AIBU to splash out on a decent coat for myself for once. Help choosing please!

[Mumof3almost4]

I have had the same shoddy coat for so so long. I have watched my children playing football for years and love it. What I don't love is freezing to death standing at the side of a pitch.
I really need help to find the perfect coat as this one will have to last! It has to be extremely warm, is duck/down any good? Waterproof would be preferable. No idea where to start. I'm a size 12, been looking at Superdry, Timberland etc. Thinking of spending up to £200.
Please can you help me?!

Another vote for Seasalt. My coat from there is waterproof and breathable.

Uniqlo are fab - often come in loads of different colours so lots of choice. They also do loads of gilets and thin down under-layers which are very useful to wear under outer coats for extra warmth. Very reasonably priced for the quality.

Well I love my Canada Goose but it's $$$ and it's for much colder temps than you need. I second the rec for Land's End - their coats are cheaper than North Face but they are very well made and warm, have many different types for different kinds of weather, and they last a long time. Bear in mind the generous US sizing.

Make sure there are waterproof taped seams.
Get a quality that is warm enough to not need extra jumper underneath..... That way is comfort.
At least mid thigh length.
A hood that comes off is good though this can make for a weak spot with regard to being waterproof.
Cuffs at the wrist.
Good pockets, also with inside pockets.
Seek these things before being concerned about the colour.

Have a look for down alternative coats OP - @70isaLimitNotaTarget is right about the cruelties involved. Here’s a list of possible options, and the prices are pretty reasonable on the whole!

campfiremag.co.uk/down-free-jackets/

I got my beloved floral puffy coat with brilliant deep hood from the sale at Monsoon of all places. It’s still going strong 4 years later, is so warm and cosy, and I get lots of compliments on it. It’s not technically waterproof, but I’ve treated it with waterproofing spray and it keeps me dry!

seeing the comments above about layering - YES
another TK Maxx find was a Luhta jacket - amazing quality, but a nordic brand designed for much colder weather than we have here. I love it, but it's way too warm unless we have a sub-zero cold spell.

Didriksons. Warm, waterproof and look good.

www.kathmandu.co.uk/responsible-down sell only ethical down (never live plucked). The jacket I have from them is lovely and warm ☺️

Didrikson. Very warm, waterproof, and the hood is really excellent! Never blows down in the wind.

I have a long Ilse Jacobsen coat for my commute (waiting on very windy, open train platform, followed by walk after train). On colder days, I wear a sleeveless down body warmer inside it. I bought it 4 years ago and it had been fantastic!!!

I got a really nice parka from Decathlon last year for a trip to Lapland. It's double layered with a detachable hood which also has a detachable (fake) fur rim. It was around £80, I think. Waterproof, very warm and versatile. Can wear just the outer layer in spring and add the inner lining in winter to be truly toasty.

I have a fabulous northface parka that is great for standing around watching football etc. It is seriously warm so I find it too hot for anything active like dog walking. So I have a sea salt Janelle for this. Again, it is warm and waterproof and long.

I'm looking at Didrikson coats - any advice on the sizing? Do they tend to be big/small??

Another vote for Didriksons here. Beautiful quality, warm as anything and looks fab.

On Didrikson sizing, I am a size 8-10 normally and I found the 10 a perfect fit, including over a couple of layers (you won't want to have too many clothes under this coat - not necessary!)

I have a Craghoppers coat that I absolutely love. The lining is removable, so it can function as just a light raincoat, the waterproofing is amazing, and it has lots of lovely pockets.

@sadeyedladyofthelowlandsea
Me too! I bought a long parka from Primark, best cold weather coat Iv ever had!
Defo buy a Primark coat and use the rest of the money to buy a smarter coat

My go to footy coat is a Marmot. It cost me but it's the best 170 quid I've ever spent. You can't put a price on warmth on a January Sunday morning!

Have a look on Hobbs

Seasalt

I second Lands End - mine is mid-thigh length and so warm! Bought in sale a few years ago. It was an absolute revelation after wearing smart wool coats for years. We have colder winters here than the UK, but I only wear it when it's below 5 degrees or I get too hot (luckily for me I don't have to stand outside watching sport!)

I love my very warm Barbour Parker. I was also fed up with cheaper coats and am so glad I splurged on the Barbour. I like that it's tailored and and doesn't look shapeless like a lot of practical coats.

Place marking for later as I intend to do the same!

Obviously that was meant to say parka!

In addition to a lovely new coat treat yourself to a nice scarf it makes all the difference! I bought a huge but thin blanket style scarf from Zara a couple of years ago for £20. Best thing I ever bought it keeps me so warm!