Help with fit and style of these winter jackets - YouLookFab Forum

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Help with fit and style of these winter jackets

Helena

Veteran

Hi everyone, hoping I can ask for some help with my winter wool jacket. I have a need for one, and I currently have two, both of which have been around for some time - so I wanted to reassess whether they are still working, the fit is okay, I can make them work or I need to consider donating and updating. They could both use a dryclean so don't worry about that bit!

1. Ink blue - it's missing a button but that's easily fixed. This one is the more comfortable, and I prefer the ink over the gray. It's overall a rather classic peacoat look but my concern is the slight gathering around the waist - does this make it look dated or weird?

2. Dark gray - is the military-ish style of this a bit dated? Also, it's a little snuck in the shoulder and arm-holes.

Would very much appreciate your thoughts; please be honest! Truth be told, I likely won't need either much this year since I usually use them for smarter occasions of which I anticipate none this year So it could be that one is just good enough for this year, but needs an update next year - that's another option! But I'm fine with any feedback you may have!

Thanks! xoxo

PS - what's with the miserable face on me? It's Friday!!

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Dressing

29 replies

Latest reply was from Helena

Runcarla

Veteran

Both look fine to me, TG. Classics. Not dated at all. The navy is more flattering to your colouring and the gathers are subtle and enhance the fit (IMO). Both can be improved with accessories like a scarf, hat, and mitts or gloves.

It might just be the light, but the navy looks a little worn in the photo. The grey does not. However, I’m not a fan of wearing uncomfortable clothes, so if it binds across the shoulders or in the arms - pass it along and wear the one you like the best - whilst putting a replacement on your shopping list!

slim cat

Veteran

Both coats are ok for this winter - I prefer navy as a color but like the shape of a grey one a little better. Adding new scarf or new boots may be a good choice but it's all up to you.
Shopping for coats/jackets is like a hunt for me - done mostly in the end of season at a bargain price ( unless it's a love from the first sight ).

Helena

Veteran

Hi Carla, thanks for your input! The faded navy is bad lighting ... it's actually still a nice saturated ink blue.

Helena

Veteran

Slim cat that's a good idea - if I can hang in with one of these until the sales, I might get a great deal. Great suggestion thx!

Suz

(website)

Veteran

You look so great in navy!

That coat does look a bit worn, but it might just be the photo. I do like it a lot on you. And I don't think it is too dated to wear. Especially if you don't anticipate wearing one of these often this year.

The grey one is nice, too, but the colour isn't as good on you (though Carla is right -- easy to remedy with a scarf/ hat). But I am not a fan of clothes that feel too tight and constricting, so if the armholes are snug, I might let it go to a good home -- someone will get a lot of use from it.

Helena

Veteran

Thanks so much Suz!

Okay, so my current thinking is: donate the gray, dryclean and spiff up the navy for the time being, keep an eye out for a replacement navy classic coat. Will see if Angie and/or others concur! Really appreciate it guys!! xoxo

Erin

I prefer the fit and color of the blue coat, and I don’t think it looks dated. I like the gray too, but it doesn’t seem to fit you as well in the shoulder area and underneath your arms in the photo where your arms are raised.

Liesbeth

Veteran

I like both too: classic styles that don't even seem dated in the details, to me.
However I get the need to refresh winter coats. I have thought of that too since last winter. But the ones I have refuse to wear out :-D. And this year, well, I'll just keep wearing them with pride I think. I'd love a check wool coat with a bright red, green or pink in the pattern but expect that restraint won't be hard if styles continue like last year to be rather straight. I need my coats roomy or slit from the waist down to ride my bike :).

Anonymous

I agree with Carla and Suz - navy is ok for now, but the grey isn't a good colour for you. I'd love to see the navy really punched up with a great scarf .

Helena

Veteran

Yes Lisa - you're right. I have a navy and white glenplaid scarf that would work, but if I could find a navy print that brought in my cool-toned green, that would really go a long way with this jacket. Great suggestion; thanks!

Janet

(website)

Veteran

I don't see anything dated -- they both look classic to me. However, I prefer the blue on you, color and style-wise.

nemosmom

Veteran

Neither look dated to me, although I certainly understand the feeling of being 'over' a piece. The blue is a GREAT color on you and will play beautifully with your new green (and red!) I would pass on the grey one and keep your eye open for a new blue one.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

My 2 cents, sweet Helena:

Neither looks dated, and the silhouettes are fab!
Navy looks a whole lot better on you than grey. Richer.
Can you layer sweaters underneath the coats? You must be able to move and drive comfortably in a coat.
Are they pilling?
Add scarves and fun beanie to amp up styling

Helena

Veteran

Angie, thank you so much!! This definitely means the navy is the way to go - I can comfortable wear a sweater under it (I think they both need to sweater shaver just around where the collar meets my neck, whereas the gray starts to feel constricted. Very little pilling, amazingly, but I'll do a very close inspection to be sure - the navy which is older is actually in better shape in that respect. Yay for scarf and hat shopping! Thank you! xox

RobinF

Veteran

Another vote for navy! I prefer the style of it myself but that could just be a personal thing

ophelia

Veteran

I'd keep them both; I think they both look great! Then again, coats are big ticket item especially at the beginning of the season, so I wouldn't part with any of them.

rachylou

Veteran

I’m the contrarian these days in that I think the grey is more current. I find the babydoll styling of the navy less so. The navy is prettier in terms of colour, but pretty has to be a goal. However, snug uncomfortable arms are a big minus...

Synne

Veteran

Both look good! Classics. I've found grey to be quite versetaile and flattering, as long as I pair it with crisp white, metallic silver, yellow, red or other colours that pop and make it look less stale and boring.

anchie

Veteran

Nothing wrong with having 2 classic coats, but arm fit in gray looks little tight- what are you wearing under it? But I am not good judge of fit, I always go with bigger size in coats because I like to layer.

Runcarla

Veteran

If navy and green are your jam, you need some Black Watch plaid in your life!

Helena

Veteran

What do you think of this one Carla? I guess it's not really navy, but I love that it's a bit brighter ...

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Anonymous

Both look good, but I like the navy more too because the color is better on you.

Murph11

Veteran

Love the navy! Finding a perfect-match button can be difficult, but find a very close match and switch its placement with the bottom one.

Star

Veteran

The navy coat is classic and really suits you. I vote keep it. Gray is also good but less flattering on you and the shoulders do look a bit narrow.

Joy

Veteran

I like the navy best on you but both look classic, not dated. The grey looks like it is pilling a bit.

Jaime

(website)

Veteran

I prefer the blue for you. The grey just looks too stiff and fussy for your style, at least in these pictures. I love a classic peacoat - can't go wrong there.

Gigi

Veteran

I much prefer the navy. The gray one doesn't seem to fit right in the torso. It's funny that you say it is a little constricting in spots, because it actually looks a bit big to me in the photo.

Style Fan

Veteran

Another vote for the navy! I think both are classics and would work with the right colour scarves, etc. I would keep my eye open for a good wool coat in the sales or even in the consignment stores. I find navy wool winter coats easy to find. Or is that because I am always looking for another colour and navy shows up!

Helena

Veteran

Stylefan, can you believe the navy jacket is Jacob? That tells you how long it's been around!