best kind of winter coat

[Mumofjz]

Starting to look at the Autum/Winter range of coats and wondering what was best - a wool blend coat or a more casual padded (barbour) type of coat? Not had a woolen coat in years and can't remember if they are warm enough!

I used to think not when young but last winter hardly wore my lovely wool coat at all, it was only cold enough on a couple of days (London). Am I getting tougher or just fatter ?

Probably warm enough but I'd want one that's also waterproof, especially on the school run! A padded waterproof coat is probably best - I got one last year which I wore all through our wet spring and it's back out again now!

I haven't worn a woollen one for a while, this year I'm getting the Zara short parka in navy and this www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-2209480/Millie-Mackintosh-Professor-Green-share-romantic-concert-night-out.html?ito=feeds-newsxml

The best sort generally is one that you feel like yourself in iyswim.

However warm it is - you can always add more layers under it. I have a wool one that's about knee length and I wear it all the time, it's quite fitted, nice neutral dark colour and I hardly even take it off in bed.

That way whatever else I am wearing I always feel fairly confident that I'm going to look acceptable when I go out.

It is warm as well, but not overly warm, you can keep it on in shops etc.

Mind you I just bought a Calvin Klein one too and feel guilty It's disappeared from the website as it's out of stock now - I think it said it's 100% cashmere, wondering what it will be like, how warm, waterproof etc.

I do have a Barbour jacket which is nice but I don't feel right in sporty or bright coloured coats. It's just not me.