classic women’s wool coat

[Anonymous]

I’m on the hunt for a $250 or under wool coat. I keep my coats a long time so I want it to be as timeless and versatile as possible. Since I live in DC (and I have a Columbia down puffer), I anticipate wearing this in mid 40s - mid 50s weather. I’m 5’4”, 130 lbs, more of a small build- and my coloring is fair with light brown/blond highlighted hair. I wear a lot of navy, black, caramel and chocolate brown. I tend to dress casually day to day, but if this coat can be worn with evening/dressier looks, too, that would be ideal.

I’m torn between-

caramel or black color?

single breasted, double breasted or wrap/belted style? or pea coat?

slightly oversized (to fit sweaters under) or more fitted?

to knee, below knee or mid thigh length?

I realize I am just seeking opinions, but please share yours as I have decision paralysis. Thanks.

[Anonymous]

I honestly think that as long as you don't get something too overly trendy, wool coats of all styles are pretty classic, so I would just get what flatters your body. You'll need to go to a department store or somewhere like J. Crew and try them all on to see what looks best on you.

I have large breasts - double breasted coats look weird on me, belted coats look great on me, for example.

[Anonymous]

What do you think of this one, OP?

https://poshmark.com/listing/Womens-Black-Wool-Coat-68a1371d9936d6e5580fd22d

[Anonymous]

Just posted in the “pretty, long sleeve top” thread. I got carried away and added this wrap coat that I purchased recently in Pinot Noir color. I love it!! https://www.nordstrom.com/s/lauren-ralph-laur...nd-wrap-coat/8496086

[Anonymous]

I'm in the same position right now, I need a new wool coat.

I look better in camel and have been looking at that, but I have been noticing that black is what is worn by most and is most versatile, so I think I'm probably going to end up going with black. I think it was Tim Gunn who said one of his life's missions was to get the blondes out of black clothing? Maybe it was some other famous stylist, I don't remember; but black is quite harsh if you are naturally blond and fair and have low contrast features. Camel and navy and gray are much more flattering. But I'm probably getting black anyway.

I have decided against a wrap belt as I don't find them super comfortable and I feel like they add bulk, which I don't need.

I will go with single or double breasted, depending on what I find that looks good. But years ago I had an amazing double breasted coat that everyone complimented, and so I would love to find double breasted. But my mind is open on this. I'll add that double breasted coats can be a bit more fitted, which makes a bulky sweater underneath a bit more difficult, but I don't wear those with regularity. I don't know -- I'm looking at both single and double breasted coats.

As far as how long goes -- if you are casually dressed most/all of the time, you don't want it longer, you want it car coat/pea coat length for it to be easy in ... the car. Having a coat you sit on isn't the comfiest. If you regularly go out in situations that are relatively formal, you will need a longer coat. I wear a puffer for everyday, so I'm looking for a longer wool coat because I'll be wearing it when I'm more dressed up.

I tried a bunch on at Macy's the other day and none felt like "the one." I'm probably going to try some of the Aritzia ones on next.

Here's an article on this topic: https://nymag.com/strategist/article/hunt-for-wool-overcoat.html

[Anonymous]

It took me years and a seasonal color palette to accept I do not look good in black, so I'm with PP that you should consider what you look best in. I prefer camel. You can always get an inexpensive black formal coat for the 1-2 times a year you might need it.

I think this is perfect:
https://www.jcrew.com/p/CN071?fit=Classic

I loooove the blue but it's sold out in my size.

[Anonymous]

There are reviews of wool coats all over right now. Wirecutter just did one for petites. In your price range see Quince, The Gap, Lands End, Uniqlo, Nordstrom, Tommy Hilfiger. I think oversized is a bit more modern and as a shorter person I would recommend to knee.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:It took me years and a seasonal color palette to accept I do not look good in black, so I'm with PP that you should consider what you look best in. I prefer camel. You can always get an inexpensive black formal coat for the 1-2 times a year you might need it.

I think this is perfect:
https://www.jcrew.com/p/CN071?fit=Classic

I loooove the blue but it's sold out in my size.

I like this one a lot. (not op)

[Anonymous]

OP here. You all make great points for my
consideration, and I really like the two coats posted. Thanks, these may be the most helpful fashion answers I’ve received on dcum!

[Anonymous]

Can anyone post more suggestions for knee length?

[Anonymous]

Just go to Macys and try a bunch of styles on. They have a TON! then go from there.

[Anonymous]

My $0.02. I’d go with camel if it works for you. I personally can’t wear it, but envy those who can. When the temperature hits the 50s, I often end up walking with my coats unbuttoned, so prefer single breasted. I prefer cocoon shape to accommodate different sweater styles.

[Anonymous]

Get 2 if you want and have the closet space. Camel and black. I also like a red or maroon.