Weekend by Max Mara worth the money vs Max Mara?

[CaptainWentworth]

I was wandering around my local department store yesterday (ostensibly Christmas shopping) when I happened upon this coat in the sale:

m.zalando.co.uk/weekend-maxmara-ottanta-classic-coat-blau-mw721u01p-k11.html

I’ve always wanted a classic wrap coat, to just throw on as a cover up for things like longer dresses, that I find don’t work very well with a lot of coat styles (eg my usual parka ). The ones I’ve seen are often camel, which I admire in theory but in reality really washes me out.

I was thrilled to find this one in navy- and the 100% wool fabric feels beautiful- but 2 things are giving me pause:

1. Is there a risk it would look a bit like a dressing gown on a shorter person? I’m 5’4”, size 10-12, hourglass. The one in stock that I tried on was a 12 but it did look a bit oversized- they are in stock in various places online in a 10 though. The model in the link shows the fit quite well I think.

2. Is it pointless/ not good value getting Weekend by Max Mara as opposed to Max Mara? I can’t afford the main line even in the sale, although I’ve always coveted their coats.

Any thoughts much appreciated! It’s still a lot of money for me so I don’t want to make a mistake.

Aaah I don’t know how to make links clicky in my phone!

I'm 5"4 and am currently a size 6 but was previously a 12. Max Mara has always worked really well for my height and size(s), it's never swamped me or made me feel like a dressing gown or similar. I have coats from the main line and the weekend (still wear the old ones in my previous size), the difference is really only in the material choice, main line tends to be costlier materials due to other inclusions alongside wool, eg. Cashmere that gives it an amazing lustre, Alpaca that's incredibly soft and warm with an interesting texture, the camel hair you best not know about because it's beautiful but eye wateringly expensive, etc. They eye more expensive in material, generally.

Minor downgrade with the Weekend line in recent years, from my observations, is that the wool is thinner and that it will perfectly suffice an Italian winter but you'll likely need more layers underneath in Northern Europe to keep out the wind chill as they tend to be cut with a lot of access for the wind to pass through wider sleeves, expansive necklines, etc.

Sizing depends, if you want it fitted it usually requires a size down as they come up roomy IME (but I'm an hourglass and that probably has something to do with it, especially the belted styles). If you want that oversized fit go bigger, MM is a brand where you can quite easily upside without it looking weird. Keeping in mind you probably will want to wear an extra layer that adds bulk, I'd say go for your true size, or size down and rely on something like Uniqlo heattech for it to be as fitted as possible if that's the preferred fit.

I would point out from my perspective this coat would not go with all dresses and skirts, you'd want it a smidge longer for that. It'll be fine with hems shorter but near the same length peeping out and longer can look a bit puzzling at times. It works with some but not all.

I'll shut up now, but I would encourage just fitting up a size to see it works really well with certain Max Mara style, they look a lot more luxe than your true size due to the abundance (of usually) lush looking material that bounces off the light in a particular MM way.

Thanks for the very considered comments @botemp!

On your point about it working with different dresses and skirts - it’s quite a lot longer on me than on the model, so maybe wouldn’t look too odd with a longer skirt (sleeves also a bit long but I could get them altered).

What do you think is the most versatile style of coat? I seem to have loads but never quite the one I want to finish my outfit!

The belted are the most versatile IME, you can wear them open when the weather isn't that cold and spruce up otherwise dull and casual outfits. You can also pile a good scarf on top without it fighting a collar in colder weather. For length, about 7/8th on me not far from the ankles about 10ish cm above? You can do midi (well midi on 5"4 which is always a bit longer on me) and mini and maxi-ish lengths. Knee length can look a bit odd but they're a frumpy length on me anyhow.

If you buy it from the MM shop they do the alterations for free but you might want to budget (or hint for Christmas) some longer length leather gloves to go with it.

Your coat

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Thanks @SurpriseSparDay

Here’s a (crap) photo of me in a 12 (have come to visit the coat on my way home)

And undone

Love your boots!

D'you have any narrower skirts?

Thanks! I treated myself after maternity leave and jumped on the Grenson Nannette bandwagon...

I used to wear pencil skirts sometimes but they made the dress code at work more casual when I was off, so currently mostly wearing ‘midi’ skirts (which are really almost ankle length on me, as per the photo) or skinny/ slim dark jeans, and ankle boots/ trainers, and sometimes one of my older short skater shape dresses with a jumper over.

In fact, while I’m here - and seeing as you may have the advantage of a couple of millimetres of height - I don’t know if it’s worth sharing my skirt philosophy?

I rigorously avoid the sort of hemline that involves a load of fabric hanging disconsolately around my legs. I like two shapes - really structured to stand away from the body (weird, stiff Margiela-type fabrics) or Very Tight. Tight would go well with your coat. (IMVHO.)

(Crossed you but it still stands.)

It’s not my coat!

I am a bit guilty at the moment of dressing for comfort a bit more than style. I’m also quite into baukjen dresses and skirts, mainly because they use sustainable viscose, but perhaps they are better for the taller person.

The coat really suits your hair!

I think it would be worthwhile to locate a size 10 - just to see. Particularly if you generally veer towards the erm more voluminous clothes. Obviously you have to be able to get things on underneath - but you want to avoid looking bulky.

And Baukjen? So many more exciting places you could be shopping ...

I’d say try a smaller size! And as it’s an investment try it on with a few different outfits - if you want to get lots of wear out of it.

Just jumping on to say that I’ve got a few Weekend items and I’m very happy with quality. That line suits my casual style better.

It’s a smart coat but I echo previous posters on trying a 10.

I think it’s making you appear wider than you really are.

£600+ is a lot if you’re not in heady love.

Buy it. It really works with you and they last for 25 years.

I have weekend and sport by Max mara as well as the original, they are all great quality and stand the test of time. I know what you mean about the dressing gown look but at 5'4 you should look good. If it's in the sale go for it!

Try a 10. I’ve got a ten year old Weekend coat, it’s lovely quality and is warm although it is unlined. I had the sleeves altered because they were a bit long. I don’t wear it very often these days but I’ve never regretted buying it.

Agree with PPs that you need a smaller size (and the sleeves shortened by an inch or so), but it looks really good on you.

I have had really good wear out of both Maxmara Weekend and the main line, but the quality isn’t quite what it was. I have a coat that looks good as new ten years on; one that’s only four years old and worn less often has frayed through at the sleeve edge, although I love it so much I may consider adding a leather hem to cover the frayed area.

Maxmara is so classic and so expensive that it’s not a brand for people who like change. I love wearing clothes older than my kids, but now I think the lack of edge is prematurely ageing me a bit.

Deffo smaller size, otherwise Bob on

Some of the more expensive Massimo Dutti coats (called something like ‘Limited Collection’ and priced around £250-£300) are dead ringers for Maxmara, fabric composition, stitching and all. Worth a look.

I love wearing clothes older than my kids, but now I think the lack of edge is prematurely ageing me a bit.

Not if you mix things up vigorously, surely? Your classic coat with the very latest trouser/boot/sunglasses shape ought to look fabulous. (I agree that if you’re dressed head to toe from the 80s you run the risk of “I know what I like and see no reason to change.”)

I also think a smaller size would do it

Unwrapped it looks amazing on you - really fantastic lines

It's still a massive cost at £644