Oversized vs ‘too big’…(did I find my winter coat?) update: nope… - YouLookFab Forum

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Oversized vs ‘too big’…(did I find my winter coat?) update: nope…

Runcarla

Veteran

Popped into my favourite local thrift store looking for Halloween kit, when I spotted a display of winter coats. One looked promising, but it was size 8 and I’m size 10 for tops. Tried it on. It came home with me. DH opined that it looked ‘too big’. I showed him some ‘street style’ photos of the oversized coat trend - which led to a tangential discussion about ‘seasonal confusion’ when he saw all the sandals-with-winter coats pics. *eye roll*

I found an 8 yo YLF thread on the very same topic https://youlookfab.com/welookf.....nd-too-big and the gist of it was ‘it depends’ with the concluding recommendation being ‘post photos and ask for an opinion.’

So, here I am.

I’ve ‘styled’ the coat open, buttoned up, without the tie belt, with the tie belt, open collar, closed collar, front, side, and rear (as best I could manage) views - plus flat lay.

For anyone who is familiar with my long cloth winter coat saga, https://youlookfab.com/welookf.....inter-coat do you think this one might fit the brief? (A long winter coat to wear over dresses and skirts possibly 5-6 times per year, and keep for 10 years +/-?)

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38 replies

Latest reply was from Jenni NZ

Jaime

(website)

Veteran

Tricky! I think what is bothering my is the arms, but also the lighting is a little off in the pics (sorry!) so I am not sure. I definitely like the idea and see the potential but have some urge to add shoulder pads and take in the arms. But I think you could make it work. I am curious what others will say!

Runcarla

Veteran

@ Jaime - I was surprised that there weren’t any shoulder pads given the contour of the shoulder. More surprising that it’s a size 8, and my shoulders are broad and there is still a bit of projection beyond my shoulders. Most of the trending oversized coats have dropped sleeves, but I found some F/W 2022 inspo pics (below) with raglan sleeves. I wonder if moving the button on the lower sleeve to reign in some of the volume might be a thing to do?

Sorry for the quality of the pics - no natural light. Will see what I can do later.

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JAileen

Veteran

I had a trench coat in the 80s that was sized to fit over a suit jacket. Without the jacket underneath, it was ginormous. I think this coat looks pretty good on you. I personally don’t like belts. But am not against them on others.

Jenni NZ

Veteran

I like it! It does look like quite a large coat on you but I think acceptable. As per my reply on your other thread, I still think the tie makes coats look like dressing gowns aka bathrobes. It looks good quality, high wool content, and maybe the price was right?
ETA: so my vote is, keep, wear without belt!

nemosmom

Veteran

Well, I really like it!! I love the length, and the collar/lapel is super cool, and I like the double breasted military-ish vibe for you.

I do not like it with the belt; I think it looks “off” with the belt, but I can’t articulate why...

I would not alter the sleeve just yet. What about a longer sleeve sweater under it (like a cuff effect)?

Can you try it with the some of the pieces you plan to wear it with and see how you feel?

chewyspaghetti

Veteran

It looks good to me. The shoulders don’t look sloppy, and it has a great vibe.

Roxanna

Veteran

I don't love this on you. I think it's the shoulders and arms; without a structured shoulder seam, it looks droopy to me, and the batwing sleeves add to the droopy effect. I think maybe a more modern cut would do you in the longer run? This looks like a vintage 80s/early 90s cut; cool and retro if you pair with the right trendy outfit, but wouldn't work on most things and would take thought and effort to style.

Jules

Veteran

Well if it was thrift store priced, maybe it doesn’t have to last 10 years? It could be a chance to wear the oversized trend in a nice, decent quality piece and not worry about price, longevity etc. And maybe the ‘right’ full-price version will come along in the meantime. I think it looks best unopened which seems to balance the shoulders best - but you have a wider stance in that photo I think.

CarolS

Veteran

I'm with Jules -- if the cost is relatively small, is it a good chance to experiment? If you love it forever, great. If it fills the gap and you have some fun playing with it for a winter or two until you find the 'forever' coat, maybe that's ok? I like it best unbelted, but I love the look of a drapey coat, so no surprise there.

Runcarla

Veteran

@ Jenni NZ, Jules, CarolS - a fair thrift shop price at $60 CAD, and no tax because ‘Second Helpings’ is a charity shop with proceeds going to Big Brothers/Big Sisters.

(Where I live, items purchased at registered charity shops are tax free, but items purchased at consignment or for profit thrift (like Value Village) charge GST at 13%.)

LJP

Veteran

It’s ok , but not fabulous . The first thing that I’d do is change the buttons to bigger ones . These look strangely small . I’m not a fan of double breasted coats so maybe I should not comment ? I read something about how to look for a proper oversized fit ( which doesn’t mean everything is just big ) - maybe on an Amy M reel but for the life of me can’t articulate it . I’d prefer you in a single breasted reefer style that doesn’t look as costume - like .

Runcarla

Veteran

@ LJP - you mean I don’t look like an Olsen?

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Ok. I need to see this in better lighting to feel confident, but it seems like a late 80s/ 90s cut to me and not quite right. The raglan sleeve make it seem...droopy. Like the others, I prefer it without the belt.

(Note, I don't have a poison eye for belted coats. Love you in a belted trench and wear them myself and have even worn wool coats with belts -- with the caveats that others have mentioned -- they can let too much air in, and they can, if not well cut, feel and look like bathrobes.)

But this one somehow doesn't look as good with the belt, in these photos.

Having said that, if it feels wonderful, show us some more pics in better light! Sometimes it's all down to what we are seeing and what you are seeing and feeling should be the main determiner.

slim cat

Veteran

The raglan sleeve is difficult to assess without seeing the 80s/90s styles. It looks nice with your signature red accessories. Agree about changing the buttons.

Stagiaire Fash

Veteran

I like it, but don’t feel the vibe is dressy at all, so it might not be great for the intended purpose.

Jenni NZ

Veteran

It’s not from 2002 is it? 2002 is on the label?

Bijou

Veteran

I think this is a good place holder until you find "the one" and it is useful to have a warm coat that you are not precious about for more casual and rustic occasions. I have this duffle coat that I bought second hand, which I wear on dog walking trips when we are going to be sitting on park benches etc - it saves my dressy coats from any potentially mucky situations.

I like how you styled it with the red beret and boots best in #1.

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missvee

Veteran

Well I love raglan sleeves, especially over jackets or bulkier knits, so right away I’m disposed to like it. Yes it’s roomy, but the way you’ve styled it is very similar to your inspiration looks. The only questions I’d ask are what’s the quality like, and how do you feel in it? I do agree with Lisa about the buttons, but those *could* be upgraded if you decide to keep it.

Dee

Veteran

It looks 80s Duran Duran to me or perhaps 1940s military when belted. I see the inspiration pics have gathered sleeves and the fit is extremely oversized, so if thats the look you're going for I think the sleeves just need to be altered. I like the red beret/boot accents.

Olive Green

Veteran

I think it walks the line between structural and easy, being tailored and having volume you can adjust. Insouciant?
Like it a lot. Especially with the red.

Janet

(website)

Veteran

I don’t think this is “the one” although it has its merits. I love the length on you because you have the stature to wear it well. And the collar is terrific. I’m not as big of a fan of the wide sleeves and raglan shoulder — it makes you look a bit like you have sloping shoulders, which you definitely do not. I like it more unbelted, which seems to be the consensus. Lisa makes a great point about the buttons. I think if you’re happy with a “for now” coat until you find the perfect one, this may do the trick.

Jorja

Runcarla,
i don’t know how to copy a link from instagram but Linda Wright has found her “oversized” coat in loden, similar to yours.

I agree with Olivegreen

cat2

Veteran

If you want something to last for years, I would pick a more classic fit rather than going currently trending oversized.

phoebe

I am deliberately not overly informed about current trends but I recognize the style from previous eras.

You wear it well, you have the presence, but it might be better in photos than in real life, seems like maybe a lot of heavy fabric in one place.

Irina

Veteran

As a trendy, oversized coat it looks good on you. It will not be a lasting, classic coat that you’ll wear for decades but imo it’s Ok since it’s a second hand purchase.

A couple of points: an oversized coat need styling to look intentional and not just big.

In current trends, it goes over oversized items like sweaters or blazers, pants or outfits with one fitted garment and one oversized garment.

That will make the coat look trendy.

Another option is to wear it retro like you wearing it with a beret but with different, more refined boots. You have hints of this old Hollywood in your personal style, so might be fun.

Cardiff girl

Veteran

I totally agree with what Irina says!

approprio

(website)

Veteran

I like it. The fit is not quite “trendy” oversized, which gives it a retro-classic vibe, although you may find the shoulders slope somewhat, on account of sizing down on a deliberately voluminous garment.

If the material and construction are acceptable, I suggest taking the opportunity to experiment. I can see it being potentially more versatile than the coat you originally thought of,.

Disclaimer: I am not a perfectionist. I am all about the feels. If a garment makes me feel good, I will forgive all kinds of quirks.

CarolS

Veteran

nodding along to Irina's old Hollywood vibe comment. Although oversized might be trendy right now, I think it always has a place. Especially when it comes to a winter coat for a Canadian winter -- even in the warmer parts of the country.

In the end, of course, it boils down to you. If it is "the one", well, you've scored it for $60. If it is jus the one "for now" -- is that so bad?

Helena

Veteran

I think I like this ... agree with those who say it is better unbelted than belted ... I think the oversized, slouchy vibe needs to be leaned into, if that makes sense.

My only qualm is the sleeves - are they are little stretched in spots? This may be a trick of the light.

In summary, I agree with everything Irina says

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