Bernardo houndstooth, thoughts?

My Bernardo coat arrived yesterday, so I threw it on today (yes, it’s over 90 here) with an approximation of how I might wear it. Would love to know what the forum thinks about the fit. Is it appropriately oversized? Should I try a size down? Talk with Nordstrom’s alterations about whether the sleeves can be shortened at the “top” of the cuff or armscye?

In the last two pictures, I’m wearing a blazer underneath, and a turtleneck in the others. I am not someone who has a closet full of outerwear, and this would fill a spot in between wearing a fleece and my more tailored/formal red and black wool coats. (The black one is also 12+ years old and really at the end of useful life.) Ginger described the color perfectly- mushed berries and cream. So, it’s pretty, fun to wear, useful for me, and I do like it. My only concern is the fit. Thanks for any thoughts!

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Nordstrom

Bernardo Houndstooth Check Wool Blend Coat

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Top Pick

2 years ago

kkards

Veteran

I like it, and I like the oversized fit, for me, it’s got that 80s oversized vibe, which was my time, so I have a soft spot for that look.

Hmmmm, let me try to explain…I see oversized but not overwhelming. The shoulder and arms are big, but the body does not look oversized, at least to me. It’s definitely got some drama, but it’s not showy…does that make sense?

Stagiaire Fash

So cool on you! The sleeves really make it work

merwoman

This looks great on you Kathie, beautiful colour and shape for you.
I think it looks intentionally oversized, and not too big, although I am a big fan of trying a few sizes to make a fair comparison and set my mind at ease. Sleeves do look a tad long, but I notice that the model in the stock photo sports the same length.

Irina

It is a great coat and look wonderful on you. I would not size down, IMO it might loose necessary slouch and it fits you perfectly.

As a short person, I’m always very careful when it comes to sleeve length. It looks too long to me but might not bother you. Alterations at the shoulder is possible but costly.

Jenni NZ

Looks great on you! I do think the sleeves look a bit long. It would be a shame to make the cuff narrower, I wonder if it could be done at the “top” of the cuff as you say. Or just live with them slightly long like on the model?

kellygirl

Ooh, I love it! Just the way it is! Perfectly oversized. Color is gorgeous on you too!

JAileen

I really like it on you. The sleeves are a little long, and an alteration could be significant. So you’ll have to decide if they bother you or not. Some like their sleeves that length. The fabric is just lovely.

Firecracker (Sharan)

I like the fit and I think the coat looks good on you. The only question I have is about sleeve length. I wonder if you can try turning the cuffs up. The sleeve length on you does look like what the model is showing. I wouldn't be in a hurry to alter them; I would mull it over.

I’m back to be more specific about what I like about the sleeves: it’s the gathers. They give the sleeves great shape, and the sleeves having that shape “says” that the coat is big intentionally, and are what puts the coat in the “slouchy cool” category. In my book anyway.

LJP

I think this looks pretty great ! The sleeves *could* be considered a little long but the model is showing the same fit . This is cool little coat that won’t date and should work with a million other pieces . Easy to accessorize too , or not

Suz

(website)

This is a great coat and a great coat on you and for you! I do think the sleeves are a bit long and would talk to the alterationist to see what might be done about that. On the other hand, if you would wear it with gloves a lot of the time, you might want to try on with those first to see how it looks with them.

Kate

I really like the coat on you, Kathie. I think you have the right size, though the sleeves do look a bit long. If you have a local Nordstrom, talk to alterations; they might be able to remove the cuff, and shorten the sleeve, then reattach the cuff. If you don't have a Nordstrom in your area, talk to a seamstress to see how best to go about it if the sleeve length bothers you.

Angie

Fashion Stylist

Cuff the sleeves back a bit, and KILLER

Indigoprint

Love how the dark buttons highlight your hair!

Kathie

Thanks, everyone!! It's great to have the collective eyes of the forum.

kkards- Drama is perfect! I was worried about overwhelming, when I first tried it on with summer clothes, but I think the right layers underneath make a difference.

StagFash- Yes! I was attracted to the pleats at the cuff. I like the look of volume around the wrist, even though I shy away from puffy sleeves/volume at the shoulders.

kellygirl- I'm glad you like the color on me! I do have a soft spot for red.

LJP- thanks for chiming in! You've got my wheels churning now, for hat, scarf, gloves.

Suz- good idea, to try with gloves. Thanks!

merwoman, Irina, Jenni, JAileen, Kate- I'm going to leave the tags on (it certainly won't be cold enough to wear for a few months,) and talk with my local Nordstrom's alterations in a month. The sleeves don't bother me too much, but I think it doesn't hurt to get their opinions and find out the cost. And, I'm lucky to have a few good tailors in the area. If the fabric weren't just a bit too thick for my machine, I'd be tempted to tackle it myself.

Angie, Firecracker- Yes, to cuffing the sleeves! They can be folded in half easily. It loses a bit of drama, but I think it works.

Indigoprint- Thanks! I hadn't really noticed the hair and buttons.

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