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Closet edit: long winter coats

Staysfit

Veteran

I have 10 coats that I would consider 3/4 length or longer. I tried them on and some are a bit snug after putting on some weight this summer after an injury that put a damper on exercise for a while, however I hope to lose the weight again now that I'm doing better.

I'm thinking of eliminating coats 3,6 and 10. Coat 3 is a bronze color Creenstone coat. Its lovely but the color is not my best given my grey hair. When I have an occasion I typically choose the grey Fleurette wool coat or the long charcoal Canada Goose instead. I rarely wear the mint green JCrew Stadium Coat (6). It seems to collect winter salt and grime and the seams have some snags. While I love the tailoring of my red wool coat (10), the color is perhaps too bright for me now? It sits in the closet unused. I I'm on the fence about the red Eddie Bauer puffer (first picture) which is older than my children (>30 years) and has been my go to for snow shoveling because it's light, warm and the sleeves fit well and allow me to move with ease. I can wear a shorter down puffer for snow shoveling unless the temp is too cold, or the green North Face puffer which is currently my most worn coat. It's not as well constructed as the Eddie Bauer and it's already showing wear. I think I can get at least one more winters use from it because the zippers are still good. I'm also on the fence about the silver creenstone in picture 5. I like this but almost never wear it. It feels heavy, maybe dated? It isn't as comfy as my lighter weight puffers. I'm also on the fence about the cape in picture 9. It's not in keeping with my personal style but it may be handy over a thick sweater or jacket layer since all the other coats are more tailored. I'm not in love with the fur cuffs and collar or the color. Coat 8 is a Cole Hahn wool/camel hair coat which is also around 15 years old. The big collar my be a deal breaker. Perhaps it's time to say goodbye?

Summary:
Definite keeps are pictures 2 (Canada Goose sleeping bag puffer), 4 (TNF puffer purchased a few years ago from NAS), 7 Fleurette long tailored wool coat.

Maybes: pictures 1,5, 8, 9

Goodbye to 3,6,10

What do you think?

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General

19 replies

Latest reply was from Staysfit

Star

Veteran

I love #1, so pretty with your hair. A good shape for a puffer too. In the picture I cannot see the wear and tear, but if you feel it is has one more winter left, you would know that. I think if it still has a function it could be kept.

I love #5. also, the metallic works so well with your hair. Also a good shape. Looks 'classic with a twist' to me.

I am not a fan of #8. It's the big collar.

#9 I am on the fence too. If you don't wear capes it probably should go.

I agree 3 and 6 can go if you not that happy with them. Your reasons are totally valid.

#10 I like this colour on you. One probably would need to be in a certain frame of mind to wear this colour. Maybe for special occasions?

I agree that all the ones you want to keep are 'definite keepers'.

cjh

(website)

Veteran

I’d keep either 1 or 5 but probably not both. They both look like great shoveling-ice scraping-dog walking options for those snowy, windy winter days. But your assessment of the level of warmth and ease of movement must decide. I like 5 because it has the hood.

It’s hard to weigh in on any others except 10. While the color is bright and maybe doesn’t blend with your wardrobe as well, to me it’s the classic and perfect cut for that kind of coat. I like the higher stance and double breasted cut, which I think must be warmer than the gray wool one. It’s flattering and dressy. So I would keep it personally if it looked that great on me!

Good luck sorting it all out.

kellygirl

Veteran

I agree with 3 and 6 going to new homes. I really like the long coat in 10 on you. You look great in red--I also love the red puffer. Not crazy about the collar in 8--but I I like the color on you. The asymmetric collars do trend so maybe it's worth keeping if you have space for it. The poncho jacket is also unique--more boho for sure, but since I bat for team broad shoulders, I understand how that can be a good topper for bulky sweaters! If you have the space, I'd keep it just for that. I'm not a coat expert - I don't think I even own a real coat--just chiming in because I love the red coats on you!

unfrumped

Veteran

Kudos to you for doing an edit. I have trouble letting go of coats due to sunk cost / do t line to shop for them, but feel good when I can “ see” why I’m not going to wear one anymore.

I agree # 6 can go. Style is not the best on you plus color, so I think you will not reach for it. Also big collar jacket— agree that it just doesn’t look right, whether “current” issues or just more that it doesn’t do anything for YOU.

Runcarla

Veteran

This is based on how these coats look on you in the photos and less on practical matters, so take the comments with a grain of salt…

#2 looks modern
#5 is so-so flattering to your colouring. If you don’t like the fur, remove it or the hood. On the other hand, if it’s physically uncomfortable (heavy) pass it on.
#10 fits you beautifully and is a modern classic. It’s the kind of coat a person would buy today. The best of your cloth coats. Get it into rotation!

Certainly keep a snow shovelling coat - #1 or #4.

#8 looks difficult to style, but FWIW, funnel neck coats were on the runway and are an upcoming (micro) trend.

Cookie

I agree that 1 and 4 might be redundant with each other but if the red one is still going strong and the green one has just one more winter, why not keep the red one? The silver puffer is meh and redundant with the very warm looking gray puffer 2. I absolutely love coat 3 and would keep. The cape is also cool in my personal opinion. I think I prefer the red wool coat to the gray. It’s so nice to have a coat in a cheery color.

Janet

(website)

Veteran

I agree with the ones you are letting go of, but I do wonder if you edit others out, perhaps the tailored red coat in 10 may get more love? I think the color looks nice on you and it is so classic and looks like it fits well. I might give it another season with your newly edited collection.

8 and 9 don’t really look like your style as I’ve come to recognize it here. You don’t sound enthused about them either. And you have other good options for puffers so I’d say if 5 is too heavy and doesn’t feel right, I’d let it go too.

Good work!

Mary Beth (formerly LBD)

(website)

Veteran

I cannot tell you how many times I’ve donated a “heavy work” item because it was a single-purpose item, and I had something that did the job “well enough” …. only to really regret it later. “Well enough” never does as well as I’d like, when ripping out a thorny vine that snuck into the garden, or hauling stuff out of the flooded corner of the basement.

If your Eddie Bauer is your best snow-shovelling coat, I feel you should definitely keep it.

#5 Silver - if it’s uncomfortable, pass it on.

#6 J Crew Stadium. If it’s the salt and grime, but you still love it, you might get it dry-cleaned, and then spray a couple of coats of Scotch-Guard or other fabric protector. I did this for my vintage white wool coat and it help up well in a semi-slushy/snowy NYC/Toronto trip.

#8 - there seem to be enough big collars on the runway this fall, that it’s being listed as a trend, so if you aren’t feeling the joy, this might be a great item to sell or consign.

#10 - I love that color on you! Maybe style an outfit around the coat, and see how you feel wearing it?

Lisa

Veteran

I agree with the keepers, you’ve got a great coat collection.

I like 5 with your hair and wonder if you can get rid of 1 because 5 fits the same use?

I like the boho vibe of 9 but if you’re not into this style you can let it go.

10 is a classic in a beautiful color on you, if you’ll wear it keep but if you’re going to reach for 7 over this one which is a similar style then pass on 10.

Anonymous

Agreeing that 3,6 and 10 can go, and also 9. 8 is very striking and a well designed version of the big collar but the fit may not be fluid enough for the style. If you don't feel comfortable wearing it now, it seems unlikely you will in the future.

Support keeping a high visibility coat like the first one, especially with the new dog.

Roberta

Veteran

Usual disclaimer that this is just my opinion.

I love #10. That rich red is fabulous and often hard to find.
I think #7 is kind of drab on you.
I agree about the fur trim on the capelet, which makes it a bit frumpy. Can that be removed? A poncho or cape definitely has its uses (I have one from Desigual), but there are better options out there, used or new.
Donate #6. It will make someone very happy and those pale non-colors are hard to keep clean.
I LOVE the silver puffer! I think it's great with your hair and a bit rock and roll.

JAileen

Veteran

The Fleurette really stands out. It’s fab on you.

Red looks good on you. Both red coats look good.

I really don’t like the mint one. It could be a personal prejudice.

I don’t like the big collar. It’s overwhelming.
#3 looks kind of sad.
I don’t care for the cape on you.

My takeaway: I like tailored looks on you.

ETA: I liked seeing someone with more coats than me!

Suz

(website)

Veteran

I love #1 on you. I'd keep. I also like 10 -- I think you look fab in red!

I'd eliminate the others you chose (3, 6).

And I like the ones you want to keep!

Dee

Veteran

Love the colour of #1,Wow Eddie Bauer puffer still going strong after 30 years.
Also love the silver colour and diagonal pattern of #5 on you, but I get that some puffers are just too heavy to wear but it is nice looking.
The long grey wool coat #7 seems a safe keep, and the Canada Goose for those arctic days.
Big collars, and cape coats would be a “ no go” for me.

NancyW

Veteran

Keep the red snow shoveling coat! You wear that color well and even though the coat has only one job - it sounds like it does that job really well. I love #10 and I think it looks great on you. The JCrew might just be for cold spring? But if you really want to make room - then let it go. The cape doesn't reflect your aesthetic as I understand it - but could be reigned in by taking off the collar and maybe the cuffs (long gloves?). All of these have something to recommend them - good luck with the sorting.

ophelia

Veteran

I really like the red wool; I’d keep. But I know what you mean, as my hair gets whiter, red seems harsh. I’m only seeing a pic on my phone, but it looks good to me.
Keep the Eddie Bauer! I think we tend to undervalue our “dirty work” items. Don’t risk messing up a good coat. I had ratty tennis shoes that I got rid of, & now I wish I had them to wear in monsoon season.
I love the silver puffer on you, hope you decide to keep it.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

May I suggest eliminating #8, #3, and #6.

SUCH a pity about #10. I have that coat so yes, it's probably too bright for you. I can attest to it being a smashing coat though. I love it! You might prefer a more wine red.

Sal

Veteran

I am with Angie -8 3 and 6 are my least favourites.

I love all your favourites -2 is perfect and the grey wool is fab too. I also like 1 and 10 a lot - I like red and I think a bright coat is wonderful on a dull day.

I quite like the cape but it is an outlier in being a more boho style. I would go with your get feeling as to whether you keep or donate.

Staysfit

Veteran

Thanks for the suggestions everyone. I am surprised by how many people like the red wool coat. I love the tailored style and its high stance, but the color to my eye is a bit bright. The Eddie Bauer red is slightly lighter, softer and maybe cooler in comparison. The Eddie Bauer has a zip on/off hood which is stored in my closet.

I’m going to keep the Eddie Bauer. Of all the coats. It’s the most comfortable for snow shoveling and remarkable in quality…30+ years and still going strong. It’s good for around the house. I wouldn’t wear it out.

I’m going to move the red wool coat and the cape to my holding zone.

I need to find a new tailor as our local tailor retired. Maybe the fur cuffs and collar on the cape can be removed.

I am definitely eliminating 3, 6 and 8. The color of coat 8 was a previous favorite. However, I never wear this coat and always pick one of the others instead. It is just taking up space.

I am keeping the silver coat. I love this coat. It’s good for work but not for shoveling snow.

Shopping plans: I love the idea of a long wine or rose brown color tailored wool coat, with a high stance. If I find one it could replace both the red wool and the long grey Fleurette coats. The Fleurette coat stance is low and it is not great when temps are too low. I often pick the Canada Goose instead. So I can easily see replacing two coats with one new coat if I can find something.

The TNF puffer is coming to the end of its life. It’s worn and will need to be replaced either before this season ends or next winter. I do think it can be a dog walking coat. It has large pockets and is fine for slushy roads, etc. I will keep this in mind for end of season sales. Maybe I can find something on sale

Next on my edit list: Short winter jackets, insulated parkas and rain coats/rain gear.