trench coat on sale buying decision--please advise - YouLookFab Forum

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trench coat on sale buying decision--please advise

Scarlet

Veteran

Went out to check the sales today looking specifically for jackets. I saw a beautiful classic trench made by Max&Co (the more affordable spin-off of MaxMara) marked down by a third. The color was beige with a slight pink as opposed to yellow hue. Beige is tricky, but I felt like this one suited me okay. I felt like the cut was elegant and the fit was perfect--it could practically pass as a dress by the cut. The length was just to or just below my knee. As it is left over from the spring collection, I wonder if it is also a good choice for autumn? I tried it on over a summer dress on a hot day, when it is impossible to think logically about buying a coat, and I couldn't make a decision. Also it is definitely more along the lines of an investment piece because, although the markdown is good, it is still expensive, so I don't want to make an error. However, the quality looks superb and it was one of those things where I tried it on and felt like it was made for me. What should I consider in this purchase? Especially with regard to versatility, length for a petite lady, and seasonless-ness. Please advise.

Shopping

24 replies

Latest reply was from Ariadne

biscuitsmom

Veteran

I'd run, not walk back to the store and buy that baby before it's gone! Even if you dont use it this fall, you will have it for spring and if its a classic cut it will still be in style! Now scoot-lol!

Polly (thunalata)

Veteran

I can't advise, but it does sound like you're saying 'it is perfect for me in every detail and I'm not sure I should buy it (just) because I may not get a huge deal of wear out of it until next spring'.

I bought a coral trench from H&M that Angie recommended a couple of months ago. Unusually for me I bought it just because it looked good on me and I'm so glad I did. It may not have had a huge amount of wear this year but I will wear it in the early autumn and spring even when coral goes out of fashion!

florida

Veteran

Well, it sounds very versatile and like a good fit. If it is something that you need, love, and can afford, I say go for it!

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Can you link to the style?

Scarlet

Veteran

Unfortunately I can't find the exact style online, but it is similar to this one:

http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix.....06x656.jpg

The lapels were more narrow, the neck was a bit more open, there was no tab on the lapel, and no buttons on the sleeves. The belt had a buckle, that I suppose one never actually uses. Also it was knee-length on me as opposed to the length on the model.

I guess my issue is, this is not a piece of clothing I have bought for myself before and I am a little unsure what I should be looking out for. For example, is it bad if the length of the coat completely covers my skirt? Is the spring sleeve length bad for fall? Is beige a good color or should I look for e.g. white?

Besides that, I just watched the US lose its world cup bid. disappointing.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Can you return the trench, Scarlet-Rosie? If so, get in and lets see it on!

Kristine

Veteran

Well, I've been looking for the right trench for a few years so if you found one you love, I'd buy it! I think beige is actually better than white, it can work for most seasons. Fit is everything and not always easy on a trench.

Scarlet

Veteran

Angie, I can't return it because it is a sale item. (And besides that Germany hasn't really caught on to the concept of returning purchased items, but that's another story.)

Fortunately the stores are closed on Sunday, so I can ponder the question in peace.

You guys are swaying me toward buy, I think. Also, having looked at a lot of photos of other trenches online, I think this one is special in the way it drapes so nicely. It didn't have that slightly boxy look. Not that boxy is bad, depending on your style.

Scarlet

Veteran

If anyone still has some patience, I decided to take some photos of the jackets I already have to help clarify the issues.

Exhibit 1: summer cotton/linen blend short trench. I find these sleeves a little long and often turn the cuffs up for convenience. The material is no good for fall.

<img src="http://i1035.photobucket.com/albums/a431/Scarlet_YLF/Jacket%20study/shortsummertrench.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket">

Exhibit 2: a functional black nylon trench that is often practical but gives me very little joy. I also find the sleeves here too long.

<img src="http://i1035.photobucket.com/albums/a431/Scarlet_YLF/Jacket%20study/blacktrench.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket">

Exhibit 3: Charcoal jersey military-style coat. Are these sleeves a little short? I love this coat but unfortunately it is a little small on me right now. sob. I only wear it in fall. It is too dark and heavy for spring.
<img src="http://i1035.photobucket.com/albums/a431/Scarlet_YLF/Jacket%20study/charcoalmilitary.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket">

Exhibit 4: Wool trench. I wear this as a winter coat. Love pretty much everything about it.
<img src="http://i1035.photobucket.com/albums/a431/Scarlet_YLF/Jacket%20study/wooltrench.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket">

Exhibit 5: current trench that I own, acquired for free. Made out of weird rubber material and buttons ping off at every inopportune moment. The color is not so great for me. I think my body language says how I feel about this coat.
<img src="http://i1035.photobucket.com/albums/a431/Scarlet_YLF/Jacket%20study/oldtrench.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket">

My thoughts:
I often wish I had a coat that covered my dress, so I think the slightly longer length of the Max trench would be good, but I am nervous without the YLF stamp of approval. The length would be about the same as the black skirt I am wearing or possibly to the bottom of the knee cap. The sleeve length was about the same as the charcoal jacket. Maybe it wouldn’t look weird if the coat were less contrasting to the color of my skin.

Polly (thunalata)

Veteran

I love #4! Lucky you to have such a fab winter coat!

Could you go and try the trench on, take some pictures, ask them to hold it and post pictures here if you're really uncertain? - people are very quick when it's an emergency! Or would that be impossible? If it feels as great on as #4 does then why not trust your judgement and get it?

If you missed it, how sad would you feel?

Traci

Veteran

I'm curious to hear what others think, but I think #3 fits nicely and the others are a bit big.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Thanks for the picture taking effort!

LOVE #3. It's KILLER. The first two exhibits are far too big for dainty you, Scarlet-Rosie. I vote pass on.

I like #4 but also feel it's too big actually. You are smaller than you think.

I also think it might be too risky to purchase this trench online seeing as you can't return it and you don't know how it fits. It's best to try things on in store first. There! Big bossy Angie made your mind up for you.

Maya

Veteran

I think the one that you find too small is actually the only one that seems to fit you well. The rest are too big.

Scarlet

Veteran

Actually I am really happy to hear that #3 fits well. #4 is for winter anyway, so I need to be able to wear more under it as opposed to the practically nothing on exhibit here.

I did try the jacket on in the store, Angie. Please try to big bossy make up my mind again. Please? Mainly I was afraid you would say it is too long. And if the arm length of the charcoal jacket was okay, then the arms of the new one are totally okay. If you think bottom of the knee cap length is okay, I think I am going to spring for it. I don't think it is too big. I was thinking maybe it is too slim, so based on my previous self-assessment, that probably means it is perfect.

If I do end up buying it, I will definitely post pictures.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Ah. Sorry that I was negligent about not realizing that you have tried the trench on before, S-R. You can always have length altered. As long as it is slim-fitting like the millitary style coat, you have my blessing.

Think of the layers you want to wear underneath too.

Bossy enough?

Scarlet

Veteran

Thanks, Angie, you really are the best. I hope I have time to sneak away from work tomorrow to try it on with some hypothetical under-layers. Geez, I hope it is still there. It was the last one...

Carole

Veteran

Love that military coat and the wool trench (#4) on you! I agree that the first two looked too big! Can't wait to see pictures of your new coat, please post!

Sparky

Veteran

I love #3 on you too -- it looks like it fits you perfectly, sleeves and all and not too small anywhere. As long as you feel you can move comfortably in it, put that one in active rotation in your wardrobe!

#1 and #2 are definitely too big on you, and even #4 seems like it's a bit loose on you, but I can see why you love it. It's a neat coat.

Can't wait to hear an update once you go back to look at the coat tomorrow!

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Okay, Scarlet-Rosie. Keep on posted on project-trench.

Lisa

Veteran

Not looking at the other responses. I like #3 the best. The first two look too large. I'm not a fan of #4 and the last one, the color doesn't do anything for you. I always think a trench should be a brighter color (or a white or cream) since you are usually wearing it on a dreary day. Something should be cheerful right?

Scarlet

Veteran

Scarlet-Rosie here reporting in on project-trench. The coat is purchased. Repeat, coat is purchased. Will post photos ASAP (but probably not today).

Thanks everyone for all your help. It was all quite eye-opening really.

Kristine

Veteran

Yey!! Can't wait to see it!

Anonymous

Yey! Mission accomplished! Looking forward to seeing it.

Ariadne

Veteran

Woohoo! Looking forward to seeing pics. There are a lot of outerwear threads on the go here right now--we all have fall on the brain already, apparently!