Duffle coats. Are they cool or frumpalicious?

[Flighttattendant]

I saw a nice wool duffle coat today and hesitated...it's red for a start, but I couldn't make up my mind whether it would be a smart fashion investment or a ridiculous, paddingtonesque thing to do.

Help me out please

Well I have a very stylish friend who has one in mossy green. But she's stunning and 24 so......
I have one I found when I worked in a vintage shop, pale blue with a tartan lining. Very geek-chic but I don't wear it cos my arms are a little long oddly. I didn't think I had monkey arms but there you go.

I dunno really. Are you very short and wide? Because that might make a difference.

No, not totally short or wide - 5ft 7 and about 9 st, so roughly a 10 or 12.

I just don't know. They are quite ££, I was sort of after a winter coat but don't strictly need one.

It would be a bit extravagant really.

That is it maybe you have to be 24 and stunning - I'm neither!! 37 and rather 'careworn' as one might say..

you were right to hesitate

you are tall and slim and deserve better

it'd be ok if it was a bargainous sale / charity shop / carboot buy (iyswim), but is not a smart investment unless you actually are Paddington

It is bargainous - reduced from about £204 to £80. Very good handmade etc etc

I do have a slim winter coat but not very warm, and can't get any layers under it iyswim.

I'm with MrsB on this one.
Gorgeous at 8 or 9 y/o but a red one on an adult is probably not the way to Chic Understatement

LOL

As for bargains, it's not the SAVING - it's the final price you have to look at

The fact that you're asking us about it shows the seeds of doubt in your mind imo

True sehr true

but I do love things that are really well made. And it's got a ZIP

It would be like a lovely old friend, wouldn't it? Or not. I also wonder about wool being quite waterproof.

But you are right.

spend £80 on wool-silk thermals and a furry hat

Agree with champagne - not a good look for anyone over 12.
I seem to remember they used to be quite fashionable for young men a while ago.
Anyway ... no, not cool!

I have a red duffle. I love it and don't look remotely like a bear in it.

I bet you like marmalade sandwiches as well don't you happilyeverafter!!!

Oh no - I had just recently decided to get a red Montgomery duffle coat (hadnt actually ordered yet) and I am neither 24 or stunning. Thats that idea knocked on the head then!

have you been spying on me upahill

Love my duffle, wore it this week with mid blue skinnies and navy pumps, P-Bear dreams of such cutting edge style...

Yes, I've got a duffle coat too. Bought it in TK Maxx. It's two tone green (dark outside and lighter lining). It's lovely and very warm but I only wear it with certain things.

Stuff it, if you like it and want it then buy it. After all, who wants to follow the herd?!

Cool if flat chested frumpy if not lovely on kids

GO FOR IT!

I'm evangelistic about duffle coats. I was a bit obsessed with this Mulberry one on Cheryl Cole and resisted, but now have a glorious bright red Tommy Hilfiger one I got last year. I'm genuinely delighted it's cold enough to get it out again

It is so luxuriously warm and statementy, all you need is some nice black boots and you're sorted for winter :)

I think they make one look like a Tumblyboo

I like duffel coats, especially red ones, but Mr.Echt has banned them due to Don't Look Now. :o