ETA BETTER PICS: Keep or Return this Harris Wharf coat? - YouLookFab Forum

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ETA BETTER PICS: Keep or Return this Harris Wharf coat?

Roxanna

Veteran

ETA:

Thank you all for your thoughtful responses and comments on this coat - it was all SO helpful. I went back and tried this coat with winter boots and a blazer underneath, and lowered the stance by unbuttoning one button. what do you think?

Also adding: In winter, a long below the calf), light, warm, cozy coat is a must for me. I have a long puffer that fits this, as well as a knee-length dressy puffer, but I want a dressier, luxe coat to wear in the car on the way to work from Dec - March that isn't too heavy or cumbersome, fits over blazers, and is cozy. I like this one because itis luxe wool, dressy, has a cozy collar and the length that I need, and I canbutton it up to my neck or lower the stance as needed. So I'm fine with JFE since it meets all the other requirements - but if it's really not working, i want the truth!

Hi all, I picked up tots Harris Wharf coat on the spring sales. I want a cozy, luxe, warm coat for next winter and I think this fits the Bill. I like the unique hazelnut/rusty colour. It is not as warm as I am used to but I would later under it (that’s why I got a bigger size than usual.)

What do you think? Does it look too boxy or swallow me up? I don’t mind that it is long (I need a long coat here in Toronto!) but wondering if the style is a good one for me?

Shoulder fit is good, it is warm and light and cozy - I think I would wear out to work a lot.

I am curvy - maybe I could get a coat with a waist tie instead to be more flattering... but this will work with all my blazers and leather jackets, which I usually wear every day. Thoughts?

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64 replies

Latest reply was from Minaminu

Janet

(website)

Veteran

I share some fit challenges with you, and I find these straight-cut double-breasted styles really hard to wear. To me, this looks a bit big and a bit long on you. I totally get the struggle though, to find the right cut to layer a coat over blazers and jackets. I just think the combination of the very long length + the very roomy fit all over make it look a bit like you're swimming in it.

Staysfit

Veteran

My first thought was that it might work if it was shorter, but it looks like it dwarfs you since it is so large.

slim cat

Veteran

Looks a bit overwhelming- but it should be seen with winter accessories like boots, hat and gloves for the total look.
I have slightly big puffer for the same reasons of wearing it with jackets and heavy sweaters ( puffers are easier for me than coats ).

viva

Veteran

I agree that this swallows you up. But it is a gorgeous color - I understand the allure!

Cardiff girl

Veteran

I think that ,sadly,it’s too big for your frame and the reason you are asking is probably that you know this deep down but don’t want to let it go as it’s a really nice coat.But there will be others,more flattering to you and fit is crucial with a coat.

kkards

Veteran

Love the coat, But...its wearing you instead of you wearing it. Sorry

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

It looks a size too big, and just a little too long. But I get the appeal! Gorgeous coat. It was almost dead right

Similarly why I LOVE my own shearling coat with the same vibe. Although big and boxy, and I am small framed, it has just enough structure. A little shorter and good shoulder fit:

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Anonymous

The color looks great, but sadly I agree that it’s swallowing you! I think if a coat is that long, it helps for it to have a waist tie. If it’s boxy with no tie, I think just below the knee is an easier length. (My eye has adjusted to very long puffer coats, but I see those as necessary gear and kind of beyond style.)

nuancedream

Veteran

It's a beautiful coat, but it definitely looks to be too large and long for your frame.

Roxanna

Veteran

Thanks all for the prompt and honest feedback! That’s why I love this group so much!

Question - I totally hear you that the coat looks too long and too big. But here is the challenge: I actually need a dress coat that is long, and a little big.

Canadian winters are no joke - at -20C, I need a coat that is this long (all my others are knee length which isn’t warm enough for December - March.) also, if I get one that’s more fitted, I won’t be able to wear it over jackets or blazers that I wear every day (which is why I don’t wear my shorter, more fitted coats in winter.) And if I get one that’s more fitted in the shoulder, not only will it be hard to put a jacket under, but it won’t work with my wider hips.

I get that this one swallows me up - but of this is what I need, do I just ignore that and keep it? Return it and resign myself to the fact that I can’t have this kind of coat even though I need it? Look for another version - but what would be different about that one to make it work?

Irina

Veteran

Roxanna, it might help if you try it with boots and winter pants.
you might want to shorten the coat a few inches but still keep it below the knees. Also, you might try to pin it.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Roxanna, I TOTALLY get the layering part. I wear jackets under my coats too.

Few things:

A cocoon silhouette might be better suited to this
Layer with the RIGHT items under this coat and let's see how that looks. Add boots!
You might need to slightly shorten, if that's an option
You might need a long blanket puffer instead because puffer fabric and quilting is a lot more forgiving of gliding over layers

Pic of my big cocoon coat layered over thermals, t-neck and blazer"

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Vildy

Veteran

In some of the pics it looks okay. Try it again while wearing a blazer and some heeled boots for posture/stance.

Vildy

Veteran

also, if you end up shortening it, a tailor can make a half belt out of that fabric and if it's sewn on to tighten/gather a bit in the back, it tends to give more shape to the front waist area.

nuancedream

Veteran

Angie beat me to the punch with the recommendation for a cocoon coat. I was also thinking a funnel neck puffer coat could work too.

Roxanna

Veteran

Thank you all - this is helpful! I have a lavender cocoon coat from j crew that I love that works well for this purpose abs is not overwhelming - but I was looking for something longer. I will try out with the right outfit and shoes as you all suggested and post pics. And if not, back it goes!

Anonymous

Without reading other comments first - I have a one word answer: no. Gorgeous colour and fabric, but it's totally swallowing you up. You deserve, and will find, something better. Pardon my bluntness

Anonymous

Agreeing with the others, it's just too big overall :/
I'm thinking that if you need a long layerable coat, look at single breasted instead. The double breasted adds to the wide feeling of that coat.

unfrumped

Veteran

Agree with the sad no- go on this one.
I have similar fit problems- if shoulders fit, hip is too small. If I can layer over a blazer, then arms/ armholes look too big.
What Angie said about other options.
Also perhaps some kind of swing style or A- line , though that gets into a lot of hem by full length.

Jonesy

Veteran

I agree it seems like too much coat for you! The high stance + double-breasted + what appears to be really thick wool add up to a lot of coat. But to give it a fighting chance, I would try it on with some heeled boots and see how it grabs you :). Are you totally committed to a below the knee length? Cocoon coats are a fabulous option, but tend to end at the knee. I have a longer cocoon coat from Uniqlo, of all places, purchased maybe three years ago, but they are kind of hard to find, unless you are willing to "invest" (e.g., Farfetch has a bunch of oversized, longer options on sale right now, most over $1,000, with a few in the $700-800 range).

If you really want a longer length with plenty of room to layer underneath, the tailoring is key, IMHO, plus the stance. And double-breasted is tricky, especially if the fabric is thick without a lot of drape.

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Roxanna

Veteran

@jonesy thanks so much for the photos - they are invaluable. You are right - it is the high stance + military detailing + rectangle shape + length. I have a similar coat in a smaller size, lower stance, more structured shoulder and shorter, and that works better - but of course it is not as warm!

Your photos really help - most are styled with ankles or bare feet in pumps, presumably to give much needed structure (though of course it would be idiotic style a real winter coat that way.) but it gives me ideas for how to add structure to this coat to see if I can make it work. Though I think, like photo 2 you showed, it still swallows me up, As every commenter has said I like the idea to look for a lower stance and more tailored look.

Jules

Veteran

These are custom made in Toronto, maybe something to consider for the perfect proportions.
https://coatsinc.com/
I have to admit a lower stance seems to contradict the need for a long coat for warmth. I don’t find wool coats as generally designed and styled these days are actually that functional for deep winter.

LaPed

Veteran

I agree that it's too big, and I totally sympathize with your dilemma. Without a Really Big Coat, how does one wear blazers and other structured toppers in the winter? Also, all coats look better open, and lower stances add structure, but there are only, like, two days per winter when it's warm enough... And don't get me started on the bare-ankled models.

Jenava

(website)

Veteran

I'm going to be an odd duck out and say I don't mind the fit as this is a dead of winter coat. I do wish the brown were a bit darker or black or navy on you though.

Jonesy

Veteran

Yeah I agree there is some seasonal confusion going on in several of those pics ;). I am certainly not baring my ankles in the winter! It is definitely tricky to find a stylish cloth coat that affords layering and doesn't break the bank--I think that's why so many people have fallen in love with puffers.

My cocoon coat is large enough for lots of layering, and has a lower stance, but then I can flip up the collar when it's especially cold (I'm in the Great Lakes region of the US) to get full coverage of my sternum area and neck. I would snap a few pics but I'm in the middle of grading, with a deadline fast approaching...

J. Crew always has several coats with Thinsulate lining, which might be an option for a warm, stylish cloth coat. Though I don't know if they make any that fall below the knee.

Jaime

(website)

Veteran

Before reading the responses I said directly to your pictures that we need to see it styled or at least with bulky shoes. Then I read the responses and was delighted by the extra photo inspo from Angie and Jonesy and to read others agree.
Anyway, I think I see what you see, which is photo #6. Photo #1 is a whole other story. So, for the purposes of science, I am afraid I must request that you bundle up, wear it as you would, and get a volunteer from the audience to take your pictures .
I love the color on you!

Zaeobi

(website)

Veteran

I completely get the need for warm layers, so I think the maxi length is fine (it's already a few inches above ground level, to prevent soggy hems).

Details to make this coat a little 'softer' would be perhaps:
~ a shawl collar (rounded lapels, longer than the Peter Pan collar style),
~ or funnel neck (ones with an extra strip of fabric slightly bigger than Angie's cocoon coat can double as a scarf),
~ single breasted buttons (or even a zip up style with buttons over the top for choice of closure!),
~ & a less straight shape (either cocoon (as @Angie suggested) would work, but I also like the idea of a half belt (@Vildy). A full belt could work, so long as it has belt loops for you to tie the belt in the back when you don't want that shaping, such as when you're wearing a blazer or topper underneath).

I used to have a long maxi wool coat (back in the UK) with military style buttons, but the single breasted closure with princess seams & bust darts helped to 'soften up' the look. I'm not sure you could find such tailoring at maxi length anymore, but that's the sort of style I mean. Perhaps vintage wool evening coats might be worth a look?

JAileen

Veteran

It looks huge. But can you show it with the layers you would likely wear with it? I think then we’d see how the fit really is. It’s a beautiful coat.

Anonymous

Returning to participate properly This reminds me of a Max Mara wrap coat I had back in the day ( same colour and oversized vibe ) that filled the exact purpose you describe . I was a big blazer wearer back then , and what other style of coat was there that fit this role ? Which leads me to the question : maybe a wrap style or something less tailored would work for you ?

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