Smart hooded coat for work?

[Blutopia]

I'm happy with my casual coats for kicking around in jeans and boots, but I really struggle with what to wear for work with trousers and brogues or heels.

I have a very nicely tailored, dark red, thigh length M&S coat, which makes me look a lot smaller than I am (I'm an 18) - but it is lined and quite heavy. The times I need it are walking to appointments from either distant car parks or train/tube stations, and being a bit fat I run rather hot so I need something more lightweight, perhaps with a hood so I don't need to bother with an umbrella when it's crowded.

I have a Lands End black belted trench coat which I thought would be a light layer, but ugh it makes me look gigantic and I loathe a belt, I don't know what possessed me.

I've looked everywhere I can think of for something reasonably priced (up to about £70), lightweight without being a pacamac, hooded without being a parka, and smart enough to look professional without being a belted classic mac/trench.

The closest I've found is a soft shell coat, but I'm still not convinced. Any ideas?

The Uniqlo blocktech hooded coat often gets mentioned on here and mine came today. It's very nice and smart/looks good but I'm not sure if it's a bit thin for me so might be just what you're looking for. For some reason I can't seem to link today. It's 69.90 but if it's your first time ordering from them you can get a code for £10 off purchases over £60.

That looks like just the ticket - thanks Kochicoo, especially for the tip about the code.

Sadly they're all out of stock in XXL, which appears to be my most likely size. Boo.

I can't decide whether "soft shell" will be smart enough. Wonder if there's any similar alternatives to Uniqlo (perhaps not, hence the name...)

Have a look at Rains (of Denmark).

www.uk.rains.com/collections/womens-rainwear