Can you be stylish yet warm?

[whataboutbob]

Not being facetious, it's just that I find spring summer dressing much easier. I have had the same shapeless fleece since pre DC days and have finally realised it has to go. What do I replace it with?
I'm 5'4'', size 12, have a bit of an apple shape which I try and control through cycling and walking lots. I wear a lot of straight jeans and tops/ jacket for smarter days, occasional a-line skirt. I just don't have the lifestyle/ money or time for a very groomed look but want something that will be warm yet not shapeless, knee length to mid thigh would be good. A long jacket/ short coat kind of thing you can throw on and yet it looks good. Any suggestions?

Boiled wool is soft and very warm, but not likely to be in the shops at the moment!

Narrow it down a bit - does it need to be waterproof? Any preferred colours? Max budget?

Ok I am willing to pay up to £150 for something that will last and I d like it to be at least showerproof. Have seen people speak well of Seasalt jackets on other threads so am thinking of checking them out, any other suggestions would be gratefully received.

I have always had great boden coats, but you would need to try the clearance section for a warm one!

I'd check out RAB or North Face jackets if you walk a lot and don't mind sporty-ish styling. You could also invest in a few Uniqlo heat tech tops that are briliant for layering under anything, they come in lots of different cuts and colours, warm or extra warm, this would give you less requirement for warmth from your coat and give you scope to use the coat for more of the year without the heat tech .

Oh good, I was going to suggest seasalt north star which is currently in the sale in black only I think, but didnt want to offend you if you thought I was directing you to frumpsville

Free next day delivery too, until Tuesday, with the code SPRINGFORWARD according to the email I got yesterday

Thanks a lot DDD for taking the time. Black is not my colour but I live in London so will check the jackets/ coats out in John Lewis.

Thanks too sleep, I will look into the UNiqlo tops. Good to have a personal recommendation, I was aware they existed but never thought to try.

www.toa.st/product/C0DAD/Umeko+Raincoat.htm?utm_source=retargeting

One word for you: Didriksons. It's a Swedish company that make lovely waterproof, windproof coats, jackets and parkas. My Taylor parka was the best thing I ever bought!!

My North Face parka is really warm and not too frumpy

Barbour?

uniqlo heattech tops - I think they even do heattech jeans now although might be the wrong season for them.

merino wool jumpers - cashmere is nice but gets trashed in my house so I can't really justify the cost.

'duvet' coat - worn for approx. 7 months of the year. I have an Aigle Cuckmere, expensive but I love it and it keeps me warm and means I can wear something nice underneath and then take it off when I get inside and not have a million layers on.

No worries bob, hope you find a good un

Thanks to everyone and i will continue posting. Laquila thank you for the suggestion of Didrikson- i see there is a lot of love out there for this brand! Not that easy to track down in shops even though I am in London, but have found a store and will to try one. Really want to crack this cold weather clothing thing!

Well i have found the perfect (for me) cold weather jacket. It's a Didrikson's Ronja jacket. The others were all way too big on me, I looked like I'd climbed into a sleeping bag and stood up! I got it through a German website BergFreunde. A little nerve wracking at 1st as I'd never heard of it and after inputting payment details no confirmation email came through. So i emailed them and the customer service has been v good. Good price too esp as the euro is relatively low.
I also tried the Berghaus Pemberley in blacks- very stylish long parka style, not so cold weather suitable but would be great for a rainy city day. Haven't bought it though, it's £160.
I know I've got winter covered for next year!
Thanks to all for your advice esp Laquila for suggesting Didriksons.

I too have a Didriksons Parka, thanks to MN, and I barely take it off between November and March. It is fabulous. So warm, pretty stylish, yet quite light. I positively look forward to the temperature dropping below 10deg so I can get it out again!

Oooh OP I'm glad you're pleased with the Rev! Seriously, Herbaceous is right - you won't take it off all autumn/winter. I love the fact that the Taylor has loads of pockets :)

The Ronja is great for me I googled shorter Didrikson jacket and it came up. It has a really flattering shape (never thought I'd say that about weatherwear!). lots of pockets too with lovely soft lining. Might have ti arrange a trip to the Lake District next February half term!