Coat Lab: Help please! - YouLookFab Forum

So. It's 32C today and I am trying on winter coats on our front porch while the neighbours give me funny looks. BUT!
- Suz's post yesterday got me thinking about my coat capsule, which I set a goal to refresh this year
- I have 6 J Crew coats winging their way to me as we speak that I will need to decide on (I will keep 0 - 2).

So! without further ado, here are my existing winter coats. They are all 6-10 years old and well worn. But they fit well (I think), are good quality, don't look worn and I like each of them. I am loathe to replace them unless they look outdated or worn. BUT I do want to look current, so if these look dated or not flattering in any way, PLEASE let me know and I will pass them on.

1) My Santa Coat - a splurge from probably 8 - 10 years ago. This coat is great quality (wool/cashmere blend) and I have worn the heck out of it, and though it is looking a bit tired, I think a dry clean will bring it back to life. What do you think? Does it look dated? Does it suit me? I'm happy to pass it on if need be.

2) Dove grey herringbone - a Soia & Kyo coat, probably 7-8 years old, but I love the herringbone and the contrast lining, and this one is also great quality. Again? Does it look outdated? Does it suit me?

3) Camel Pea Coat - this is a fall one that I have had in storage for few years because it was too short to be current, but I have held onto it because of he phenomenal fabric and fit. I know the colour doesn't do much for me, but i can fix that with a coloured scarf. Does it still look outdated? If so I will put it away for another year.

I also have a cobalt blue wool parka from BR from last year that is great and that I am keeping, so no need to try that on.

I will try on the new coats as they arrive, but I wanted your thoughts on these first.

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7 years ago

chewyspaghetti

Veteran

None of these look dated to me. I love the gray one! The color on the peacoat is not the greatest, but you already know that.

Banoffi

I don't think the red or grey coat look dated, and both look great on you. The camel pea coat doesn't do much for you, but it could just be the color (as you said).

Suz

(website)

Wow, this is fun!

Those are beautiful coats, too -- and real evidence, if any were needed, that coats tend to date more slowly than other types of clothing.

I actually don't find these dated at all -- they are attractive and look well made. The tailored fit is always stylish if not always on trend, but it IS returning to trend, as is waist definition.

I think ideally a slightly cooler red might be a bit more flattering, but I'm not 100% sure about that (photo angle might be influencing my judgement here). I love it in pic 1 but feel less sure in pic 2. Again, I think that might just be lighting/ camera angle and it's such a standout piece that it's worth keeping, regardless.

The grey herringbone is soft and lovely and fits with your palette.

And, as you say, the pea coat can be dealt with in various ways -- no harm in keeping!

However, with the longer coats, both are belted styles so you might want something a bit different than that. (Can't remember your BR one at the moment).

cjh

I like them all. The gray one is really beautiful.

Angie

Fashion Stylist

None of these coats look dated. Get this one next:

J.Crew

Stadium-cloth cocoon coat

View Info

Top Pick

Roxanna

Thanks all! Yes, i agree, the camel one isn't great for me (sigh...I SO love camel but have some to the realization that it doesn't love me.) But i love it so much and it is so verstaile, that if the length is ok, i will make it work. I have a pumpkin cashmere scarf that just brings it to life.

@Suz: I never thought about a cooler red! I always thought I looked better in very warm colours, but my recent gravitation to greys, pastels and black have me rethinking. Maybe it's the hair. I will hold onto it but I will give what you said some thought (this is a true holiday read - probably on the warmer side.) Also very apt in your thinking that I need a beltless coat - it drove me nuts last year as everything i wore was oversized. My BR one is beltless, but I wouldn't mind another like this (though not too many as i am returning to tailored fits.)

Thanks everyone for the honest feedback. SO helpful. Maybe all the J Crew coats will go back if these still work (my wallet will be happy.)

@Angie that's one of the ones I ordered based on Suz's reco! So you think the lilac will work too. So interesting as I never saw it for me, but it could play so nicely with my wardrobe of pastels and grey/black/ink. You think cocoon will still be around for a while despite tailored silhouettes?

I can't wait to get them!

It looks like a true red and is probably super flattering in person. Also, probably more with winter skin. I think you probably look good in almost all reds. You seem to wear cool pastels really well, and also brights. I think the lilac one is going to be glorious on you.

Liz A.

I'm confused. Are you wearing the same belt with the first two coats? Did they come with a belt? Can we see without? I might personally change out the buttons on the red coat as I find the black with red a bit jarring, but I don't think any of them look dated.

@Liz A - the belt is a separate purchase. The red coat didn't come with a belt but I think it adds to it; the grey coat came with a belt but it has a huge buckle I don't like. Do you think with/without belt will make a difference to how much you like them?

Ha, yeah the belt looks a bit off to me like it doesn't really go. I think they would look good without the belt!

Barbara Diane

I'm not a big fan of the belts either, but I like the coats.

Diana

The first two coats are gorgeous. I would also prefer them without the belts, but that's just personal preference.

The color of the camel pea coat looks very different in the first photo vs. the other two. Which one is more accurate? I think if it's the color in the first photo (warmer and a little more saturated) you can make it work. In the other two, it seems to be making your skin look a little ashy. I'm also not the biggest fan of short coats, but again it's just personal preference. The shape is very classic so I don't think it's dated.

Janet

I would also like to see them without the belt. I'm not wild about the color or the length of the camel coat on you -- it seems short in the body, but that might be due to what you're wearing with it.

Anonymous

Hello Roxanna.
Hope you are enjoying the warm weather in T dot!
I love the herringbone fabric coat.
That's my favourite but they're all great.
I prefer thigh-length coats on everybody so I'm slightly biased against the camel coat for that reason.

JAileen

I love the first two coats, but not the belts. What do they look like without them? The third coat might not be a great color for you.

unfrumped

I would next add a coat longer than the camel peacoat, even if it's short, and try some cooler colors- so Angies rec sounds very good to me. Or something similar if the JC fit isn't oerfect. I'm akng- waisted lead and I find many peacoat are too short for best trouser outfits, and coats short- waisted. ,

LaPed

Ditto everyone who's asked to see coats 1 and 2 sans belt!

The camel coat looks great in the close-ups but not so great in the full-length photo. The length seems a little too cropped to me, although it might work with a different outfit underneath? I'm just not sure. And as you already know, the color is not the best on you. If you decide to cull, that's the one I'd put on the chopping block. Then you could add a shorter-length coat in a short length that works better *for you*.

I'll also echo those who think the lavender cocoon will look great on you -- can't wait to see try-on pics! I'm trying to live vicariously through others' winter coat shopping for the time being.

Thanks everyone for all the thoughtful and honest feedback - very helpful.
I just got some sad family news right now - my grandmother passed away - so I am going to step off the forum for a few days, but I will come back and address all the comments.

Thank you - sorry - just a bit shaken up right now.

So awfully sorry to hear this, Roxanna. Coats do seem beside the point right now. Wishing you peace.

I'm sorry for your loss. Take care.

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