I had been considering adding to my coat capsule. My longest, kind of at-knee coat is a nice Dana Buchman black wool/cashmere blend in sort of a classic style and I still love it.
Had considered another longer coat in some kind of gray or cool camel color for this year, also thinking about cocoon style for trendiness and layering, but was not doing so well with that style as they kind of swallow me and tend to be reverse-pear shaped.

Anyway, I was also intrigued by the Polar Vortex/winter darkness discussions and thought, hmm, my winters don't compete, but wouldn't something light be fun. And is seemed easier to get light colors in the synthetic puffer material, plus washable. But, I don't look good in real white or cream colors.

Today I was passing by the Burlington Coat Factory store--had not had good luck there for some years, so this was just random. I thought I'd just do some try-ons and see what colors looked good; did not expect much.
Was just giving up when I saw this pale gray quilted Guess coat. I purchased it but have not done at-home try-ons.

I had no idea of whether this was a years-old style showing up at discount, but thought I'd try to find a photo out there in the ether to post.

Lo and behold, it's at Nordstrom (ha--my price was significantly less! ).
I think it looks just a bit more silvery gray IRL --the photo looks almost white, but it is quite light, but still has that grayed tone that I need instead of a warm cream. Ordinarily I'd think I'd go for more of a pewter color, but to me this seems more versatile since I would have pants and footwear in darker grays, also just more different, for fun. I didn't need a super-long coat but did want it to be well below hip.

I have no use for the fur hood--it's zip-off--but do like the stand-or-fold-down collar. The zip pockets are in a good place/angle. One ticky thing is there is a round black rubber Guess logo on the sleeve.

I think this could be a fun "Southern puffer" (meaning it doesn't have to be rated to zero degrees or below) .

On me a size S layers over a blazer and zips up, but I think still looks good open--also I think it looks a little longer--the model may be either tall or sized down. Will try to get a picture soon and of course I have to try it with the "truth-telling" mirrors.

What do you think?

ETA: Added pics with pants and skirt. It is very comfortable to wear--so light! No knit inner cuffs but that is okay for me. ? is it too A-line? Is it a shadow-style light color vs. my usual deeper neutrals--not as "luxurious" a color (if you can apply that to puffers) ? I am wondering if I will become a puffer convert over time and should this be a fun experiment.

Bonus JC coat--I like how the style looks but interestingly, despite the more cocoon shoulder the armholes are not roomy and it's hard to layer in this size, the 2--tried the 4 also. I love this color and use it in lesser items. but it is probably too "warm" for me for coat investment--and the material is a bit stiff.