Hi CF --
Your preferences in terms of flattery were mine when I was hunting for a few years, so I know what you mean about it being harder than it seems to find some picks.
Especially knowing you'll be biking in this, could you add a few more items to your desiderata (new word for me, love it!)?
- Length in inches that gets you to mid-thigh and knee length (height/body type make this different for everyone)
- Preference for single- vs double-breasted (or open to either)
- Preference/requirement for neckline -- will you need one that can at least be worn closed, or would you always fill in with a scarf if needed?
- Style preferences -- streamlined modern classic, a bit of edge, special details, kind of sporty etc?
- Ideal price point/range?
I had the whole color vs neutral debate too; I think you'll love whatever you get so say go with your gut. [If you find a coat that meets the majority of your needs and it's a neutral and it makes you feel good, go for it and accessorize with color. And if you fall for a color-color coat, do the inverse.]
I tend to wear more all-neutral outfits in winter, and was flip-flopping about blending in with a neutral vs standing out with a color-color. I had very specific colors in mind and never saw in a style that appealed/flattered, so -- neutral won out.
I do think reds, burgundies, cognacs, and deeper greens/blues all fall into the faux-neutral category, so if you wear any of those all the time perhaps they'd be the best of both worlds for you in terms of not getting sick of the shade but not going with a true neutral.
In terms of length I much prefer ~ knee-length with skirts/dresses and even pants for both looks and practicality. [Don't forget if it's windy most coats that length will blow open to about mid-thigh in the front.]
Given that you'll be biking in it, maybe think about whether you want to be able to sit on the coat a little/lot or not at all?
In terms of brands for the silhouette you're thinking about, I agree J Crew is a place to explore. Lots of the higher-priced coats do come down, so I'll also suggest Lauren Ralph Lauren, Calvin Klein, Mackage, Fleurette, the VERY spendy Cinzia Rocca (included because sometimes they end up on crazy-sale...like 300 vs 1200!).
For sites: Lord and Taylor, Bloomingdales, Saks, NM, Nordstrom, and the "conglomerate" sites that let you see prices across a variety of stores.
Good luck!
