Another approach: Jcrew car coat for fall?

viva

I like the idea of a fall coat / jacket, which I don't own other than a leather moto. I am considering the Zara, but several have raised issues about the quality, and I hear you. What are your thoughts on the JCrew car coat? It meets my needs for interesting shape really well. It will be of good quality. I do not mind the shorter sleeves given the time of year, and have no problem with long sleeves peeking out. I like both the amber and the black. I would continue looking for either a long coat or a puffer or both.

What do you think? Worth a try, or no?

J.Crew

Double-cloth car coat

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Zara

Straight-cut Coat

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10 years ago

Shopping

13 replies

Latest reply was from

bj1111

Veteran

Anything is worth a try. Would you want a coat you can wear with skirts/dresses as well as pants?

10 years ago

Suz

(website)

Veteran

I like it, but it wouldn't work for me.

Because I like a coat that I can layer over a blazer. Because I like to wear a blazer. But if it's a topper for outdoors and the outfit also stands on its own without it -- I'm a yay.

10 years ago

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Although...only a partial yay.

Here is what I think: For our climate, the quality of the Zara is just fine. You would be wearing this coat for (maybe) 8 weeks a year? (Fall and spring...)

As soon as it gets truly cold you are putting on a higher quality lined coat or a puffer. Or you are layering under the coat.

So, I would spend "fun money" on the spring/ fall coat. And spend real money (and time and attention) on the actual winter coat. And look for higher quality there.

10 years ago

Firecracker (Sharan)

Veteran

It's a cute coat, definitely an interesting shape and good quality. It may meet your needs quite well, especially since you are okay with the shorter sleeves. That would be a deal breaker for me, as would the shorter length; if it's cold enough for a wool coat, I want my arms and back side covered. I run very cold, though.

10 years ago

Anonymous

I've been admiring this one too - quite like the shape, which I bet accommodates heavier sweaters etc quite well. I think it would make a really cool fall coat - can see you in this style very easily.....do the amber.

10 years ago

viva

Veteran

I ordered the black to try. Lisa, you are partly to blame - you are wearing a great navy or black jacket in a recent WIW that I really liked the look of. Plus, my peacoat is bright pink. It would be nice to have a black jacket. ETA: In the spirit of trying, I just ordered the amber as well. Might as well try both. Can easily return.

I hear you on the issues you raise, Suz, but there are some differences between us there -- mainly that I wear blazers much, much less often than you do.

So, I'm just going to give this a try. It may work -- I do love the shape -- or it may not -- the sleeves and overall shortness may be dealbreakers. But at 25% off, why not test it out?

I'll post pics when it arrives!

10 years ago

Gaylene

Veteran

I like it!

If you think of this car coat as a warmish blazer alternative for fall and spring instead of a coat, it makes total sense. Our climate often requires a topper for 4-5 months a year (mid-March to mid-May and mid September to mid-November) which gives you ample opportunity to wear it before and after your deep winter coats. I'm also realizing that most people see me in my toppers or coats for at least 3/4 of the year so I think it's time to think of outer wear as more than just protection from the elements.

10 years ago

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Yep. I hear you. I'm also a foot commuter which affects what works for me. I need to layer.

Oh, and I just love blazers and don't wear them in the house (which is where I am most of the time) so absolutely DO want to wear them when the weather is right for them if I'm going out and about!

I think it's a fun coat and I look forward to seeing it.

10 years ago

Anonymous

Me too (wanting to see pics) ! Your UPS guy must think you have a side business going on at home. Either that, or you're just nuts

10 years ago

Anonymous

I thought the Zara coat was drop dead gorgeous. Without reading all the posts, I assume readers were concerned about the quality of the Zara coat and that has you continuing to look? That makes sense to me. When I buy a coat, it has to last many, many years.

I've never heard bad things about the quality of J Crew, but will continue to follow you posts on the search. Good luck.

10 years ago

viva

Veteran

Sterling: If the Zara coat were a different color I would have more confidence about it lasting at least a couple of seasons. I may still purchase it, but I am just waffling -- and that is not a good sign for me. When I am the least uncertain I tend ultimately to pass. I think one thing I am grappling with is the whole idea of a transitional coat -- although I actually can see the value in having one. Something to wear until about Thanksgiving, something that is a step up from a blazer. It's just a new piece for me so it's taking some time.

Lisa: The UPS guy often delivers when I am still in pajamas!!! I really hate to think what he is imagining is funding the deliveries. Every time he comes I feel the urge to tell him: "Listen, buddy. Don't judge. This is what happens when you love fashion but live in small-town Maine! My house is my dressing room. After almost every one of your deliveries, I drive right the to the UPS store to drop off a return." I know, a little defensive, right?

10 years ago

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

I like it too.

May I suggest trying these coats from J.Crew as well. I also threw in the KM I'm looking at, and the CM.

J.Crew

Stadium-cloth cocoon coat

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J.Crew

Wool melton boyfriend coat

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Karen Millen

Textured signature biker coat

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Club Monaco

Ruby Coat

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10 years ago

Anonymous

Viva -- I love the idea of a transition coat. I have never had one before. I always "made due" with other pieces in my wardrobe. I can't help but wonder how great I would feel wearing a beautiful coat. I'm at a point in my wardrobe where a transition coat makes sense to me. Perhaps that is why I have been so interested in your search. I'll follow along with you.

Oh, the UPS man delivers to my house quite a bit as well. It is because I am tall and have to order "tall" and "long" over the internet. No way around it.

10 years ago

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