Long wool coat - Keep or purge? - YouLookFab Forum

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Long wool coat - Keep or purge?

Mo

(website)

Veteran

I have had this a long time, and have yet to wear it. Not sure if it's too conservative for me? It's supposed to be one of those 'classics' and yet . . . I have had plenty of those that never worked out for me.
It fits great, a 6P, but is a pretty straight cut, no waist emphasis really. I wonder if that's why I don't reach for it? Do I need to just pull it out and give it a trial run and see how I feel in it, or should I pass it on?
I know black is really hard to see, my apologies. It has one button closure at the waist (with hidden second button inside) and side slit pockets. (ignore the pj's - I'm still sick!)
Thanks!

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Dressing

17 replies

Latest reply was from T-Rex

abc

Veteran

I think it is telling that you've had it for a long time and have not worn it.

Jules

Veteran

I think the fit is good and it is classic, but to me it's a "formal" coat that even in the big city working an office job, I would wear rarely if ever. I can't see wearing it in your environment at all tbh.

Aziraphale

Veteran

I find it hard to tell with bunny slippers instead of heels.

OK, here's the thing. I have a coat this long, and I'm petite, so it only really works with a heel. I still love it though. But it doesn't get nearly as much wear as I would like. Partly that's because it is physically more restricting than my other coats, what with the flapping around of all that material (doesn't go hand-in-hand with MOTG lifestyle), and also I'm limited by shoes and bottoms. I only really like it with chunky heels specifically, and with pants. So no flats, no skinny heels. No skirts. That narrows the occasions I might wear it a lot.

If I remember correctly, you are on the petite side too. They say that petites should use extreme caution with coats longer than knee length. Also, you have an active lifestyle, like me, so a long coat is probably not always practical.

That's my two cents. How does the coat make you feel? Do you love it? If so, maybe you can make room for it. If not, it's certain not an essential, so you might as well pass it on.

Janet

(website)

Veteran

I have a similar coat that length (although in white) and only use it when I get very dressed up in the winter. Last time I wore it was a 2008 Inaugural Ball, but I keep it for those rare but dressed up occasions.

Mo

(website)

Veteran

I had ideas in my head that this would go over fancy outfits for date nights at the casinos or nice dinners. It hasn't translated in reality. To be honest, I bought it for a total steal. I think I have been holding on to it 'just in case'. But I agree long coats are hard for us shorter gals . . . maybe I should sell it for more $$$ toward the bright pea coat I have on my fall wish list.

Raisin

Veteran

Well it looks great, but I think it may be too long. I usually like my long jackets to be about mid to lower thigh length. This would be great when you are out in blistering cold, but if you wore it inside like at a mall you would cook. I think if you haven't worn it in years, and feel like you already have jackets you'd rather wear, the yes, purge it on out!

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

It's on trend for next season, actually. That said, if you keep it, it needs to be shortened a little.

But I like your idea of selling it better!

cjh

(website)

Veteran

I hate to encourage keeping something you never wear, but it is so classic. So a hard question: do you have any elderly relatives in winter climates, who may be the subject of funeral services in the next few years? If so, keep it.

texstyle

(website)

Veteran

I would sell it and get something you can use now and really enjoy. I find that I can "make do" when I need a really formal coat - or even borrow one!

Transcona Shannon

Veteran

I think the fact that it has sat unworn speaks volumes Mo - sell it and use that money to buy one you will love AND wear.

Glory

Veteran

I am torn on this one because it is a lovely fit and quite classic. Likely hard to find such a great fit. If you shortened it a bit, would you wear it more? Could it be for special evenings out?

Mo

(website)

Veteran

I have this herringbone coat as well, that I do wear. Perhaps 2 coats is too many in this category for me and my casual life?
I think selling is the right move. I know I will wear a shorter pea coat or car coat much more than a long one.

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Tina.b

Veteran

I think it is a lovely coat, and I wish I had something like this in my closet for the one time a year I would wear it. If you can't think of an occasion you would wear it, it may be best to let it go, but it does look fantastic. Would love to see it styled with some heels too before you make a final decision.

rae

(website)

Veteran

Wow, I really love it! But I love it in the sense that I want it for myself, lol. Midi coats seem like they will be big next winter.

BUT, we all know how just because something is trendy it doesn't mean it's for us. You have had it a long time and don't seem that excited about it even now. Tough call.

If you do decide to sell, I might have to stalk your listing...

Lyrebirdgully

Hi Mo, sorry to hear you are not feeling well.
I am really curious about the styling potential of this coat, seeing how on trend it is. Would the following links tempt you to have a go at styling it before you pack it up to sell? At least that way you would know you have tested the look, before you pass on it. I think it’s really hard to tell otherwise with this coat, as it is not yet a commonplace style. Last time coats like this were around in force, it was the eighties; the shoulders were huge and the look was Elaine in “Seinfeld”- but today’s dropped waist/long collar overcoat is worn very differently.
The wearers in the links below seem to have created their outfits by adding in a feature, such as a big hat or a cap; or a big scarf; colour, pattern or contrast underneath; contrast buttons; or eye-catching footwear. Not to mention the bright lipstick and sunglasses : ). Wide pants with this length of coat are a classic combo, yet skinnies and short skirts also seem fine. And no-one seems to wear their coat done up - I suspect your coat will seem more appealing when worn undone. And it does have cape potential (throwing it around your shoulders over a frock when walking briefly from car to heated venue) for fancy dinners, as you said.
http://mondayschildblog.wordpr.....oat-trend/
http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2tar.....IM-HAT.jpg
http://www.style.com/slideshow.....screen.jpg
http://www.harpersbazaar.com/c.....14-lgn.jpg
http://thefashiontag.files.wor......jpg?w=610
http://thefashiontag.files.wor......jpg?w=610
http://ris.fashion.telegraph.c.....32090a.jpg
http://image.romwe.com/images/.....OJ0338.jpg
http://media-cache-ec5.pintere.....eae221.jpg

velvetychocolate

Veteran

I was all set to suggest selling it, owing to the fact that you're not wearing it - but it really does look stunning on you, and after seeing Lyrebirdgully's fantastic post, I think you should keep it.

What a great tip re: wearing the coat open - I think that would go a long way toward making the coat more wearble, allowing for ease of movement etc. And, I do love this shape of coat...it's gorgeous on you.

T-Rex

Veteran

The coat does look great on you. You said that you bought it to go over fancy outfits, but that hasn't happened yet. Before you sell it, think about wearing it over casual outfits instead. I wear a similar coat, but a bit shorter, with jeans or leggings and low heeled boots. I like the structured, menswear vibe from the coat mixed with items that are more casual and a little bit boyish or at least gender neutral.

If you try that look and still don't feel like reaching for the coat, then selling it is probably your best choice.