Closet edit: on the fence - YouLookFab Forum

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Outfits Ensembles Trends Advice

Closet edit: on the fence

Gretchen

Veteran

I'm working on the coat closet, and have hit a snag on whether to bench or donate.

3 coats in question:
1. London Fog trench in Blueberry. I loved this 2 years ago, but with recent body changes, I'm almost sized out. I can still wear tied, or can button over a thin layer, but no heavy layers.

2. Kenneth Cole Reaction Wool cloth coat in Forest Green. Ladylike car coat, 3 years old. Feels tight in the arms, but works everywhere else. But feel like it's a limited use item.

3. Lauren RL Red double breasted pea coat. Now tight when buttoned but still works as an open layer.

I'm in Northern CA, so these coats get some work, but it's a limited season. I have other more casual coats, so these are more for formal clothing or specific looks.

Keep on the bench for certain occasions or to bring back next season? Donate and cry, but be happy with a smaller wardrobe? I'm stuck.

General

15 replies

Latest reply was from Gretchen

DonnaF

Veteran

It sounds like you need to pass these on if you re-read what you wrote. IMHO outerwear needs to button and enable one to drive. Only if you already have a specific occasion with a specific date when you would regret not having one of these would I hold onto one of them.

Joy

Veteran

If you can afford it, pass on all three and find one coat for your more formal needs. Or hold onto one if you are not ready to look for a replacement. If you donate, you can be happy with more room in the closet and find out if you really need a more dressy coat.

Cardiff girl

Veteran

I always think pea coats need to be done up and coats are generally about keeping warm so if you can’t do them up ?Why keep clothes that make you feel big especially if you don’t wear them that often,maybe put one into hold just in case and get rid of others and if you haven’t worn it or still have the same issues with it come spring say goodbye and buy something that makes you feel fabulous and fits you.

Janet

(website)

Veteran

What's the rest of your coat collection like? Are there others that you can wear instead of these, or do these have specific functions with certain outfits? It sounds like maybe your coats could use a refreshing.

I understand what you mean, though. I have a Burberry teal trench which I bought when I was smaller -- it still fits, but not over anything bulky. I'm not getting rid of it because, well...Burberry! But I do have an old long burgundy coat that is very nice and fits well but I rarely ever reach for it anymore because I have newer favorites. Coats are expensive enough and tough enough to fit -- especially long coats on me -- that I keep it around in case it comes back into my favor. But I'l letting go of a nice J Crew pea coat that is now just a little too fitted, because I have so many other coats I choose to wear instead and it's just not comfortable to wear. I've come to believe that I'd much rather have coats a bit on the roomy side than even slightly snug.

Anonymous

Id think tight in the arms would be a dealbreaker especially, but you definitely should be able to close up your coats comfortably. If you think the body changes are permanent, hunt a new coat and pass the others. If youre not sure, put them in the holding zone, and hunt!

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Pass on all the coats. Get ONE new coat that fits comfortably.

LaPed

Veteran

Angie took the words right outta my mouth!

Christina F.

Veteran

I agree with the advice to pass on the coats. I know it's very frustrating when expensive, formal coats stop fitting. But you'll be much happier to have something that fits you well!

cindysmith

Veteran

Tight coats & jackets do not get to live in my closet. They're bulky, so they have to EARN their space in my wardrobe. I vote you pass them on if you have other coats that can do their jobs better

JAileen

Veteran

Yes, get one fabulous coat to replace these three ill fitting coats. And going from three to one frees up closet space, too.

kkards

Veteran

Coats in particular are always in need in my community so I’d look for an organization that is collecting them and make someone else happy

Kathie

Veteran

Another voice in agreement to donate all three. For my nicer items that still have some wear, I'm donating specifically to organizations that work with women who are returning to the workforce. It's taking the sting out of the sunk cost.

Jenni NZ

Veteran

Gosh that's tough. I sympathise. I only own 2 coats as NZ's North Island doesn't really need coats much. I can't give advice.
Only that I have kept too much stuff that doesn't fit and have recently taken the plunge to donate some of it...

Mary Beth (formerly LBD)

(website)

Veteran

I vote to pass these on. If the coats are limited wear items for your climate, why clutter up your closet the rest of the year, with clothing that restricts your range of movement? You can always layer pieces that you love and fit you well, while keeping an eye open for a coat that you love, and allows you ease of movement.

Gretchen

Veteran

Thanks all for the feedback. I think it's my ongoing challenge to not waste the investment, but then not feel great in the clothes.

It seriously did not occur to me to do a 3 for 1 swap... in my head these had 3 specific uses. But as several of you noted - why do I need 3 in this environment. I'm so grateful for the external perspective!

@kathie and @kkards we always have a coat drive at work in the late Fall, so I'll be sure to mark these for that donation. Definitely want to see them go to a good home.

Thank you - Next!