https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/do-i-need-this-coat-1 Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Wed, 20 May 2026 04:36:38 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/do-i-need-this-coat-1/page/2#post-1613146 Mon, 08 Feb 2016 16:15:33 +0000 Glory 1613146@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I haven't read the whole thread so not sure the outcome. I would purchase the coat 100%. In the Violet!<br />When travelling it is terrible to consider each time the flaws of the coats and having to compromise, bring extra items. How lovely would it be to have that Go To item that you know works.<br />That being said, I love coats and have a few (and I no longer do any travel for work).&nbsp;</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/do-i-need-this-coat-1/page/2#post-1612963 Mon, 08 Feb 2016 02:43:38 +0000 shiny 1612963@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>LOL, Lisap, so true! My burberry has to be constantly brushed to remove road salt, blonde hair, and light-colored sweater fibers. Drives me nuts but I do love the fit and warmth. It replaced my cobalt Jcrew coat that had thinsulate. That coat was a workhorse and a favorite for soooo many years!! But I could not hold out much longer for a substantially warm wool coat that fit well and was not black.... so I went with black....</p> <p>If the red AT coat had thinsulate and longer sleeves, that would be the one I'd be wearing all winter instead. It reminds me a lot of my cobalt Jcrew coat... just not as warm.</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/do-i-need-this-coat-1/page/2#post-1612953 Mon, 08 Feb 2016 02:10:13 +0000 catgirl 1612953@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Sorry to be late! I tried this coat - IRL it is more purple than violet, it's weighty and it was way too big on me in a regular size. Even if it fit I'm not sure I would have kept it - it's quite structured and I felt lost in it. I hope you have better luck.</p> <p>ETA: I see you tried it already and know your size - good news! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/do-i-need-this-coat-1/page/2#post-1612922 Mon, 08 Feb 2016 00:58:16 +0000 Anonymous 1612922@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Black wool coats are brutal for travel anyways . Always full of lint , pet hair , assorted travelling debris etc . I feel like a hot mess in one . </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/do-i-need-this-coat-1/page/2#post-1612915 Mon, 08 Feb 2016 00:40:13 +0000 viva 1612915@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Approprio, I appreciate your intervention and the challenges you presented. It's important for me to think things through - and even if my ultimate decision is sometimes not wholly rational, I feel better if I've had to consider it thoroughly. So thank you! And please keep telling it as you see it. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/do-i-need-this-coat-1/page/2#post-1612762 Sun, 07 Feb 2016 19:29:07 +0000 approprio 1612762@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>viva, hope you didn't mind me playing the anti-shopper. The violet is a really good choice.&nbsp;</p> <p>gryffin, I have a Uniqlo ultralite compact jacket and I think it's great. It shed a few feathers to begin with but it soon settled down (haha). Can't comment on the sizing, but I think it's worth stalking that product line to see what different styles and colours they come up with.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/do-i-need-this-coat-1/page/2#post-1612754 Sun, 07 Feb 2016 19:22:47 +0000 shiny 1612754@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm so glad you went with the violet! &nbsp;*Happy dance*</p> <p>This coat is going to make packing a snap. You can focus on neutral underneath -- grays, whites, black, navy, denim. Will look awesome with a turtleneck, or toss on a pretty, colorful scarf (blues, pink, fuchsia, red, citron/yellow, plums) and you are good to go -- the coat will go with everything AND elevate everything.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/do-i-need-this-coat-1/page/2#post-1612725 Sun, 07 Feb 2016 18:39:00 +0000 gryffin 1612725@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Has anyone tried on the Uniqlo ultralight down compact coat? &nbsp;This looked like a good choice under the EF but I'm not sure how their sizing runs. &nbsp;I am usually a 4-6. <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.uniqlo.com/us/product/women-ultra-light-down-compact-coat-170521.html#02~/women/outerwear-and-blazers/ultra-light-down/compact-coat/"><a href="http://www.uniqlo.com/us/product/women-ultra-light-down-compact-coat-170521.html#02~/women/outerwear" rel="nofollow">http://www.uniqlo.com/us/produ...../outerwear</a>...</a>~ &nbsp;Does anyone have any input? &nbsp;Thanks. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/do-i-need-this-coat-1/page/2#post-1612712 Sun, 07 Feb 2016 18:08:49 +0000 columbine(erin) 1612712@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm glad you went for the violet. I hope it works out beautifully. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/do-i-need-this-coat-1#post-1612703 Sun, 07 Feb 2016 17:53:12 +0000 viva 1612703@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm done agonizing, and I'm heading outside with the dogs. Thank you all for your help with this one!</p> <p>And <b>Shiny&nbsp;</b>-- as a fellow New Englander, working traveler, and wearer of brightly colored coats, I found your advice particularly helpful.</p> <p><b>Shiny and TG: </b>Regarding the final color choice, your comments made me think of my most recent coat purchase. When I went to buy my much-needed puffer this year -- I gave my winter jacket to DD2 and did not have anything at all that was snow-worthy -- I went for lipstick red instead of black. Everywhere I go, women are wearing black puffers. They are definitely more sophisticated looking than I am, but that red makes me happy. Remembering that decision made me go for the violet. Its intensity makes me smile, and for some reason the color makes me think of my mother -- and I know that will make me smile, too.</p> <p>Thanks again, all. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/do-i-need-this-coat-1#post-1612702 Sun, 07 Feb 2016 17:48:30 +0000 Echo 1612702@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I agree with torontogirl. Don't buy the black simply because it is closer or because it might be more practical; buy the colour that makes your heart sing. For me, that would be the violet. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/do-i-need-this-coat-1#post-1612700 Sun, 07 Feb 2016 17:46:56 +0000 Helena 1612700@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>So here is my opinion - if you are buying for love, then go for it. You've obviously been looking at and thinking about this one for a while. So - you need to buy the one you love and buy it for love!! Yes, it will serve a function in your wardrobe but in truth that's not really the point of the purchase, so don't get so sensible that you diminish the love factor in order to justify - it will defeat the whole purpose. Buy the one that makes you happy the minute you put it on.</p> <p>Hope that makes any sense at all! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/do-i-need-this-coat-1#post-1612698 Sun, 07 Feb 2016 17:43:00 +0000 shiny 1612698@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>You look great in that coat, but I'd go for the violet over the black. The violet would be absolutely beautiful with your coloring.</p> <p>I have a lot of black coats but it's purely out of necessity, since it's difficult to find petite coats in colors other than black. But I prefer coats that are in gorgeous happy colors. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/do-i-need-this-coat-1#post-1612694 Sun, 07 Feb 2016 17:38:52 +0000 viva 1612694@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>Rabbit: </b>This is definitely a lightweight wool. It's why I didn't buy it the last time, even though I loved it. It isn't heavy enough to be a full-on winter coat.</p> <p>So, to be fair, perhaps part of what is going on is that I just love this coat. Whoever said I have been stalking this coat is right.</p> <p>I went back through the forum, and I first tried this coat on in February 2015, in black: <a rel="nofollow" href="http://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-new-booties-and-kr-jcrew-coats">http://youlookfab.com/welookfa.....crew-coats</a>.</p> <p>Then, I considered buying it in July 2015, when I saw it on ebay in red in my size. (You talked me out of it.)</p> <p>I'm not sure what this all means except that I'm leaning more toward the purchase now. </p> <p>BUT ... <b>my local JCrew (45-minute drive) has it in stock in my size in black.</b> I've always wanted a black coat -- and as you know I do not have one. If I DO decide to get this for its travelability -- and I do think it meets those requirements -- what do you think about black as opposed to purple? (Same price.)</p> <p>Vivian </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/do-i-need-this-coat-1#post-1612690 Sun, 07 Feb 2016 17:31:50 +0000 rabbit 1612690@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Both would look lovely on you I think though I slightly lean towards the violet.</p> <p>I'm wondering about the heaviness versus the coats you already own since it sounds like you want something lighter weight like your laundry coat so my mind goes to a close to trench weight coat -- easy to fold up, layer under, wrap a scarf around, a wind and rain break that covers the top of the legs but can deal with a wide range of temperatures. &nbsp;I can't really tell how heavy the double-cloth coats are. &nbsp;They might be just right for this, or a little heavier and warmer than is easy to fold or carry over an arm or shoulders. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/do-i-need-this-coat-1#post-1612686 Sun, 07 Feb 2016 17:23:26 +0000 viva 1612686@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This is all so helpful! Still thinking through the JCrew purchase. In the meantime ....&nbsp;</p> <p><b>Pashminas:</b>&nbsp;<b>Approprio</b>, the cashmere wrap I purchased from Garnet Hill is proving to be really useful, so that's covered. Definitely helpful in airports and on flights! But, I still want a coat that works.</p> <p><b>Travel pjs:</b>&nbsp;I agree, <b>Shiny</b>: the right travel clothes are so important. Kit and Ace is wonderful for that! The cashmere content in their Ts makes them comfy and warm, so they are a terrific layer for travel. Also, the York pant is extremely comfortable for a long travel day. This has proven to be a great purchase and at some point I may buy another pair.&nbsp;</p> <p><b>Packable puffer:</b> I really can see the value in having one of these, although I might go for Uniqlo because they are so inexpensive. <b>Lisap</b>, given your travel locales, I think you need to find one of these pronto -- here is Shiny's coat, available at Nordstrom.</p> <p>PS <b>Shiny: </b>I think you have the perfect triad of travel coats. That is my goal.</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/do-i-need-this-coat-1#post-1612685 Sun, 07 Feb 2016 17:23:23 +0000 Echo 1612685@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>First, I ADORE the violet coat, and I think it would be amazingly flattering with your colouring and wardrobe. Second, why does one have to fill a NEED with every wardrobe item? Isn't loving an item that you can wear fairly often enough? Realistically, almost everyone could get by with one, drab coat, but where's the fun in that? I live in a snowy climate, and coats are a way to express yourself in the winter. Sometimes it isn't about need, but instead is about injecting some fun and personality into your outerwear. I definitely think you should buy this coat - it's beautiful! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/do-i-need-this-coat-1#post-1612675 Sun, 07 Feb 2016 17:12:26 +0000 shiny 1612675@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Lisap, I got it from Nordstrom's. I need petite for something like this, so I'd been stalking for awhile and finally pulled the trigger. When it first arrived, I didn't care for the zipper all that much -- it is white with pink and orange trim. In fact, I could have sworn the coat I actually ordered had a light blue collar and lining... I suspect they sent me the wrong version.</p> <p>So I held on to it and then ordered an LLBean puffer that looked promising. The LLBean version was okay, it fit looser for layering, but it was just too bland -- a dull, rather than shiny, navy. So I returned the LLBean and kept the Bernardo. And surprisingly, the zipper is now growing on me quite a bit.... go figure!</p> <p>I love that it can read sporty OR dressy. It is not for super cold temperatures though-- I have a bulkier puffer for that. We're having such a mild winter, I've only worn my bulky puffer once. It snowed on Friday and with temps around freezing, this puffer has been just fine. Remember however that I tend to skew hot rather than cold.&nbsp;</p> <p>This is the second Bernardo puffer I've owned. The first one I wore to death. I will say that the down feathers can leak out of the coat (or did with my previous version; this one is good so far, no leaking). That doesn't bother me so much, and is worth the trade off in having a coat that actually fits me and doesn't overwhelm. I'd say the down is similar to Uniglo, a brand I'd buy if it fit me (it doesn't).&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/do-i-need-this-coat-1#post-1612662 Sun, 07 Feb 2016 16:35:57 +0000 Anonymous 1612662@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Now I think I could use a packable puffer. Hilarious, given where I live, that I don't own one. &nbsp;Mine are all big puffy sleeping bags that would never get into a suitcase. &nbsp;I want a thin, sleek one right now. Sigh.&nbsp;</p> <p>Shiny - where did you get this Bernardo number? &nbsp;Is it a brand sold in department stores, or was it from a gear shop?</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/do-i-need-this-coat-1#post-1612658 Sun, 07 Feb 2016 16:28:36 +0000 shiny 1612658@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This is my new Bernardo puffer (pic 1)</p> <p>ETA more coats...&nbsp;</p> <p>pic 2 - Burberry wool trench</p> <p>pic 3 - AT red statement coat</p> <p></p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/do-i-need-this-coat-1#post-1612657 Sun, 07 Feb 2016 16:28:36 +0000 UmmLila (Lisa) 1612657@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I like the violet color for you and I remember well that this coat looks good on you. It will make a great dramatic first impression when you come into a workplace from off the street.</p> <p>However, is this really a travel coat? Can you sit down in it and be comfortable? If you fold it up and stuff it in the overhead compartment will it be fine when it comes out?</p> <p>Approprio's views on life, the universe and [travel blankies] are relevant and useful. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/do-i-need-this-coat-1#post-1612653 Sun, 07 Feb 2016 16:24:46 +0000 shiny 1612653@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Viva, that's exactly my impression of your current coat wardrobe, and why I think you do need to invest in another coat (or two) for travel.&nbsp;</p> <p>I suspect you and I may even have the very same Laundry coat, as your description sounds very similar to one I own. It's cute and stylish, good in the rain, but not all that warm.&nbsp;</p> <p>Since I live in Boston there's always room in my wardrobe for lots of coats. The coats that I take most often on my travels include:</p> <p>1. The AT red coat I purchased this past fall. It is not super warm but perfect for Spring and Fall, or very mild southern winter temperatures. It's a length that can work with dresses. It layers very well, and the color makes me happy.&nbsp;</p> <p>2. A sleek lightweight packable puffer in 3/4 length. I just invested in a new one recently, found on sale, to replace my metallic blush puffer. I went with Bernardo brand, in a beautiful ink blue that has some sheen, with pink &amp; orange zippers. In other words, a stylish puffer. It's so thin and lightweight, yet it is warm enough for all but the coldest temperatures. What's more it packs up small so I can tuck it into my carry on.&nbsp;</p> <p>3. Burberry trenches, 3/4 length. I have a rain trench and also a black wool trench. The wool trench is very warm, and yes it is heavy. I have no problem folding my Burberry rain trench (size 6) and tucking it into my carry on bag.&nbsp;</p> <p>I rarely travel with shorter jackets as I don't find them as practical to go over dresses, or to provide coverage if it should rain or be colder than anticipated. I find 3/4 length more versatile for travel.&nbsp;</p> <p>I also nearly always wear one coat, and pack a second one. For this reason, I love packable puffers!</p> <p>Finally I recommend investing in base layers made of silk or merino wool, or that heat tech stuff, so you can pop them under your clothes as needed for warmth. I always pack silk long johns -- they are my travel pj's. And yes a big pashmina scarf!&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/do-i-need-this-coat-1#post-1612648 Sun, 07 Feb 2016 16:18:49 +0000 Anonymous 1612648@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>As per Angie. </p> <p>&nbsp;Sterling's points are bang on too. &nbsp;</p> <p>I also travel a lot in winter months and which coat I bring is the single most important part of the entire trip it seems. &nbsp;It can make or break the ease of the whole time you are away. My &nbsp;camel EF coat is currently taking on that load. I LOVE the violet on you. &nbsp;And that price is not outrageous, and on a cost-per-wear basis? &nbsp;Seems &nbsp;like a good deal to me. &nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/do-i-need-this-coat-1#post-1612636 Sun, 07 Feb 2016 16:06:04 +0000 Angie 1612636@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Yes, and purple.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/do-i-need-this-coat-1#post-1612631 Sun, 07 Feb 2016 16:02:20 +0000 gryffin 1612631@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Viva - I just faced a similiar dilemma. &nbsp;Coats are often the only thing we see in winter so they need to really earn their worth in style, warmth and function. &nbsp; I found I did not have a dress coat that could accommodate layers/blazers easily that was very polished. &nbsp;I have a lined raincoat which I love but they sleeves are slightly snug with layers and I feel polished but not glam in it. &nbsp;My other coats are casual winter that accommodate everything but not elegant. A full length black puffer which is great for warmth but not elegant. &nbsp;The vince double faced wool leather sleeve car coat - fab but sleeves too narrow and transitional wear at best same with the vince leather trim car coat- I love them both but limited usage. &nbsp;So I knew that this coat had to be special - warm but puffer warm, cocoon so it fit over layers, drop dead elegant but easy on and off, transcending trend and time. &nbsp;So I stalked the EF suri alpaca coat in charcoal. &nbsp;Beautiful, unusual, comfortable, elegant, warm but light - knee length so it covers almost everything. &nbsp;I had to wait for a sale to afford it but so worth it. &nbsp;If this coat fills the same need for you, it will be invaluable. &nbsp;But be practical - is it perfect? &nbsp;Do you love it? &nbsp;You've stalked it for a long time so it seems like you can't get it out of your head, so as long as it really ticks all the travel boxes, I would say go for it. &nbsp;This is the mother of all coats, in many ways the most important lynchpin. &nbsp;I think you know in your heart if this is it and which color to buy!! &nbsp;Good luck!!</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/do-i-need-this-coat-1#post-1612628 Sun, 07 Feb 2016 15:58:04 +0000 Janet 1612628@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Ok, I'm responding without reading the other responses so as not to color my impressions from what you describe.</p> <p>It seems to me you could use a good travel-friendly coat that provides some warmth (but not so much to render it less than versatile), and longevity, but enough style to make you feel fab wearing it for years. </p> <p>And yes, I think in years when it comes to coats. For what they cost and what they do, I tend to look at how a coat will live beyond a current trend and how it works with my style long term. I know you posed some questions for us, but here are some questions for YOU: ;-)</p> <p>Do you love the cut, style and fit regardless of trend? Does it layer well so you can use it in a a variety of climates? Can you lug it through a warm airport along with your carry-on luggage without feeling like a pack mule? Does it require any fussing and fiddling to make it comfortable (is it easy to open/unbutton/unzip, does it require a scarf so it doesn't scratch your neck?)? Do you LOVE this coat and feel like you've been waiting for this one to come along? Is it a color you love, that works with your wardrobe, and know that you will enjoy wearing for seasons to come? </p> <p>Just some ideas. I like that style for you, but I'm sensing a slight lack of enthusiasm. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/do-i-need-this-coat-1#post-1612620 Sun, 07 Feb 2016 15:27:51 +0000 approprio 1612620@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>If it were me, I'd pack the Laundry coat and a shawl or scarf for layering/snuggling at the airport. If you don't already have a really good one, this is the thing you should be buying in my opinion.&nbsp;</p> <p>I've said it here before and I'll say it again: a big ol' square of beautiful cloth to wrap around yourself is the sartorial equivalent of <a rel="nofollow" href="http://hitchhikers.wikia.com/wiki/Towel">the intergalactic hitchhiker's towel.</a>&nbsp;An underrated stealth essential in my book. I never travel without one.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/do-i-need-this-coat-1#post-1612619 Sun, 07 Feb 2016 15:27:31 +0000 Debbie 1612619@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Take this opinion with a grain of salt. I think the about coat fills a hole as long as you love it. Traveling you are not always going to need a puffer. San Antonio is a prime example. You need an in between coat. I vote the violet. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/do-i-need-this-coat-1#post-1612614 Sun, 07 Feb 2016 15:18:52 +0000 viva 1612614@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Travel is challenging - I do a ton of it, but I still don't know how to do it particularly well. </p> <p>The Laundry coat is nylon and quilted, very thin but a nice shape, very sleek. Fine style wise. Great for packing. Terrible for warmth or snuggling of any kind: at the gate during a long layover, on the plane, in a cab, or walking from a hotel to work.</p> <p>My wool coats are too heavy or too short to travel with.</p> <p>My long puffer is too casual and too unruly.</p> <p>Ack! Frustrating. But I can make the Laundry coat work, I think. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/do-i-need-this-coat-1#post-1612611 Sun, 07 Feb 2016 15:09:53 +0000 Anonymous 1612611@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think you need and want this coat. I think you'll be thinking about it next year if you don't get it.<br /> @shiny: I love my ultra lightweight packable down coat. It is indispensable! </p>