Spring/summer work coat ideas

[fandabbydozier]

I'm going back to work soon after maternity leave. I've lost 3 stone and need new clothes! First thing I'm looking for is a coat suitable for work. I work in London, smart casual type of thing.

So, I'm a 12-14, 5feet 4, 34DD.

Can anyone suggest coat ideas? I'd prefer dark colours.

Thank you all.

How about a trench? Zara has some nice unstructured trenches for a softer, less trad look

Bombers and bikers are still in but may be too casual

I like 'boucle' jackets - lots in Mango and Zara - sort of (loosely) Chanel-esque. There's a lovely long navy and White boucle 'coat' (more like a long jacket) in Zara for about £40. Sorry on phone and can't do links!

Yeah I saw that one Shirking - it's lovely. But not sure it would suit OP's figure? Maybe one of the shorter embroidered style jackets would.

Actually I agree puglife. Something fitted would be better. Mango is definitely worth a try... I have a Marc Jacobs jacket from a couple of years ago and found a v similar looking one there. Hobbs do some too I think.

Ok - I'll attempt a link... Snakeskin shoes are a bit like this

Argh - epic fail. Wrong thread... sorry...!

Thanks for all your responses so far. Agree bomber or biker jackets are not smart enough. I'm not really a fan of the boucle style either but need more of a coat than a suit style jacket anyway. I guess trench is probably the way to go... Unless anyone has any other suggestions?

www.uniqlo.com/uk/store/goods/163512

Bargain at £40 , in black and navy

Thanks to everyone who has posted. I'm not too keen on the collarless jackets so I think it's a trench I need. Has anyone seen any nice ones? Thank you all!

I live in these in spring and they are are smart for work. I also have the shorter version. (Called Sara I think). I love the fact they are thick cotton.
m.johnlewis.com/mt/www.johnlewis.com/hobbs-london-saskia-trench-coat/p1694746?sku=233973166&kpid=233973166&s_kenid=49520fee-0be7-4b8f-b8ff-533074a893e3&s_kwcid=403x1060097&tmad=c&tmcampid=73#page_loaded

Oh I really like that Oly5. Bit pricey but assume good quality and long lasting?

Any good?

Beautiful quality, really thick cotton. I've had mine a while and they still look new. They had a 20% off code last week, annoying! Maybe they will have another code soon. They do sell out though, this is the first time in a while I've seen them in stock (I'm always interested in if there are new colours)
They are fairly generous size btw though you may wish to order two sizes to try

Thanks Oly. I'd really like it in black, probably the shorter version but they don't have it in black. I've then googled for similar and where they have black (gap have a nice one) they don't have my size. Annoying!
So, do Hobbs bring different colours out often? Should I wait? Not sure what to do now, or whether to just get navy...

3 stone!!

Congratulations!

No advice, I'm in the same predicament!

Thanks toffee! One more stone to go.

I have this. It's lovely and I wear it constantly. m.johnlewis.com/mt/www.johnlewis.com/french-connection-runaway-drape-coat-carnaby-tan/p2097539?sku=234591379&kpid=234591379&s_kenid=9ffb17fe-95f5-4410-8b92-bd757fa1052e&s_kwcid=403x446289&tmad=c&tmcampid=73#page_loaded

I think the style has been really successful given the various new similar ones on site.
www.frenchconnection.com/product/woman-collections-coats-and-jackets/70fah/kruger-tencel-oversized-trench-coat.htm

I've been looking for it in black for two years but no luck!
It's absolutely beautiful in navy though. In both lengths

I've gone for the phase eight Keeley trench in dark grey. Very pleased. Hope it's a good fit!
Thanks for all of your help and suggestions!

Looks lovely! Love the colour. And love the fact it's cotton. I hate that plasticky trench coat material