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Original poster

Sleeveless coats/magazines

15 replies

IWantFairyWings · 01/10/2015 21:00

Just bought Woman + Home (because I'm sick of the trendy magazines assuming that you want to live in London and do their job, and so want to read about about every breath they take ) and anyway... the only bit that has stuck with me is that sleeveless coats are an essential investment and "will see you through any weather".
WTAF? I can't think of any situation or weather where a sleeveless coat would be anything other than ugly and useless! Have they got a roomful of monkeys randomly pressing typewriter keys?

I probably should have added "lighthearted" but actually, I'm feeling anything but

OP posts:

ZaZathecat · 01/10/2015 21:43

Agreed. Useful as a chocolate teapot.

herecomesthsun · 02/10/2015 04:24

or toeless boots or short sleeved jumpers in winter

anklebitersmum · 02/10/2015 04:36

Isn't a sleeveless coat basically a bodywarmer or gilet?

at toeless boots..the very pinnacle of ugliness and impracticality

FrustratedFrugal · 02/10/2015 06:35

When I lived in Italy, gilets, sleeveless coats, ponchos, capes and toeless boots had a point as they could be worn for several weeks every autumn and spring. The weather was transitional (cool mornings, hot days) for long stretches of time, and, crucially, you could be sure that it would not rain.

Now in the cool North those items are utterly pointless. What happens if it starts to rain or if the wind is too chilly? You can't easily put a coat on top of them, they are ultra bulky, so you have to tske them off and lug around a cost anyway. Magazines and bloggers are just promoting them because they look fresh and new and you probably don't have eight sleeveless coats in your wardrobe

I have a poncho that I really like but I have worn it once or twice this year - I got soaked in a sudden thunderstorm and am not keen to repeat that experience. A poncho or cape is also totally useless against the wind. Bloggers around here promote leather jackets worn under ponchos but I'm not 100% convinced. I'd rather wear a nice coat.

merrymouse · 02/10/2015 07:05

Body warmers are different - an extra layer around your middle that can be worn over or under other practical clothes.

Sleeveless coats are designed to look smarter - you wouldn't wear one under a waterproof or over a fleece.

Looking at pictures, you should aspire to bare arms with a sleeveless coat. If you are a light weight and must wear sleeves you might get a way with a thin jumper.

You cannot wear a sleeveless coat over any old thing, the whole look has to be put together with the sleeveless coat in mind. The sleeveless coat will carry you from your car to the pavement to the door of a shop or restaurant.

Maybe carry a change of clothes if your look no longer makes sense without the sleeveless coat.

ZaZathecat · 02/10/2015 08:24

I have just googled for images and frankly I think they look stupid as well as impractical.

Original poster

IWantFairyWings · 02/10/2015 20:44

Thanks for the reassurance that I'm not crazy! Now if only crop tops would go away (though doubtless they're perfect and will take you from the ski slopes to the nightclub )

OP posts:

Greengardenpixie · 02/10/2015 21:07

I agree. I live in Scotland and it predominantly rains! I have had various body warmers and rarely find the occasion when i can wear it. Its either too wet or too cold.

Floisme · 02/10/2015 23:37

I think they're like bare legs in winter and stupid heels: a code for 'I have a limo outside'.

amarmai · 03/10/2015 00:04

ok! I have bought 2 sleeveless coats in the end of summer sales and i am in Canada! 1 is acid yellow heavy nylon with black edging and [wish i could post pictures] I am wearing it in the fall weather walking and biking with jeans and sweater or tunics and leggings. It can also go on top of jackets and coats as it has larger armholes- when it gets cooler. 2 is b&w plaid in a wool & poly mix which i will wear on top of a thicker sweater or a fleece , jacket or coat when it gets colder. And yes i used to feel the same as you but i spend soo much time on fashion shows on the computer that i got brainwashed! Not sorry i got them as i can see more and more ways to use them to freshen up my old stuff and they were cheap! I recommend you try some on and think how they will work with your stuff.

CreviceImp · 03/10/2015 00:18

I am having similar thoughts when I see chunky SLEEVELESS roll necks. If it's cold enough for a roll neck in a chunky knit then you are going to need sleeves for feck sake.

Twinklestar2 · 03/10/2015 08:21

I want to like them but I can't.

amarmai · 03/10/2015 20:41

if i hadn't tried on the yellow one- which looks nothing like the pic on the thread- i wouldn't have been sold on them either. Now i have another one -also nothing like the pic-and can see how to work them into my outfits. The pic does a disservice to this piece of clothing Look around and you'll find all sorts of styles and fabrics.

Fluffyears · 04/10/2015 14:09

Have always found short sleeved jumpers/cardigans a stupid idea. I live in scotland and in winter it's wet and usually below freezing. I wear a massive waterproof coat and boots for most of the season.

MaisieDotes · 04/10/2015 14:14

I'm sick of the trendy magazines assuming that you want to live in London and do their job

A sleeveless coat defeats the purpose imo. The sleeves are vital parts of all my coats.

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