Help me get away from fleeces!

[clairedunphy]

I just can't help myself. They're cosy, practical, the right length to go under coats without showing under the bottom, really easy to zip up and down for breastfeeding or just going in and out of buildings etc, but so, so dull!

I have a few quite thin cardigans and a couple of chunkier ones but when it comes to that moment when I'm about to do the school run or pop to the shops I just can't help going for the fleece every time. What can I wear that fills my practical requirements but just looks a bit less frumpy and like I'm permanently about to walk the dog?

Burn them

I have ordered this and have great hopes for it

A coatigan?

www.asos.com/ASOS/ASOS-Coatigan-In-Contrast-Yarns/Prod/pgeproduct.aspx?iid=5423368&cid=2637&Rf900=1456&sh=0&pge=0&pgesize=204&sort=-1&clr=Nude&totalstyles=133&gridsize=3

only I really should, shouldn't I! To save me from temptation! Love the polo, and they do suit me. But it doesn't have the same versatility as the fleece, does it?

Or a poncho / wrap type thing? Very easy to throw on, warm and easy to breastfeed in.

www.riverisland.com/women/accessories/capes-ponchos/_/N-83i

Ooh, yes that's a good idea, there are some lovely ones in that link. Not really something you can wear with a coat though so I guess great for dry days. Thanks!

Does your fleece have a hood?! I really think that some hooded fleeces are not frumpy at all. I have this. It has a flattering fit and comes in several colours. I have a black one and a cranberry one - don't feel frumpy wearing them at all!!

This is very snuggly. Not saying it's fashionable exactly but I like it. m.boden.co.uk/en-GB/Girls-9-16yrs-Sweatshirts-Fleeces/91296/Girls-9-16yrs-Shaggy-Lined-Zip-through.htmlhere
There is a women's version if you're above a size 12/14 (equivalent to the 16+ size).

That's lovely picka, mine are not hooded and not very fitted so you might have a point.

Sorry squiz I completely missed your coatigan comment, it's a completely new concept to me, I'm intrigued!

Just a woolen cardigan. Same easiness to feed

Just a jumper? I was cardigans- only for years but last autumn bought a Boden jumper and a cashmere slouchy one from TKM

A bit like this put a scarf with it in a good colour and it looks like an outfit even with jeans. No deciding butttoned/unbuttoned or what t shirt under it

There is ALWAYS an alternative to a fleece. Big woolly longline cardigan with a scarf (George at asda have some good ones). Poncho. Sleeveless coat with leather jacket/blazer underneath (top shop,Zara). Hooded jumper - superdry do great fleece lined ones but usually with logo, American apparel do some good plain ones.

mamakata thank you for being stern with me, and for all the options! And the jumper plan is good raising, nice and simple.

So scarves seem to be the way forward for a bit of interest. I really need to learn how to wear them, I'm off to google some images now...

Oops, apologies for the sternness (is that a word?). But I am really not a fan of fleeces. Also Blazers worn with a scarf are warm and look great with jeans and trainers. I bought a fab navy one from mango. Good luck!

This is helping me give up my addiction to thickish fleeces

Black down Jessica Simpson fleece

www.tkmaxx.com/view-all-womenswear/navy-quilted-down-jacket/invt/35104046

It's great . It packs down to a little parcel. It won't be warm enough when winter hits though.

No, don't apologise, I need it. I deserve it! Sitting here in my snuggly, warm fleece, barely able to contemplate tearing myself away from it...

Aargh! Down jacket I meant!

Don't apologise. They are fine for indoor use and ( when the chips are down and nothing else will do, it's ok to sneak out in your fleece) . I do hate them though.

Well, I think a fitted micro fleece with hood and zip, and either no pockets or zipped pockets can look sporty and not frumpy at all. A similar garment in knitted lambs wool or better still cashmere is a more grown up alternative. There's a brand called Ice Breaker which had lovely things in Merino wool, all machine washable, quick to dry and good colours. All of which, for me, are part of the attraction of fleece.

cashmere mix hoody

Dowser . I think you may be as attached to them as me!

Uniqlo Heattech fleece is non-bulky and warm. And flattering.

By default, ie my DDad left this with me, I have been wearing a running sweatshirt instead of a fleece because it's very thin material which lets you breathe and fits nicely under a coat as well as being very warm.

www.adidas.co.uk/running-hoodies_track_tops-clothing

It's not something I would have bought, not being a runner, but I love it and find myself putting it on all the time because it's lovely to wear. Because it was my DDads it's a few sizes bigger than I would have bought to actually run in I guess but as an item of clothing to keep me warm which is why I wear it, it's much nicer to wear than a bulky fleece. Mine is plain black so is easy to wear.