post-1990451 Thu, 10 Jan 2019 03:36:56 +0000 Anonymous 1990451@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ That’s a great coat , Janet , and what a good price too . Janet on "coats and midis: how to avoid the frump" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/coats-and-midis-how-to-avoid-the-frump/page/2#post-1990428 Thu, 10 Jan 2019 02:17:43 +0000 Janet 1990428@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I just tried on this coat while I was out making returns at Nordstrom. And, um, it might have come home with me. OK, OK, it did come home with me. Something like this would be a great length and a modern classic over a midi dress or skirt, IMHO. It’s a little longer on me than on the model — I like that it’s streamlined and classic but modern feeling. Brooklyn on "coats and midis: how to avoid the frump" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/coats-and-midis-how-to-avoid-the-frump/page/2#post-1990421 Thu, 10 Jan 2019 01:51:43 +0000 Brooklyn 1990421@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I agree with Sally. If you are doing a longer coat then I think a bit of waist definition (either a belt or just some shaping), will look flattering. I actually don’t mind the look of the skirt peeking out from under the coat, as long as the colours of the coat and the skirt play well together. Sal on "coats and midis: how to avoid the frump" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/coats-and-midis-how-to-avoid-the-frump/page/2#post-1990412 Thu, 10 Jan 2019 01:20:41 +0000 Sal 1990412@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ It is tricky - I think coats for midis need are ideally longer (almost to the knee) or shorter (hip length).  My coats are mostly mid thigh so I have this problem too. In saying that I suspect you look fantastic and not frumpy at all!! Stagiaire Fash on "coats and midis: how to avoid the frump" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/coats-and-midis-how-to-avoid-the-frump/page/2#post-1990302 Wed, 09 Jan 2019 21:09:38 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 1990302@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Lena, sounds to me like you're doing unintentional tonal matching or color compliments. Some of us work at that and here you are, doing it beautifully without even trying! Anonymous on "coats and midis: how to avoid the frump" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/coats-and-midis-how-to-avoid-the-frump/page/2#post-1990300 Wed, 09 Jan 2019 21:02:38 +0000 Anonymous 1990300@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Hey maybe thats the solution-same color coat Lena on "coats and midis: how to avoid the frump" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/coats-and-midis-how-to-avoid-the-frump/page/2#post-1990279 Wed, 09 Jan 2019 19:59:31 +0000 Lena 1990279@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ This subject is exactly what I've been trying to find a solution on this winter, thanks for posting it! To me, everything that's warm enough in my wardrobe looks frumpy with my midi dress. But as I want to wear the dress outside of the house too, I've given in and just put something on. I have a slightly oversized and very cosy fake fur, that is longer than knee-length but still not as long as the dress. Both the fur and the dress are of the same colour, but the patterns and hues differ. To my surprise, I've got compliments from strangers every single time I've used this combination. I have no idea why, as I still think it looks frumpy and out of proportion, but if it's good enough for other people, who am I to judge? I'll stick to to my fake fur.   Gail on "coats and midis: how to avoid the frump" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/coats-and-midis-how-to-avoid-the-frump#post-1990256 Wed, 09 Jan 2019 19:04:01 +0000 Gail 1990256@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I wear the two coats below over my midi dresses. The Laundry one is the one I reach for the most as it's warm and is more comfortable over dresses. The belted coat is more form fitting and not as long, however it is longer on me than in the pic. The Laundry coat has velvet trim so it looks a little dressier. Stagiaire Fash on "coats and midis: how to avoid the frump" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/coats-and-midis-how-to-avoid-the-frump#post-1990236 Wed, 09 Jan 2019 17:59:57 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 1990236@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Suntiger, googling "Kate Spade pink coat" gives the impression that they put one out nearly every year. But this is the only one with the awesome frill at the bottom Let's band together in our search Angie on "coats and midis: how to avoid the frump" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/coats-and-midis-how-to-avoid-the-frump#post-1990235 Wed, 09 Jan 2019 17:56:10 +0000 Angie 1990235@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Suz,  (and Smittie), I LOVE MIDIS TOO. I don't feel frumpy in my long coats and midis. Or in the volume. And I don't wear heels. Some of the proportions that Amber is wearing - (thanks for the great link Cardiff Girl!) - where she gives them the thumbs down are proportions that I feel fab in! I think they look Modern, 2019, Urban, Personal, and Authentic. Or at the very least, JFE. And I don't wear the heels she's wearing.  Back to Amber's post - she's dead right with her suggestions if you want to create classic, and traditionally flattering proportions.  Cardiff girl on "coats and midis: how to avoid the frump" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/coats-and-midis-how-to-avoid-the-frump#post-1990225 Wed, 09 Jan 2019 17:37:33 +0000 Cardiff girl 1990225@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I can recommend this post by blogger forever Amber who tackles just this subject. <a href="https://foreveramber.co.uk/how-to-wear-a-midi-skirt" rel="nofollow">https://foreveramber.co.uk/how.....midi-skirt</a> nemosmom on "coats and midis: how to avoid the frump" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/coats-and-midis-how-to-avoid-the-frump#post-1990222 Wed, 09 Jan 2019 17:24:19 +0000 nemosmom 1990222@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Smittie - let me know if you find a warm moto! Anonymous on "coats and midis: how to avoid the frump" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/coats-and-midis-how-to-avoid-the-frump#post-1990206 Wed, 09 Jan 2019 16:47:20 +0000 Anonymous 1990206@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Fashintern don't tease me with that happy but sold out hot pink coat But I like that red one Suz posted too.... Suz on "coats and midis: how to avoid the frump" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/coats-and-midis-how-to-avoid-the-frump#post-1990200 Wed, 09 Jan 2019 16:32:08 +0000 Suz 1990200@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Angie, thank you -- that is what I am thinking. A really lightweight long puffer. Janet's is brilliant.  I think maybe my knee length coats are the wrong shape for my midis or something because it just looks "off." Or maybe your extra 2 inches of height helps with proportions somehow. I can't explain it but it's the frumpiest feeling ever! And I love midis, so want to wear them! By the way, Smittie, most of those custom Finds are Massimo Dutti or Aritzia. The Finds buttons weren't working when I collected. But some of the coats may still be available.  Angie on "coats and midis: how to avoid the frump" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/coats-and-midis-how-to-avoid-the-frump#post-1990196 Wed, 09 Jan 2019 16:25:16 +0000 Angie 1990196@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Smittie and Suz, I don't wear mid-length peacoats with my midis. I like those best with pants/jeans. I keep my coats long or wear a cape for the most part.  If I lived in a colder climate, I'd get the LONG puffer a la Janet, and the  Cole Haan that Suz has in her finds.  Suz on "coats and midis: how to avoid the frump" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/coats-and-midis-how-to-avoid-the-frump#post-1990190 Wed, 09 Jan 2019 16:13:38 +0000 Suz 1990190@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ ETA, the other night I wore my thigh length pea coat with my midi. It was "okay" but barely, in my mind. For daytime wear, not so much.  Cocoon coat doesn't work for me -- wrong shape. (Works great with a knee length sheath, though shorter than the dress -- but not with flared midis.)  Suz on "coats and midis: how to avoid the frump" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/coats-and-midis-how-to-avoid-the-frump#post-1990187 Wed, 09 Jan 2019 16:11:54 +0000 Suz 1990187@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I have been wanting to post on this topic for ages and was hoping for enlightenment. I feel as you do. And have been struggling. I collected a bunch of Finds that show different options, but then did not buy anything, except the Snow Queen coat, which only works if I am wearing a just-below-knee length midi (not longer) and not one with lots of pattern.  Years ago I did have a very long trench (wool) that I wore but you are completely right -- it got spotted with salt and slush almost instantly every time I wore it. It was also crazy heavy.  My feeling is that waist definition helps. But even then, the length/ shape can be off.  I don't have a solution. I want one.  Christina F. on "coats and midis: how to avoid the frump" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/coats-and-midis-how-to-avoid-the-frump#post-1990178 Wed, 09 Jan 2019 16:05:18 +0000 Christina F. 1990178@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <div>I sort of just wear what is best for the weather that day and don't worry about it too much. I am very sensitive to being both too cold and too warm (especially on NYC subways), so my warmest coats (black J Crew parka and long puffer) need to be saved for days under 40F. The short puffer and green coat can be worn above 40F. These four comprise my entire collection of non-gear winter coats, and I don't want to expand it since our wall-mounted coat rack has collapsed on us in the past.... the black coat was a surprise great addition this year (cheap from Amazon!), but it won't work in Canadian winter. </div> Anonymous on "coats and midis: how to avoid the frump" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/coats-and-midis-how-to-avoid-the-frump#post-1990172 Wed, 09 Jan 2019 15:59:41 +0000 Anonymous 1990172@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Fashintern: I am in Canada. Low temps, but I commute by car, so could get away with a shorter coat. But thigh length is ideal for warmth and maneuverability. Unfortuantely, this length feels a bit frumpy. LaPed again: I agree with you that longer coats get dingy. I don't love the idea of having a long wool coat constantly brushing up against my salty car. Would rather it be a puffer I think. Nemosmom and all: Yah, it seems like what it's coming down to is: - do nothing and wear with my peacoat (which might not be as frumpy as I think) - short puffer (provides warmth, at least in the upper area). As Jules alludes to, it really doesn't need to be a very thick puffer. If I need a thick puffer, it will be a long one. - hip length puffer with some waist emphasis (thanks Bj1111). - very long puffer (thanks Janet) - warm moto (thanks LaPed) Anonymous on "coats and midis: how to avoid the frump" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/coats-and-midis-how-to-avoid-the-frump#post-1990168 Wed, 09 Jan 2019 15:52:42 +0000 Anonymous 1990168@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Jules: I know nobody wears short coats because they're just not that warm. But I bet I could get away with it since I commute by car. Angie: " Looks are frumpy right up until they are fashionable. " -> So, so true. maybe the peacoat/midi combo is ok. The puffer/midi is hard to adjust to :-) LaPed: " a really warm moto-style or bomber jacket" -> Good idea. Diana: Thanks for the follow-up. Flared is a good idea. It seems like a big of flare is the key, unless you go really long or short. Janet: I like the idea of a long puffer and will think on it. I could wash it. I am weary of a long wool jacket in the slush. nemosmom on "coats and midis: how to avoid the frump" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/coats-and-midis-how-to-avoid-the-frump#post-1990167 Wed, 09 Jan 2019 15:51:12 +0000 nemosmom 1990167@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Yay! I have a very fashionable BFF! It may just be that you need a shorter coat. From Angie's Finds above, it looks like they are either hip, thigh or knee length - not much longer (hard to tell, exactly). Do you have a shorter coat you could play with? Stagiaire Fash on "coats and midis: how to avoid the frump" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/coats-and-midis-how-to-avoid-the-frump#post-1990165 Wed, 09 Jan 2019 15:46:22 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 1990165@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ As far as warmth--where are you/in what temps? I'm not wearing my LLBean bomber jacket much, because I'm too hot in it (unless I don't wear a sweater). Temps here have been around freezing, mostly just above. Btw, did this start with Suz's Snow Queen Coat (SQC)? Janet on "coats and midis: how to avoid the frump" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/coats-and-midis-how-to-avoid-the-frump#post-1990164 Wed, 09 Jan 2019 15:44:42 +0000 Janet 1990164@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Yeah, this is yet another reason why skirts and dresses are more summer wear for me. I agree with the advice to play up the proportion with a short jacket/coat. Or a really long puffer (the one I got last year works really well for all sorts of winter wear and is still lightweight enough that it never feels overwhelming).