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Help me with this beloved closet orphan?

Janet

(website)

Veteran

You can probably tell, I’m taking a look at my closet today. It’s rainy and dreary so I’m feeling quite the homebody.

I’m really fond of this coat. I bought it in Amsterdam almost 8 years ago, but have only worn it maybe twice a season. I’m not considering giving it up, but I am wondering if some fresh eyes can give me more ideas for styling it.

It’s quirky and dramatic, yes. And WHITE. I do not possess Angie’s superpowers of keeping white items pristine. In fact, the edges of the sleeves are looking a little dingy and I should probably take it to the dry cleaners.

It was feeling a little snug for a while too, but it’s fitting a little better now, as long as I don’t wear anything heavy under it.

It’s a tricky season piece because it’s too lightweight for winter, mostly, but our spring is short, so there’s a limited wearing season. And I hesitate to wear it in the rain because…well, white.

I’ve traditionally worn it with dark wash bootcut jeans and refined booties and whatever top underneath, usually with a scarf. I’m thinking of trying to dress it down with my more distressed wide leg jeans, and maybe even platform sneakers? The shape of the A-line cut seems to suit a wide leg or bootcut the best, but I’m open to suggestions. It also seems to work best buttoned up, but I’m including an unbuttoned pic too.

Any suggestions? I realize it may not be many people’s cuppa but I still think it’s pretty cool and would like to get more wear out of it in the future.

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General

33 replies

Latest reply was from Angie

Irina

Veteran

Have you tried it with a dress and sock boots?

I would also suggest a midi denim skirt and platform sneakers.

LJP

Veteran

A dress or skirt the same length of those longer side pieces - say in a distressed denim as Irina suggested , or a cropped wide leg linen pant or cropped wide leg jeans ? I think I’d want to keep whatever bottom is worn the same length as the side pieces to keep the eye in one place ? Or then again you could play up the military vibe with a graphic t , platform sneakers and vintage-y denim .

Janet

(website)

Veteran

Thanks, Irina!

I haven’t tried it with dress/skirt yet since I tend to only wear those in summer, but it’s a good idea. I tend to think of skirt/dress solutions as “dressy” and I am trying to get more casual wear out of this.

Intriguing idea about a denim midi skirt. I just rescued a denim pencil skirt from my donate/consign pile since I am losing a little weight and it might be workable again if I keep it up. But it’s probably not the right silhouette or length for this coat.

Vildy

Veteran

What do I know abou styling but this is amazing. Wear it lots more.
Plenty of days when you're walking out to the car and going from there to somewhere indoors and it's *not* raining, eh.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Ooh, so dramatic and interesting. I like the suggestions you've received so far. I don't think the lengths of the crops or skirt need to be identical (see the long over cropped post for some idea?) but it might take some photo sessions to see what works with the stepped hem here.

I think it will be tough to casualize it a lot, TBH, because of the cut (as well as the drama, as well as the white). But it's never going to date, so you could keep it as long as you like.

Another option -- would you get more wear from it if it were a different colour? You could possibly dye it.

kkards

Veteran

I actually like it as you’re wearing it, but it change to navy or black boots to give more of a column of color look so that it gives the coat more emphasis and drama. I’d love to see it over a column of black. Not sure, but you could try for the ultimate juxtaposition and wear boyfriend jeans with sneakers, which i could see working but may not feel like you.

April

Veteran

I love it too! I'd keep it even if I only wore it every two years, because just knowing it was in my closet would make me happy.

I feel like any pants paired with booties in a similar white (looks like cream rather than optic white?) would look great with this.

morethanbeige

Veteran

I really like this coat and how you’re wearing it now. I am a huge fan of ivory—one of my favorite colors. Love the suggestions for wearing it with different options. Perfect day for experimenting.

Star

Veteran

I imagine it looking really good with a high contrast tonal column underneath, like black or navy. Such a dramatic, unusual piece. Very cool.

Julie

I don't have any other suggestions, but I've very much enjoyed your posts today (this coat, the wrap dress)- it's wet and dreary here too and now I would like to see everything in your closet.

Kyle

Veteran

I have mad mad love for this coat. Open or closed, I love it both ways. I like Star’s idea of a tonal column underneath, like black or navy. I would even see grey as a possibility for you. If it were my coat, I’d love to style it as an all-white outfit for a night out. The drama! But, I’m also curious to see it styled in a more casual way, with jeans as you mention. For you, I can envision it worn open with boot cuts, a simple black and white graphic tee and an interesting heeled boot or bootie. I think black flared trousers would also look great with this coat.

Janet

(website)

Veteran

Great ideas, everyone! I love the column of color underneath idea. And I’m going to try faded denim with a graphic tee and platform sneakers, sort of playing off the slight 70s vibe of a long swishy coat with a dramatic collar. I’ve been watching Daisy Jones and the Six, so loving the groovy fashion right now!

SarahD8

Veteran

Picking up on Kyle's suggestion of gray -- could you wear it with gray jeans and anything from a graphic tee to a black cashmere turtleneck? I really love the juxtaposition of gray jeans + an item that skews dressy (as I think the coat does -- but I think you can dress it down as you're aiming to).

Jenni NZ

Veteran

Definitely with your fab new black pants and black boots and maybe a black top under? Or, a cream top.

Janet

(website)

Veteran

These are great suggestions!

My husband just texted me that we have a dinner invitation for tonight for a nice steakhouse — could be idea to try one of these outfit ideas!

Cardiff girl

Veteran

This is a fabulous coat!l haven’t read the suggestions given yet but l am sure there is lots of wisdom.l think l would either go really glam ,column of white Prehaps or go rock and roll and contrast this quite formal coat with something tougher?leather skirt/trousers if you have them.Either way keep the coat!

Irina

Veteran

I don’t remember if you have faux leather joggers. Would be interesting to see it as a column of black with a black top/turtleneck under the coat.

phoebe

I might actually go less high contrast as the shape alone is so interesting and softer wouldn't erase the drama

Tanya

Veteran

What a beautiful, unique coat. There were already lots of great ideas, I especially like the one wearing it over simple dark column of color so that it can shine. I would also try the opposite approach, with simple white tank/tee and relaxed light/medium wash jeans.

Sal

Veteran

It’s fabulous. I like it with the jeans but different footwear - edgier or more classic boots or shoes - would be my suggestion. I’d lean it to the edgy or boho or avant- garde or classic rather than too casual ( that’s just me though).

Definitely worth keeping - I think patterned trousers or dresses or skirts could work too- I would be tempted to keep the top half simple underneath as you have done here.

Jaime

(website)

Veteran

I love it! Haven't read the comments so I may be repeating: I would try lighter jeans and pants (white or light wash, light grey etc.) and definitely a longer swishy dress or skirt if you wear one in jacket weather.

The Cat

Veteran

How about wearing it with a simple comfortable sweater dress?

Janet

(website)

Veteran

Thanks, all! Some of these options sound amazing but would require more shopping that I don’t need to do. For instance, I’d love a sweater dress but have never in my adult life found them to be a good fit for my body type so I have given up on them — just too much trouble! But I am noting these suggestions and will try to get a couple of wears in this spring!

jussie

Veteran

I love it! I’d probably try it with black pants or jeans and a more refined shoe, not particularly casual I know but a nice look for going out….
It also might work well with a turtleneck sweater or turtleneck top under it. Or maybe with satin jogger pants if you have any?
Or a leather or coated jean….
Best of luck with it.

Indigoprint

Veteran

I could see it with soft drapery pants...but do not know if that is something you already have in your closet...

Mirjana

Veteran

I may say that i didn't read all comments, but to my mind any dressy pants and dressy shoes would be nice. But have in mind that the jacket should be the star of the show, it means dressy and simple the others. Great and very interesting jacket.

Maeve

What a lovely coat! I would experiment with volume on the bottom to continue the line of the coat and keep the top streamlined. So, a full midi skirt or barrel jeans or full, drapey joggers/harem pants.

Maybe it might seem less dramatic when paired with softer colors? I have this challenge with white as well, and that’s what I’ve been trying.

rachylou

Veteran

I feel with statement jewellery, a brooch or necklace, it almost wouldn’t matter what you wore underneath. It’s a dramatic cut, but also a plain coat; I think as long as you tip the balance and play up the drama, it’s very versatile… so long as the weather is agreeable.

unfrumped

Veteran

I’m thinking of playing it off of true solid clear colors and fabrics - so, not denim or anything murky. Red pants, cobalt, true black with black& white.
Don’t know if there’s any of that in your closet. So many color options but would try going in opposite direction of distressed fabrics. Don’t have to be dressy styles, but crisper colors.

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