Ask Angie: Please help me define why this coat isn't a "10" - YouLookFab Forum

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Ask Angie: Please help me define why this coat isn't a "10"

Fruitful

Veteran

I'm on an yellow-coat-quest and finally found one that excited me in the shop. I was almost going to BBQ. But looking at the photos I get a nagging feeling that as much as I like it, I need to wait and I can do better.

I'd love to know your thoughts Angie, as well as Forum participants!

I have come up with some theories of my own (mostly based on the effect on my shape and proportions; the shade is also more muted than I had in mind) but will wait to hear your response/s before I write them up.

Also, my sister asked me if it was reasonable to expect to find a ten? What do you think?

I'm especially interested in the attitudes of those who have resolved to strive for 10s, like Una; how do you figure out a 10 and deal with grey areas.

TIA! xxoo

ETA link to stock photo of coat: http://www.jigsawclothing.com......38;cat=270

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32 replies

Latest reply was from Fruitful

Kiwichik

Veteran

The colour is great and so is the length however the fit doesn't seem right. It seems to swamp you maybe a more tailored style would suit you better - from the photos you look quite petite.

ManidipaM

Veteran

Hmm. I have to say I really like the look of this from the back and side on you. What's throwing me from the front, I think, is the scale of the detailing.

The toggles are set into tabs too big/wide, maybe; but most obvious to my eye is that the patch pockets look too large in scale for you --- it could be just the camera angle, but they look bigger than your head! If the pockets were removed, I wonder if you might find a 10 under there after all!

As for waiting for a 10, it really depends on why your existing finds are not 10s and whether you *can* wait without causing too much frustration and impracticality in the closet. For example, if you find all your 10s are outside of your price point, maybe you *will* need to settle in terms of either an 8 or 9, or else finding a secondhand 10. On the other hand, if the issue is colour or size, rather than shape or fit, you might need to keep looking. If it's fit, you can maybe get an 8 or 9 to alter, if the expense is affordable. That's my two cents!

goldenpig

(website)

Veteran

I like the coat on you, but I wish that the waistband of the coat was more fitted and higher up at your natural waist because the fit is a tad boxy around your waist. It looks good from the back though. Also I think you could wear a brighter yellow color.

How do you feel with it on? Fab, or not quite fab? If you're not sure, keep looking!

This isn't the method for everyone, but how do I deal with my quest for 10's? A show of overwhelming force! I try on everything in sight, order multiple options and return everything except for the pieces that really sing to me. It's exhausting, but worth it in the end!

jayne

Veteran

Although I agree with the others that the front view seems a bit off, the feeling of a 10 has to be personal. Because I must be able to perceive to myself that something is a 10, even when other people disagree. So although it might be 80% a general agreement about a 10, I do expect there is always a dissenter that won't agree and that means I have to decide for myself if I think it is a 10. And then make the decision.

Waiting for a 10 is soooo hard. I have several times now settled for less only to find my 10 a few days later. My current strategy is to leave all items in store and if it haunts me, I go back, maybe even several times, before I buy. I find this is working for me because I tend to be an impulse buyer. I have never regretted leaving a thing in the store even if it is gone later. Because I tell myself it wasn't meant to be!

Deborah

Veteran

Fruitful it's worth waiting for the 10. I want to like this on you however it must seems to much for your petite frame. I see you in a more refined, tailored and structured coat. The toggles on this are really putting me off. I don't this is as a versatile coat, ot reads too casual to me.

lyn67

Veteran

Great colour, indeed, BUT a bit owerhelming your frame, or you could use it as a casual. For a more elegant look I would like if the coat could have a straighter skirt line, no hood and not that much stuff on the front...

Mochi

Veteran

I wish I could see this while I am writing, but I don't like the width and shapelessness of the collar, and to me the fit is off. I don't like how under the waist, it flairs out but not in a truly flattering way. I also don't know if you were specifically looking for a double-breasted coat, and I'm not implying that you should stay away from them the same way I need to, but they are more challenging to fit, and I also agree that the toggles seem to overwhelm the entire look.

harmonica

Veteran

I like the coat, but the front seems a bit overwhelming. I'm also supporting others here about the waist being too low in this coat.

As for 10'er, I agree with Jayne that it has of course to do with fitting, shape and style, but the most important is how you feel when wearing it. A 10'er is hard to find and sometimes you don't know if it is a 10 before some time has passed and you realize that you've come back to the items again and again

sarah

Veteran

For me what is off is the proportion - the fitted at the waist, flared at the bottom silhouette doesn't fit with the toggles, IMHO. Toggle coats are usually a bit more "rectangular", less fit and flare. I think that the fit and flare style would be better in a non-toggle coat.

Anonymous

To my eye, the coat appears to overwhelm you, and the sleeves are too long. The toggles in front make it appear especially bulky. You might want to consider a sleeker style. I like the fit-and-flare style on you, though; just not the toggles. The yellow is a nice color, but perhaps not the best yellow for you.

Fruitful

Veteran

I'm enjoying your thoughts so far and finding them most enlightening! So far nobody has called me out on looking like a Paddington Bear cosplay in this yet

I am going to wait before commenting thoroughly for Angie's and anyone else's response, and I loled at Manidipa's observation about the pockets being bigger than my head - my mirror photos are terrible and might be the cause of the distortion, I'm going to add a link to a stock photo of the coat if it helps! Also, the hood is detachable.

anne

Veteran

I agree with the other comments and add that I agree with you on the colour. I think a stronger colour would look better on you.
I think it is worth waiting for a 10 for a coat, that is if you have something that can work in the meantime?

Fruitful

Veteran

Anne, I can definitely wait - I won't go naked or cold this is just a dream of adding a yellow wool coat to my wardrobe, as well as taking quality into account more than I used to, so I can wait a long time (and save/layby a long time too - I will have to!) ^_^

Anonymous

Hi Fruitful! Were you looking at second hand yellow coats this past spring? I seem to remember you posting a few pictures a while back, so the hunt continues? I think this style is just all wrong for you (in fact I'm hard pressed to think of any body type it would flatter). I love the idea of a seriously warm coat and I love detail in general, but I think the front closure is SO busy and we loose all of your beautiful curves. Something with simple lines that is more streamlined would probably be more flattering.

I think it's worth it to look for at least a 9 in something like a coat because you will wear it often, and people will always see the coat, even if they never see the outfit underneath. Good luck! You deserve a perfectly fab coat for your fab self!

Diana

Veteran

I think it's a 10 from the back view. From the front, I would say the culprits are the very wide stance caused by the large double-breasted closures and the big patch pockets. I much prefer the sleeker line created by a single breasted closure.

ManidipaM

Veteran

Ah, thanks for the stock photo link, Fruitful! Because not only does it allay my fears of a coat intended for the Headless Horseman to pocket his pate, it also shows that the dropped waistline is intentional --- something a few of us have been concerned about

rae

(website)

Veteran

Without reading the rest, my guess would be the dropped waist, since Angie warned me away from those myself. In the online pic, the drop looks much lower on the hip, but on your body it is kind of neither here nor there - not a tailored waist, and not a significant drop.

Aziraphale

Veteran

To my eye, the fit looks great from the back, but from the front the waist seems a little low. Or possibly it's just that the coat is a little big for you. Is there a smaller size? Otherwise, it's a great coat -- I love the toggle closures.

As for your question about the quest for a 10: I'm OK with an 8 or 9, and then sometimes I'll take it to the tailor to achieve a 10. This is because I'm 5'1", so nothing I like ever fits me! All the cool stuff always seems to be in regular sizes.

BTW you appear to be wearing Operetta Mirella boots. Nice! (Did you ever get those other ones, the ones with the hexagonal heel? I meant to tell you, last time I was in the shop I asked the SA and she said they run a bit large -- maybe a half size).

modgrl

(website)

Veteran

I don't actually like the coat... that's a personal preference though. As far as fit, I think it fits you well and the color is nice against your skin. What don't you like about it for you? For me, I would find the color unflattering and I don't like how busy it is in the front with all of the toggles and extra stitching detail. I would prefer a more streamlined coat for myself.

HelenInCanada

Veteran

I like the colour and vibe of this coat - feminine yet trendy and smart casual. I agree that the fit - especially at the bottom - is a little boxy, but that's a personal yay or nay. Because I wear a lot of cozy sweaters, I actually like my wool coats to be a little flared or roomy. The toggles are cute, but not necessarily elegant - again a personal choice. It looks perfect from the side and back! If this is the coat you'll be wearing everyday or to a myriad of occasions, I'd say you have to feel you LOVE it, so hold out if you don't. I think it's a 9!

RoseandJoan

Veteran

I LOVE the stock photo and can see why the coat had hanger appeal, this style is such a mod classic, and, that is why I fear it is not a 10 whilst on. A slight a-line is attractive on a duffle coat but I fear the skirt becomes a little too flared on your body type. the patch pockets don't cause me concern as they are authentic to the design.

I think 10's are something you look for once you have a functional wardrobe in place, in this instance I would hold out for the right coat as the piece is not filling need but rather a want.

ETA- Angie is flying to Japan today so the thread may need to be bumped when she returns.

Freckles

Veteran

Great coat Fruitful. Fit is out of my element so I will leave it to the others.
I think it is adorable and can see you frolicking in the trees in it.

Re finding a 10. I do think that sometimes we need to have the piece custom made as everything available will only ever be an 8 or 9. For me the trendier, more fashion forward items are okay at an 8 or 9 as it's the real workhorse that I want to be a 10.

It also means that for me the fabric and colour must be perfect and that is where the triendier, more fashion forward items may not be exactly what I'm looking for. For something to be a true 10 the fabric and colour have to be exactly right as well as the style and fit.

Fruitful

Veteran

Thankyou so much for your truly demystifying replies that I *still* don't have time to talk about yet (grrr school holiday chauffering to be done).

When I reply, there's a few parts to this discussion aren't there - the specifics of this coat; what makes a 10 generally; and what my personal flattery dilemmas and priorities are.

RoseandJoan, thanks so much for the tip about Angie and Japan! xx

Fruitful

Veteran

Elisabeth I haven't got the Cortona Fluevogs yet but just 3 days ago had an amazing experience of help in the Sole Devotion store! I now know for a fact the 8 will fit me which equates exactly with your sizing info - you said TTS but err down rather than up - I'd say this, or put it as runs a half size large! They happened to have one pair left, black/grey, in 8 only and it was perfect - I didn't want to take them off - I am excited to order the burgundy pair soon xx

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Fascinating discussion and great pictures! I think you've heard lots of sage thoughts on this particular coat. I agree with those who have said the dropped waist can be particularly tough to wear. Of course I speak as someone with a longish torso and shortish legs, so you can guess my own personal figure-flattery priorities! I can really see why it appealed to you, though.

As for striving for 10s...I'm still not completely at the place where I can aim ONLY for 10s, because I still have so many holes in my wardrobe and can be forced to some temporary stopgap measures while I make smarter and more durable purchases. But for my big-ticket items, I'm definitely aiming for 10.

Having said that, I decided to compromise on a trench coat this spring. I really wanted a navy or a bright coloured trench. Much as I sometimes wish I could wear it, on me, beige is soul-destroying, not just soul-sucking. So that was out. And black is rather harsh for my colouring. But even in a season of bright trenches, the one that worked for me was not available.

Thing is, I REALLY needed a coat.

I found a black one, almost inky black. I tried it on for YLF. YLF loved it. Angie called it an 11/10!!

Well, for me, it was still an 8 or 9, because I really didn't want black. But I bought it, and the fit is so great it makes up a lot for the colour. In this case, I think I did the right thing; the price was reasonable and it looks a lot more expensive than it was, and at that cost I can afford to buy another coat next year if the right one comes along.

So I guess it's a balancing act. I did a bit of a cost/benefit analysis.

Fruitful

Veteran

Hello again everyone ^_^, I will start by saying what I think the issues are with this coat (which I still think is fab btw!).

(Part of me was tempted to go and get non-mirror photos as it seems the mirror distortion is what a lot of you are seeing - the mirror was tilted and I tried to tilt my phone to compensate! I might still do that but it doesn't change the elements I'm thinking of).

ETA - this coat just FEELS good. Of the several I've tried, this felt smooth and soft to touch, and like it was cut so I could move - as well as seamed to fit my shoulders and figure - I felt like I was putting on a beautiful quality garment. I saw care in the design which was interesting and different enough for me.

The pockets - though classic Montgomery-style - break my rule of no-detail-waist down. I am a pear and my rule of thumb is to keep the visual interest on the upper half of my body. I somehow thought it might not matter with a coat, which camouflages my hips, but I think these pockets are adding bulk and drawing the eye down. (They are also too low for me to enjoy sticking my hands into).

The toggles - so cute, but they're adding width to my torso. They also sag a bit which takes away the structure I seem to need.

The collar - I love it. In fact it's all that collar and hood detailing that draws me in.

BUT as much as the details are what make me love this coat, I think they're the overall problem. Elbow patches, toggles, pockets, wrist straps, it's all swamping me and stumpifying me. The effect is still cute - but definitely on the Paddington Bear side of the aesthetic spectrum.

Yes, the sleeves are too long. Most coats they are. I think it's a problem because although my arms are too short for the coat, they're long for my body and too-long sleeves emphasise that (and so my legs look shorter).

I looked up duffle coat images and most people wear them shorter than this, so I think that might be part of the problem. This style may work better at thigh rather than knee level (which of course it would be on a tall model - I'm about 162cm tall).

The drop waist is something that also seemed to be making my legs look shorter. I had thought it was the one drop waist I could wear, as for once my bum fits under it

ETA - I'm not concerned about the A-line effect on me (even though it's not traditional - in fact this is better for me than a traditional duffle for that reason, A-lines are better for me). BUT I am concerned that the sagging toggles - which require overlapping the breasts of the coat - seem to make me look potbellied! Not an issue I normally have to deal with, so it bothers me!

From the side the sleeves look super wrinkled just from trying it on! And I seem to have lost all shoulder definition. My shoulders look rounded and bulky from that view.

Size-wise - this is an Australian 10; I tried an 8 which was a little tight in the armholes and bodice. I have a few jackets that are on the tight side which I bought based on looking better, but the problem is I tend to only wear them when I'm feeling great and going out. I want this coat to be one I'm happy to throw on when I need comfort too so I'm trying to take Angie's advice of sizing up rather than down here. It really is making it harder to get something flattering though! I don't just lose my waist, I lose the modest amount of boobage God gave me!

Wow, writing that was exhausting so I'm going to post it before I attempt the rest ^_^

Deborah

Veteran

Frutiful, I have to tell you yesterday while Master 9 was watching something on ABC Kids ("Big Babies" just in case your boys watch it) a character ont he show was wearing this coat!! It looked good, but read very casual and like a 'duffle coat' a term I had forgotten until I read your post above.

So by the sounds of it you are letting this one go?

Fruitful

Veteran

Deborah, I don't know Big Babies I haven't let it go completely yet, I would love to know what Angie has to say - but how it looks to me is one of those situations where I really want it but it's just less than perfect, and walking away will probably be the right choice (they just sent me a $100 off voucher but I'm really trying to make my decisions based on PPP and not discounts/sales...)

ETA I "have" seen an ad for Big Babies. They gross me out!

Fruitful

Veteran

Also I don't mind the casual style as I see it as very classic - I am quite casual - but it's a feminine, colourful, quirky, retro-inspired casual. It's purely flattery issues I'm concerned about here. The style itself fits with styles I've liked for a long time (particularly mod looks, which are extreme favourites). As far as duffle coats, which are normally very boxy, I see this as a duffle coat for Ladies :).

Deborah, I can see where you might not have seen the casual side of my style - I'm thinking it's because of my glasses and where they've led me stylistically (I've even changed my hairstyles to suit them). Having said that, maybe the style of the coat doesn't work with my glasses... hmm, that's something to consider...

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