YouLookFab Forum » Topic: What's the oldest item in your coat closet?

YouLookFab Forum » Topic: What's the oldest item in your coat closet? https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/whats-the-oldest-item-in-your-coat-closet Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Thu, 09 Apr 2026 12:46:07 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 <![CDATA[Search]]> q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php Bijou on "What's the oldest item in your coat closet?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/whats-the-oldest-item-in-your-coat-closet#post-2404812 Thu, 29 Jan 2026 00:46:23 +0000 Bijou 2404812@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ April, that’s the coat! DonnaF on "What's the oldest item in your coat closet?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/whats-the-oldest-item-in-your-coat-closet#post-2404795 Wed, 28 Jan 2026 23:37:01 +0000 DonnaF 2404795@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I'm thinking my red trench must be at least 15 - 20 years old. Like most of my true outerwear it rarely gets worn since it has been even more decades since I've been out in the elements awaiting public transportation. Also, we've had drought conditions for years and for the most part I can avoid going out when it rains. The coat has a button-in extra lining, and I have worn a Uniqlo packable down jacket or coat underneath for extra warmth. This coat and my EB parka have shown me that I don't need or wear true outerwear. (Tell that to my leather and pleather jackets! April on "What's the oldest item in your coat closet?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/whats-the-oldest-item-in-your-coat-closet#post-2404783 Wed, 28 Jan 2026 22:16:17 +0000 April 2404783@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Lisa - I haven't thought of Ellen Tracy in years! :) Carla - be still my heart. That color PLUS a silver lining? <swoon> Carla on "What's the oldest item in your coat closet?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/whats-the-oldest-item-in-your-coat-closet#post-2404770 Wed, 28 Jan 2026 20:33:31 +0000 Carla 2404770@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ May 2020.  It’s best for transitional (spring and fall) wet weather - and it was a great piece for a 2 week UK trip in May.  I love the colour, and it has a silver lining! Lisa on "What's the oldest item in your coat closet?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/whats-the-oldest-item-in-your-coat-closet#post-2404735 Wed, 28 Jan 2026 16:53:29 +0000 Lisa 2404735@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ The long black Eddie Bauer puffer coat is 21 years old. I purchased it during my very first Black Friday sale in person from the Eddie Bauer store when the entire store was discounted for Black Friday. It's been through many snowstorms when I lived in the northeast, now that I'm father south it sits in the closet. Although if we get the predicted snow in the forecast for this weekend, I may get a chance to use it! The camel Ellen Tracey Coat is 10 years old. It was a workhorse coat when I lived in colder climates and went into the office daily. Again it now sits often, but when I travel for work to colder climates, I'll use it. The black Sukujan fox print bomber jacket is 7 years old. It's sentimental from the first time I went to Japan. The blue denim Kut From The Koth jacket is 6 years old. It's a classic that fits well and I've been on the fence about it the past few years since it's CPW is really low (only 10 times!), but a good fitting denim jacket is timeless. It's in a holding zone for now. April on "What's the oldest item in your coat closet?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/whats-the-oldest-item-in-your-coat-closet#post-2404731 Wed, 28 Jan 2026 15:57:27 +0000 April 2404731@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ In college in the 1980s, I had my dad's college letter sweater - a massive, heavy navy blue cardigan with a huge S on it (for U. Mass. Stockbridge). Because I moved approximately 352 times in college, I lost track of it and very much regret not having it now.  Irina, I know exactly what you mean about redistributed weight.  Angie, you have one fortunate goddaughter! Roberta - that coat is definitely Dr. Zhivago. Gorgeous and glam. Janet - your dad's Navy peacoat! What a wonderful thing to have. Jaime - do you have cold winters where you live?  Cookie - you are making amazing use of your coats and your heirlooms! JNZ - your closet seems like a magical place to be. :) kk - it's bitter here too but at least today we're out of single digits. Bijou - I know exactly <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.vogue.com/article/almost-famous-penny-lane-coat-costume-designer">the Almost Famous coat</a> you're talking about! It was in the September issue of Vogue this year.  Speaking of famous coats, the one I lusted after for years was a voluminous trench - with none of a trench's stiffness - that <a rel="nofollow" href="https://classiq.me/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/5AE0EA27-BE0E-4E6B-A24A-3F076A4F48F6.png">Kim Basinger wore in 9 1/2 Weeks</a>. Bad movie, brilliant coat. Bijou on "What's the oldest item in your coat closet?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/whats-the-oldest-item-in-your-coat-closet#post-2404726 Wed, 28 Jan 2026 15:23:11 +0000 Bijou 2404726@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I have a suede coat bought in 2000, it has a Mongolian sheep fur collar and cuffs that give it an "Almost Famous" vibe. I still have it, but don't wear it. The oldest coat in my wardrobe that I wear regularly is my pink swing coat. That is 12 years old and was bought when travelling with my son when he was little - he could always spot me. It is still a favourite wardrobe item. Many years ago (like from the early 1990's) I had a red military style coat that my husband called 'big red' - I wore it so much that it got worn and tatty. I still miss that coat even though my pink coat is far nicer. Sometimes the memory of things is better than the reality! Cookie on "What's the oldest item in your coat closet?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/whats-the-oldest-item-in-your-coat-closet#post-2404719 Wed, 28 Jan 2026 13:47:11 +0000 Cookie 2404719@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Jenni, the red coat is spectacular! Don’t even think of parting with it! Such a good color for you, too. kkards on "What's the oldest item in your coat closet?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/whats-the-oldest-item-in-your-coat-closet#post-2404715 Wed, 28 Jan 2026 12:03:36 +0000 kkards 2404715@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ What a fabulous read.  So many fantastic coats, and of course, I love the sentimental stories. What a beautiful way to start this cold cold day  Jenni NZ on "What's the oldest item in your coat closet?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/whats-the-oldest-item-in-your-coat-closet#post-2404713 Wed, 28 Jan 2026 07:22:04 +0000 Jenni NZ 2404713@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I believe my mother’s coat is the reason I love red. I have a photo of her wearing it in 1964 when I am 3. I borrowed it to travel to our South Island (colder) when I was 21 and cannot bear to part with it, I bought new buttons in 2010 as had lost 2 of the originals. I don’t wear it now. My favourite coat was much cheaper only $60 in 2011, my black and white swing coat, a wool blend. By then made in China no longer in NZ Jenni NZ on "What's the oldest item in your coat closet?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/whats-the-oldest-item-in-your-coat-closet#post-2404712 Wed, 28 Jan 2026 07:17:07 +0000 Jenni NZ 2404712@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ My husband would like to offer something (I said I was off to photograph my mother’s coat.) He said “What about my grandfather’s coat?” His grandfather was born in 1895 and died in 1988 aged 93, I don’t know when Neil inherited the coat after the death or when it had been bought. But I know I dressed up in it to be Eponine at a ceilidh in 1996, Neil played the piano for me to sing “On My Own” from Les Mis. He is a good pianist, I am not, but I used to be a reasonable singer. It was large on me which was good as I was pregnant at the time, our son was born 5 months later. So here it is, worn label says “Heritage”. Will show you my mother’s coat in next comment. Cookie on "What's the oldest item in your coat closet?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/whats-the-oldest-item-in-your-coat-closet#post-2404709 Wed, 28 Jan 2026 03:06:37 +0000 Cookie 2404709@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Also a lightweight wool scarf that was my grandmother’s. She died when I was 16 and for some unknown reason, when invited to take something from her apartment, I chose my grandfather’s antique shaving mirror (still have) and this scarf (which I use all the time). Cookie on "What's the oldest item in your coat closet?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/whats-the-oldest-item-in-your-coat-closet#post-2404708 Wed, 28 Jan 2026 03:03:37 +0000 Cookie 2404708@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Well, I have three vintage coats bought as such, the oldest probably from the 40s? Bought on a whim in Northampton, Mass., on a holiday weekend when I didn’t have a warm enough coat for the weather. It’s my dressiest coat and I don’t wear it that often but it’s beautiful. Next oldest, the black coat I was wearing in last outfit photo, my mom’s from the 90s. Then a purple Patagonia parka I’ve had at least 30 years and last wore today. Jaime on "What's the oldest item in your coat closet?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/whats-the-oldest-item-in-your-coat-closet#post-2404696 Wed, 28 Jan 2026 00:30:23 +0000 Jaime 2404696@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ This is a bit of a stumper. Oldest is probably from the 50's but longest in my closet would require better memory than I have right now. Well over 20 years though. Janet on "What's the oldest item in your coat closet?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/whats-the-oldest-item-in-your-coat-closet#post-2404693 Wed, 28 Jan 2026 00:08:51 +0000 Janet 2404693@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Ok, for real, the oldest thing in my coat closet is my dad’s US Navy bomber jacket. I don’t know exactly when it dates to, but he served in WWII in the Pacific and also in the Korean War, so it’s definitely from at least the 50s and more likely the 40s. I do actually wear it sometimes — it is oversized and genuine. Living in an area with so many Navy folks, I sometimes wonder if anyone knows it’s real, but I like wearing it regardless. Roberta on "What's the oldest item in your coat closet?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/whats-the-oldest-item-in-your-coat-closet#post-2404689 Tue, 27 Jan 2026 23:54:26 +0000 Roberta 2404689@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ My long faux shearling Gallery coat, nearly twenty years old now. I don't wear it often, but when I do, I feel like Julie Christie in Doctor Zhivago. Angie on "What's the oldest item in your coat closet?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/whats-the-oldest-item-in-your-coat-closet#post-2404686 Tue, 27 Jan 2026 22:57:53 +0000 Angie 2404686@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Wow Mary and JAileen! You guys win!  The oldest items in my wardrobe are three black Chanel pieces. I have a necklace, a bracelet, and a bag. I got them in 1994 as gifts, so they're 32 years old. They are black, and I will never wear them again. They are in pristine condition and so are the Chanel boxes they came in! I will pass them onto our goddaughter :)  April, you can pass on the CK coat!  Irina on "What's the oldest item in your coat closet?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/whats-the-oldest-item-in-your-coat-closet#post-2404683 Tue, 27 Jan 2026 22:06:48 +0000 Irina 2404683@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ April, no sad memories, quite the opposite, I loved wearing that dress. It’s fit and flare style, inspired by Julia Roberts famous polka dot dress in Pretty Woman. Mine doesn’t have a belt and more fitted on top. <div>It doesn’t fit, my weight is not that different but its distribution is, IYKWIM    <div>There are some others issues - it’s probably some synthetic composite, I didn’t pay much attention at that time to it. Style wise, I don’t enjoy fitted clothes anymore. </div></div><div>Honestly, I would feel weird wearing something I wore when I was 30 years old. </div> April on "What's the oldest item in your coat closet?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/whats-the-oldest-item-in-your-coat-closet#post-2404682 Tue, 27 Jan 2026 21:02:33 +0000 April 2404682@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Oh, yes, Angie, I still do wear the CK coat. It's not particularly well-made, it's certainly not for a CT winter, AND my style has changed to prefer more voluminous coats, but somehow I can't let it go.  Sisi - dang, your coat is a year older than my son! cat2 - pre-2012 probably means it's the same vintage as my gray one. :) kk - some puffers *do* just refuse to wear out, don't they? JA - wow, those are some oldies! I will inherit no coats from my own mother because she lives in Arizona and she's much taller than I. Also our tastes could hardly be more different. MsM - you win! :) Irina - does it no longer fit? Does it carry sad memories? I'm just curious why you love it and don't wear it.  Irina on "What's the oldest item in your coat closet?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/whats-the-oldest-item-in-your-coat-closet#post-2404680 Tue, 27 Jan 2026 20:31:37 +0000 Irina 2404680@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I have a navy with white polka dots summer dress that was custom made for me in 1995. I love this dress. Last time I wore it probably in 2000. I have only a handful of things from my old life in Russia, this is the one of them.  MsMary on "What's the oldest item in your coat closet?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/whats-the-oldest-item-in-your-coat-closet#post-2404678 Tue, 27 Jan 2026 20:03:20 +0000 MsMary 2404678@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ The oldest item in my coat closet is probably from the 1950s or maybe even the 1940s. It's a gorgeous black vicuna coat that belonged to my very fancy late aunt. Second oldest is my mom's mink coat, probably from the late 1960s or early 1970s. Third oldest is a black-and-white herringbone coat I bought in New York on my 50th birthday back in 2008. JAileen on "What's the oldest item in your coat closet?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/whats-the-oldest-item-in-your-coat-closet#post-2404671 Tue, 27 Jan 2026 18:22:40 +0000 JAileen 2404671@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I have two old items: 1. Navy Gloverall Duffle Coat - 25 years old - I bought this in London in 1999.  I absolutely love it.  It’s a little nicer than my new red one.  The fabric is wool and cashmere, and it has leather and horn toggles.   But I wear my red duffle coat more often because it’s red!  (See Angie’s blog post on her navy peacoat.) 2. Orange Suede Jacket - 60 years old - It was my mother’s.  I remember her wearing it when I was about ten, so it dates to the mid 60s.  I wore it not too long ago.  I need to sew a button on more securely so I can wear it again. Angie on "What's the oldest item in your coat closet?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/whats-the-oldest-item-in-your-coat-closet#post-2404669 Tue, 27 Jan 2026 18:12:58 +0000 Angie 2404669@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ April, I remember that coat! Hope you wore that pretty topper :) <ul> <li>Navy Burberry peacoat is 12 years old. Seldom worn. Looks brand new. </li> </ul> <ul> <li>The two yellow topers are 10 years old. VERY frequently worn!!! And showing some wear. Can't part with either. They make me very happy! I baby them. </li> </ul> <ul> <li>The denim jackets are 11 years old. The short trucker jackets are VERY frequently worn. Zero signs of wear! Denim is soooo robust.  The blazer is not as frequently worn. </li> </ul> <ul> <li>Navy arctic puffer is 9 years old. Looks new. Only comes out a few times a year. </li> </ul> kkards on "What's the oldest item in your coat closet?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/whats-the-oldest-item-in-your-coat-closet#post-2404667 Tue, 27 Jan 2026 18:01:34 +0000 kkards 2404667@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ so the blue puffer is i think is 16-17 years old. the ivory one is 13...i wear both regularly. the blue one still looks fab. the cream is just starting to show some wear and tear, one of the down sides to a light color coat. blue puffer in action last year  <a rel="nofollow" href="https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/january-challenge-days-23-24-puffer-vibes">https://youlookfab.com/welookf.....ffer-vibes</a> cream one from last year <a rel="nofollow" href="https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/jan-challenge-days-18-19-polar-bear-edition">https://youlookfab.com/welookf.....ar-edition</a> cat2 on "What's the oldest item in your coat closet?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/whats-the-oldest-item-in-your-coat-closet#post-2404666 Tue, 27 Jan 2026 17:44:14 +0000 cat2 2404666@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ A pre-2012 Brooks Brothers cropped tan trench with a swing back. I wore it a ton the last couple of years. Before that it was largely untouched. I am the person who kept a Burberry trench for decades and wore it so much I actually wore it out. Sisi on "What's the oldest item in your coat closet?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/whats-the-oldest-item-in-your-coat-closet#post-2404665 Tue, 27 Jan 2026 17:36:20 +0000 Sisi 2404665@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Easy: the "mythical" 1996 black long puffer. Your coat is fabulous! April on "What's the oldest item in your coat closet?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/whats-the-oldest-item-in-your-coat-closet#post-2404664 Tue, 27 Jan 2026 17:24:27 +0000 April 2404664@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Angie's post about the Burberry peacoat made me think about my own coat assortment. The oldest thing in it is this Calvin Klein coat that I posted on YLF 16 years ago, before the site had photo abilities and badges for roles: <a rel="nofollow" href="https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/calvin-klein-nas-coat-coat-twins-with-san">https://youlookfab.com/welookf.....s-with-san</a> While I removed the CK label from the sleeve, to this day I have never snipped the threads closing the pockets.