Winter Coats - YouLookFab Forum

I have a bit of a dilemma. I am currently hurrying to try and purchase a winter coat. I have one here that I ordered. It is a fitted black ski jacket. http://www.theskibum.com/skibu.....sTrueBlack
I like it ok, but it isn't very flattering (in the middle) and I think the arms are too wide and the chest borderline too small. However, it is the only one I have been able to find that I don't have to buy an XL or men's size in and swim around in for the sleeves to be long enough. I am also a little concerned that in non-active situations the sleeves won't be warm enough as they only have thinsulate and no fiber fill or down.

Yes, I know the jacket is gear. However, I was really hoping that since I don't have a jacket at all that I could get away with wearing it as my winter coat this year because of the slim fit, more sophisticated styling, and color. I really need a waterproof, warm gear jacket for family outdoor outings, emergencies, our sometimes blizzard conditions and things like shoveling snow. At the same time, I also need a jacket that looks decent (esp concerned about not looking too "sport" and flattery) that is going to be warm and able to stand up to cold wind and lots of snow walking across campus and at work, ect.

Any suggestions ladies? Is there a coat that would fit both functions? One catch, I don't like puffer coats (down, quilting). Should I keep looking for a stylish ski coat? Or am I going to have to give up one or the other or break down and buy two coats?

15 years ago

Veteran

Well the variety seeker in me would say get two coats. There are so many cute options out there for fun MOTG coats and in all price ranges.

However, if one jacket is all you want then I think you could pull this one off...maybe have some fun feminine gloves and scarf for non-gear outings?

Jenava

(website)

In the situations you've described you wouldn't be able to tear me away from my knee length, grey satin puffer. It's a North Face, which has a relatively slim fit for a longer puffer, I love the sheen (dressier), and it has a hood that really keeps you warm!

In climates like yours I agree you can get away with a "gear"-ish coat. I like AJ's idea of having a colored set of gloves and matching printed (plaid, cashmere?) scarf to dress it up and bring it down off the mountain, if you know what I mean!

Elly

Hmm-- thanks for the ideas ladies. I don't think I am going to keep the coat. I wore it with something thicker than my summer layers today and I think it just looks too tight in the chest.

Thanks Jenava-- I really am not a satin or a puffer or a fur girl, but I bet it looks great on you.

Any ideas for coats? It was cold here today (ok, not REALLY cold, 48) but I was freezing!

Angie

Fashion Stylist

You need a knee length wool coat and a puffer coat. Layer blazers underneath them. Works like a charm.

Michelle

Just some food for thought...I'm a big girl and was convinced a puffer coat was one of the worst things I could own, but when I finally found the right one it became one of my most highly-Ylf-rated items. I can't wait to wear it, and that's the truth! What is it about puffers that doesn't appeal to you, Ellie?
I also suspect you may need two coats -- one gear and one smarter option -- but that's just me!

I may indeed need two coat options. I am just afraid that I will have to wear my gear coat every time we have a storm if I opt for something smarter that is wool. I just find the fit on coats very difficult. Shoulders and arms are the hardest. I have broad shoulders (and a decently large chest) and have problems finding an somewhat fitted coat I can wear a blazer under. My long arms are also a problem. I have rejected countless coats in person and 7-10 orders because the sleeves aren't long enough in my size on regular misses coats.

I also have to admit that I don't find wool coats to be particularly warm, and afraid I will freeze. I tend to get cold wind inside the sleeves and up from the bottom of the coat and tend to get damp through in heavy storms. Maybe I am smoking crack on this.

I guess I have a hang up against puffer jackets from when I was a kid. Even the thinner ones restrict my range of motion (This could partially be because of the shoulder and arm fit issue). I am also then dealing with a big puffy coat once I take it off indoors. The more flattering shaped ones usually are made with a fur hood or satiny trim or some other sort of feminine detail and that is not my aesthetic.

catgirl

Ellly, I have the North Face Metropolis parka in some kind of blue (ink?), and it is not too puffy, no satin, and has a removable hood (or maybe no hood?). It is almost knee length on me. It's very warm and stylish for a down coat. If there's an REI in your shopping area you can try one on, or I'm sure there are places to order it for trying...

Elly, you live in CO. You may have SEVERAL coat options! Start building a collection

Alaskagirl-- thank you for that idea. I looked at the coat and it might be an option. It is very pretty, but still a little puffy for my likings. Of course, I am sure it might be different in person. Unfortunately, I have a 6 hour drive to an REI, but I might look into ordering it. I also have to comment on your profile picture--- I see you have loaded one and just wanted to mention how beautiful you are. I also like the glasses. Mine are a rimless style, but the bridge piece is a bright tomato red and the arms and hinges are turquoise.

Angie-- word heeded! I agree. Now I need to figure out where I should start for an everyday coat. Probably need to look around and see if I can find something like the puffer Alaskagirl posted, or maybe more of an insulated anorak (I saw a "puffy" version years ago I fell in love with). I might try a few wool options as well.

Sveta

Elly, I felt the same about puffer coats being tall with wide shoulders and hips: I was afradn they make me look huge! However I heeded Angie's advice, tried on that cream puffer - and was pleasantly surprised how it looks on me:
http://youlookfab.com/welookfa.....ffer-again
I would suggest you give it a try - you may be surprised too!
BTW, I got it in Costco of all places - as Angie says leave no retail stone unturned!

Glad you may check it out. It seems to run true to size, I can fit a sweater under my regular size comfortably. Like all down, it does shed feathers, but not too badly. I think North Face also has a dressier non-quilted option; I'll see if I can find it. Boots and coats are my forte!

And thank you for the sweet compliment. *blushing* I was in Hawai'i at the time, which explains my happy glow...

Okay, here's the link to the REI selection of down - the Patagonia ones are also quite bulk-free, but check the warmth factor as some are more for urban style than functional warmth (it SNOWED at my house this morning!).

EDIT: The Patagonia Fiona looks great, and it is warm! And the colors are - wow. The purple!

I need to keep repeating: I do NOT need another coat...

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