K/R - Big Purchase - Coat! - YouLookFab Forum

Category

Shopping

Welcome! Read about what to wear and how to wear it on the YLF Blog. Join the YLF Forum to ask specific questions or just chat about fashion and personal style. Or check out the curated list of things we love in YLF Finds.

Outfits Ensembles Trends Advice

K/R - Big Purchase - Coat!

Thistle

Veteran

I have been looking for a coat in burgundy or ink blue for a while. I came across this one. 90% wool, 5% Alpaca, 5% nylon. So not the 100% wool I had been hoping for, but very soft to the touch.

It is also lined in thinsulate, so much warmer than many of the other coats I have seen. It would not be a depths of winter coat, but for fall into early winter and then for our really cold spring.

Not sure about the fit. It is roomy, but that allows me to layer sweaters underneath. I want to make sure it is flattering as it will get a lot of use.

I wear a coat a lot in my climate, so I really would like to get a nice one.

This post has 1 photo. Photos uploaded by this member are only visible to other logged in members.

If you aren't a member, but would like to participate, please consider signing up. It only takes a minute and we'd love to have you.

Shopping

19 replies

Latest reply was from Thistle

K. Period.

Veteran

The color is lovely and it looks just loose enough to fit sweaters, which I think is key. It almost looks a tiny bit like you could have it taken in slightly at the waist (since you have a lovely narrow waist). Does it make you feel lovely and fabulous?

BTW, don't worry about it not being 100% wool! Alpaca is soft and to improve its durability and stiffen the fabric, it has to be mixed with a little synthetic. The mix of wool + alpaca + nylon is great. Like camel hair and cashmere, the gold standard for alpaca isn't 100%. The magic is in the mix.

Nicole D

Veteran

I heart alpaca. So soft and doesn't shed like mohair. I too would love to see emphasis on your slender waist - can you belt it?

Raisin

Veteran

It's a great color, still dark for winter but a nice change from black. I think the blend is fine, and being warm is a major point for me, so the thinsulate lining wins major points for me.

Day Vies

Veteran

I love a thinsulate lined coat. I agree with K -- have the waist taken in. Also, even if the coat is not the color you wanted your gloves and scarf can incorporate those colors.

Anonymous

I actually think it fits good. It falls really nicely, which I really like. It is roomy but I find it flattering. It is just the length that I find a bit overwhelming on your frame. How do you feel about the length?

Anonymous

I like the color, but the shape isn't the most flattering ... it almost looks like you're drowning in a man's coat. How about something double-breasted with a cinched waist and perhaps some detail on the top half? If I find an example of what I'm talking about, I'll post a link.

ETA: I'm not necessarily recommending this coat specifically, but just as an example of some features I think would be more flattering on you.

http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/gu.....sultback=0

Caro in Oz

Veteran

Can you take a picture wearing the layers underneath? It looks a little big in this picture imo.

Thistle

Veteran

Honestly, I have the same trouble with coats that I do dresses. If it fits through the hips, it tends to be too big on top and through the waist.

Not feeling a lot of love for the coat, and it is a larger purchase, so while I have been stalking it, it does not sound like this is the right one.

Anne, I have been staying away from double breasted based on Angie's body shape recommendations.

Zap, I think you are right. It is too long. It is supposed to hit at the knee and it is a lot longer.

I would rather find one closer to perfect. This seems like it needs a lot of expensive alterations!

Anonymous

Don't be discouraged. Coats are hard. My shoulders are super narrow and I have a hard time finding coats too. What I do is stick to the brands I know cut narrow. You just gotta find a good brand or try every possible coat like a crazy maniac, like I do. I personally thing the coat looks too big because it is too long, the fit is not bad at all, to my eye, but yes, you can do much, much better.

unfrumped

Veteran

Coats are hard. Hard to get the flattering fit with the need for warmth and layering. But I think you can do better. Needs to be less overwhelming. I'd also look for more open lapel-type neckline and not the Johnny collar if you can--it tends to give more horizontal line up top, and broader top-look, for balance, and more focus toward the face. I especially like the ones you can fold over at the neckline if it's really cold but wear opened out most of the time. Your assessments and instincts are good, so good luck with further looking.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Fit can be so frustrating.

I would love to hear Angie's thoughts here. She knows just where to look.

I think this mix of fabrics is great. I bought a wool coat with some alpaca last year and I find it much warmer and lighter weight as well as more water repellant than plain wool. It's a great coat. I don't wear it on days like today (-18C) but I wear it on our milder winter days with no problem. It, too, has a lining.

I think you'd look fab in an open collar style. I have no idea how this one fits, but this idea -- although you might not like those flap pockets: http://www.talbots.com/online/.....e=cat90030

Thistle

Veteran

Thanks, Suz. The one I am trying on is also from Talbots, same length. So I think this one would also be too long.

I was excited that it was longer to keep more of me warm and had the thinslate lining for warmth. I can't skimp on warmth or I will never wear it, but it has been tough to find a dressier coat that fits and is also warm.

Anonymous

Why don't you buy it in petites, one size down? Just a thought.

Thistle

Veteran

I will see if I can get to Talbots and try the petite and a size down.

sarah

Veteran

I think Zap's onto something. It does look large for you, although the fabric/color are lovely. How tall are you?

Thistle

Veteran

I am 5'5". I guess I never thought of myself as petite. More firmly in the average range, but worth a try.

Anonymous

Oh, I hate that it obscures your lovely waist (although when I am cold, I will darn near go out in a sleeping bag)! I'd love to see you in something with epaulets (that would broaden your shoulders) and some kind of a belt or even a half belt and a bit of a flare on the bottom half. Listen to Zap, she has some ahMAZing coats. That woman knows what she's doing. I'm sure this Talbots coat is excellent quality, and would be warm, but I'm afraid it is swamping you and the cut looks a bit shapeless. Sorry! I just want you too look as smashing in your coat as you do out of it!

Diana

Veteran

Hmm, I agree with the others that it looks a bit overwhelming and long. Maybe try a belted style also?

One trick I have is that if a coat fits everywhere else but is slightly tight across the hips, if it closes with buttons you can usually move the bottom button over by about an inch without affecting the look. More than an inch and it starts to look lopsided.

Thistle

Veteran

So, I went to the Talbots flagship store in my area today on my lunch as it is really the only time I have without my DD.

I asked a sales associate for help, and she said they did not have one single coat there for me to try on. Not one! I live in WISCONSIN. It is coat season 9 months out of the year!

I really do not feel like order 3 or 4 or 5 of them, and then have to make another trip to return those I do not like.

Perhpas Nordstrom's will have something . . .