What coat on earth do people wear with posh frocks?

[mumsky]

I'm going to a wedding likely to be full of quite cool types. I used to attempt cool, I think, in the past, but I can't really remember

I have a red dress which is knee length and more filmy than not and I'm intending to go bare-legged with tan shoes. But what on earth can I wear arriving and at the ceremony, it's bound to be draughty.

I was thinking a fake fur wrap or shrug or something but I can't seem to find anything that isn't a bit princessy and also it's a bit twixt the seasons isn't it (end of Feb) so I don't want to buy something very wintery.

I have a bit of budget, mainly because it's DP's ex who still hankers after him who's getting married.

I have a plain black cromby type coat, in cashmere which I turn the collar up and tuck a clutch under my arm.

Could you go smart trench and belt with atttitude?

How revealing is dress? Can you slip a thermal cami vest under it then cover your arms with a wrap?

A good idea Whirliwig, but the dress is reasonably revealing, red and a bit floaty.

I don't have a full length coat other than my duvet coat, which I'm REALLY hoping I don't have to wear.

I don't go to these things much, so if I'm going to buy something new I would rather it was useable in other situations. I would actually buy a nice fake fur jacket but they all look a bit pouffy and OTT.

Oh please dont wear a duvet coat

has a friend got something you could borrow? A smarter more tailored coat?

or look in second hand for fur type thing and get dry cleaned

I have a DVF coat in black wool that looks like a dress which is brilliant for going over dresses. Here it is - its pretty old now but I still get it out to wear with dresses. The top is fitted and then it flares out so it doesn't crush a dress.

myitthings.com/shaunab/Item/fashion/It-Designer/Diane-von-Furstenberg-Quinnie-Long-Coat/471117200723469798.htm

I saw some not a million miles off in Zara in the winter coats, they were really nice - if you check online in the clearence they might still have them. Its a shame its such an inbetweeny season time for shopping but I bet you'll still need something warm.

You need a smart coat.
I second Zara, good chance to find a smart, stylish coat, without breaking the bank.
Have you browsed theoutnet already?

Don't worry Cyb, I will poke my own eyes out first!

Thanks Art, that's a lovely coat but I would need one a bit longer because I think the hem of the dress would show below. I kind of think a jacket would be more useful long term.

I'm half considering this, but a bit worried about the watership down element.

ASOS clearance has some nice ones and some real bargains. If you got something like this -
www.asos.com/Darling/Darling-Jennifer-Coat/Prod/pgeproduct.aspx?iid=2092365&cid=2110&sh=0&pge=0&pgesize=200&sort=-1&clr=Black
Then you could afford to go a bit mad and get a McQueen scarf or some other 'wow' accessory if you really want to knock the brides eyes out :)

(I like the shape of that jacket although I'm not sure about the fabric.)

You do have budget! Good for you I like the little jacket but with red you might look like Santa? But it would be very 'wow'.

I have something like this. Expensive but per wear has worked out very cheap. I always feel uber-glamorous when I'm wearing it and it goes with everything from jeans, to day dress right through to full-on evening dresses.

Oh, hadn't considered the santa's little helper side of things

I also have an olive green dress, also knee-length, silk, that is more weddingesque, but less enjoyably slutty, which would be a shame .

What about a black blazer?you could wear it loads afterwards.

I got a lovely whistles coat in the pre Christmas sales- cant link on phone but maybe worth a look too

If this is a DP-ex then I think you should go for something leaner as that will feel sexier than a fur coat (though fur trim would be no problem). I have a faux fur jacket but all of them seem to add inches where you'd rather not have them. I like the idea of a coat-like dress or a fur-trimmed wrap though!

sorry that should have read "dress-like coat". It's my bedtime I think ...

Please don't buy anything with chinese rabbit fur in it - I could post some not very nice video clips but all I'm saying is it would not have had a nice life or death.

I bought a slim, tailored creamy white-coloured coat form Reiss years ago for smart occasions. I thought it would be hopelessly impractical but it's versatile and surprisingly I've had loads of wear out of it.

Similar here.

I always feel a bit like Madonna when I wear it. I think the sheer impracticality of a smart white coat that makes it feel chic and expensive-looking.

Sorry - link here: www.reissonline.com/shop/womens/coats_and_jackets/stella/stone/

If you have a decent budget this would add warmth without bulk?

I have a long leather coat (think matrix or Buffy) that works quite well. Very classic single breasted cut, it curves in all the right places Teamed with a fake fur scarf it would be very glam indeed!

Wow thanks for all the links. I do like the idea of a long-line coat but am just such an informal type I wonder if I'd wear it again. The only reason I have such a healthy budget is I have to get married myself in the early spring so I'm hoping I can get something I can use for both.

Plucking it is DP's ex and you're right I do want to look the part (not that it isn't all water well under the bridge of course ).

Also, I found this which I think might look sufficiently glam, don't know what anyone thinks!

Nice clutch

And ARF at 'I have to get married myself in the spring'

Is it a shotgun wedding?

cyb we are both pretending to find it a terrible bore

I would wear a wrap/pashmina.