Workshopping maxi coat

bj1111

Working on proportions with this coat. Didn’t like it fresh out of the box. The woven top seems too crisp for the knitted component. The shoulders were a smidge to large —just enough to be sloppy.

Since I couldn’t return, I wore it for a week with different silhouettes under to see if I could make it work.

1-4: fitted top with see thru components, wide leg high rise pants, scarf

5-6: slim top, slim crop-ish pants. I think this is the best coat I have for shoulder robing that does not slip off

7-9: double denim with slim top and jeans

I’m not sure my eye is adjusting. The shoulder droop is still there but softer.

Thoughts, breaking down the outfits for improvement?

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1 month ago

Dressing

21 replies

Latest reply was from Firecracker (Sharan)

Star

Veteran

Not much to say except that I really like this coat. The fit works for me. Slightly oversized intentionally. I like it the most with the slim dark column and cropped pants and the babydoll shoes. However it looks modern with the wide legs as well. An interesting and unique item. I think it is a winner. Oh and what cool babydoll shoes.

1 month ago

Sisi

Veteran

I agree with Star. I like this coat (coatigan?), it is particular and the shoulders do not look excessively large to me, but intentionally "comfy". I like # 9 most - well, I like light colors.

1 month ago

Suz

(website)

Veteran

First, I really like your hair! And also, your view! And your scarf!

And that is a very interesting coat. It looks different colours in different lights -- at least on my screen. Khaki or grey? Anyway, either way, it looks as if it is made to look like a denim or utility jacket layered over a knit duster. Interesting mix of textures. I like it!

I think it looks great as you have styled it. it seems that the shoulder issue you mention is diminishing as it hangs out, or, alternatively, it might be that the crisper underlayer (the denim) supports the shoulder line a bit better?

1 month ago

Lisa

Veteran

I'm no help, the coat looks wonderful as you've styled it both with the wide leg and slimmer fit bottoms. I like that long drape to it, it has such nice drama! The color and two different textures gives this coat a softer vibe that reminds me of a coatagin. What a great statement piece!

1 month ago

slim cat

Veteran

I like the coat - wide leg with column of black looks great to my eye ( the scarf is a bit pulling attention when worn that way - it could be played with to let the coat to shine more as a "star" of the outfit ).
You look great in every pic!

1 month ago

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Good to see you again, bj111!

My 2 cents:

The maxi coatigan works well when the fronts are pulled closely together because it tailors the shoulder line, IYKWIM. Like in #3. You can pop a big brooch on the break of the front lapels to hold the structure, if you like.

Love the addition of the scarf!

The column of colour underneath is VERY effective!

Wide and slim silhouettes on the bottom work as well to my eye.

Yes, to knits underneath as opposed to woven shirts. That said, a woven that does not have a collar can work well too. Like a silky shell to camisole.

Do I need to change your royal status from Queen Loafers to Queen Mary Janes?

Nicely done!

1 month ago

Katerina

Veteran

I really like the coat on you, I don’t see any issues with the shoulders. I am with Sisi - they look intentionally comfy. May favorite styling is over the column of black, especially with the black neckline in picture 5. I love the contrast of colours and the framing effect the coat makes with the higher neckline. But no 3 is also great and so is the addition of the fantastic scarf. And I like the coat with both kinds of trousers. You have made a great purchase imo.

1 month ago

Irina

Veteran

Love it! I don’t see any sizing issues. I don’t like the one with a scarf due to too many layers but otherwise looks so cool.

1 month ago

bj1111

Veteran

Thanks all

@Star—i do love the “babydoll “ mary janes. The big toe is split and it makes it somehow easier to walk with less rubbing against the leather.

@Sisi—this is my first attempt at double “denim”. It’s the light color that makes it work for me

@Suz—well spotted on the coat color. It’s a cool taupe. #5 captures the color the closest

@Angie—IKWYM about the keeping the front closed. I tried with a safety pin which seemed to drag on the knitted part. I need to figure out how to anchor the brooch in the woven part of the coat. Yes, this is the season of the Mary Jane, the strap keeps my feet in my shoes!

@Irina and @Katerina—there is so much drama with the coat. My toughest job is keeping the hem away from dirty subway steps in my commute.

Again, thanks all for the comments and advice

1 month ago

LJP

Veteran

I love it! And #'s 5 and 6 are my favourites - I prefer the clean, modern look with no accessories. The coat and shoes themselves ARE the accessories. Great piece and not too big at all!

1 month ago

Jaime

(website)

Veteran

Great coat! #6 is super fabulous to my eye! Like Suz I was confused by the color difference and glad #5 is accurate. Love the tabi mary janes! The oversize looks intentional fwiw.

1 month ago

Janet

(website)

Veteran

Chiming in while I’m out traveling in the desert. Fab coat! I really like it on you. I don’t see any fit issues, but I wonder if it’s possible to add a shoulder pad to help with the feeling that the shoulders lack structure?

Love it with the simple column of black.

1 month ago

avicennia

Veteran

Agree with all the others — it’s a great coat!

1 month ago

Joy

Veteran

I like the coat with a scarf. One looks at the scarf, not the fit. I have a tan coat like this. It has had very little wear. So I will be following with interest.

1 month ago

Brooklyn

Veteran

I loooooove this coat! I agree with Irina on the stylings. You look fab!

1 month ago

April

Veteran

As others have said, I don't see a shoulder issue with this coat. I like the simpler outfits beneath since the layered-look coat is all the detail you need.

Split-toe mary janes! Fascinating.

1 month ago

RobinF

Veteran

I think it's a great coat. I agree that the scarves might be too much but I still like the outfit. I also like it with the jeans and some ankle peeking out.

1 month ago

Carol

(website)

Veteran

I didn't notice anything off about the coat until you said something. I can see how the shoulders could be a little tighter, etc. I think if you want this as more of a polished, Max Mara piece, you might need some tailoring. But if you look at it as more of a cowboy duster, it's fine as is.

I love all the clothing choices you made with it, and especially the scarf.

1 month ago

Firecracker (Sharan)

Veteran

I love this coat and I love it on you! It looks elegant and dramatic. I agree with Angie's point about #3--drawing the center together looks to keep the shoulder line in place best. I think it works well with all the outfits.

A consideration for the shoulder, if you want to experiment: try adding shoulder pads. You can pin or sew them in, and you can take foam ones and cover them with fabric to to match or complement the coat color. A tailor could do it, and could pin in some pads of different shapes and/or widths to show you the effect first.

1 month ago

bj1111

Veteran

@Sharan and @Janet—the coat is like an open cardigan with the woven overlay. I’ll have to detach the woven component from the knit and slip the shoulder pads between the two layers to line the pads up with the shoulder seams. on my list of things to try.

1 month ago

Firecracker (Sharan)

Veteran

Cool. I understand you might want to sandwich the shoulder pads to hide them, but you don't have to. Covered ones are often used in unlined blazers and jackets.

1 month ago

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