Boden leopard coat considerstions

I am giving “ Angie’s “ leopard coat a spin.

A coupe years ago I got a “ leopard “ print coat but in colors of burgundy + navy. I loved the style and fit ( it also had a funnel type neckline) and that it was subtle, just fun, but it turned out to be much harder to mix with my wardrobe colors than I had imagined , so I finally let it go.

I was attracted to this coat because of the “ darker” color mix which I think is more within my comfort zone ( as well as coloring) than the tawnier prints, but it’s still in neutral and “ sorta natural “ colors.
It fits well I think, but I had one unexpected issue that I’ll toss out:
the shiny snaps took me by surprise !
I think they’re actually darkened metal, but they’re not “ flat black” so they can reflect a lot of light in bright light. I wear my coats open a lot so I have to think whether the line of snaps down the front will bother me, as I had expected more “ symmetrical “ look when worn open. They don’t show up as much in the stock photo of the leopard version though of course you can see them on the pink coat.

OTOH it fits well closed also and there the hidden snaps are an advantage!

I did some more tryons because I think there’s a “ target outfit “ for this coat, for me. It’s super proportions with pants + sweaters that don’t really layer under a blazer that well, or that blazer- jacket isn’t warm enough- that’s a winter staple outfit for me and my colors are typically black, navy, many shades of gray, berries, teal and all go great with the coat. I haven’t tried with jeans but feel that’s a no- brainer, and weekend errands- wear with jeans and sweaters would be fun. This is where I’d play with colors, pattern- mixing,

So my noodling questions are:
—will the snaps bother me? I think I’m adapting to them just as I do more tryons.

-It’s not as good with skirts, just due to length, but that’s true of all similar length coats. I do have a “ coat capsule “ for warmth and proportions issues.
— the work comfort zone issue: I think I can handle it! That’s where the darker, lower- contrast colors help me and the more classic trim fit AND that I would be wearing it over pretty “ calm” outfits for going to work. But obviously it has a different vibe than a solid neutral or classic tweed or check, and if I don’t wear it on weekdays I can’t really justify it in my wardrobe

Angie, or some other fabbers who may have this coat in this or other colors- any thoughts welcome!

Boden

Hengrave Coat

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6 years ago

Carla

Active Member

I have this coat in the leopard and I love it. The shiny snaps don't bother me, I find them quite unobtrusive actually. I like it equally when closed (nice warm neck) and when open. The low contrast pattern feels warm and subdued, its not an "in your face" leopard print, if that makes sense. I find the mid length so useful. So I vote a confident yes, but then I am biased

unfrumped

Veteran

Carla, thanks so much! I also honed in on the low contrast— i also love the tawnier more “ real” leopard , to look at, but is is not as much “ me”. And I can’t as much use something really trendy in my daily life. So this coat is more likely to be “ my” leopard coat than what I’ve seen for awhile.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

I'm wearing the heck out of it this week. So. Well. Made. A quality piece.

I don't like silver hardware for my own style, but these snaps don't bother me. They melt into the pattern for one thing, and aren't that shiny.

Which style of skirts don't you like the coat with, unfrumped?

And what Carla said.

Hi Angie.
I mainly tried it on with some pencil skirts, and I guess it’s just the usual thing of staggered hems because the coat is shorter than the skirt. It’s not bad , just not great.

Bijou

Unfrumped, I think this is a question that only you can answer.

I have a poison eye for visible snaps on coats when worn by me - I never notice them on others...so for me this potentially would be a deal breaker. I had to learn this lesson the hard way, buying a black jacket that had them. Of course, shiny silver really shows up on black, more subdued snaps may not be of such concern. I would personally buy the Boden cropped jacket because I prefer the button fastenings to the snaps.

Bijou, you’re right of course.
I think I’m “ getting over” the snaps. The coat ticks so many boxes for me. Tge color of course, as I just can’t manage the lighter animal prints in my environmental norm— that’s one of the hardest things to find it seems. The convertible collar is good for me, the high neck ( which can be snapped!) is good for my neckline and especially good for leopard as don’t need a scarf; it’s warm but not too heavy or too plushy, which means it works in transition seasons with lighter layers under. I love the look of some shorter leopard jackets on others, but I need the length for warmth. So, I will notice all these other things more, I think.

Unfrumped, better with a lower contrast between the staggered layers.

That makes sense, Angie!

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