Spring coat

[RemusLupinsBiggestGroupie]

I need something to wear when it's not quite warm enough for a leather jacket but not cold enough for a winter coat. Ideally black or grey and probably mid-thigh length. Any ideas on what sort of thing might be good, or where I might look?

[RemusLupinsBiggestGroupie]

That should have said Fochit - stupid kindle!

[Floisme]

If you can hold on, Protected Species do offers through MNHQ every so often. I got the mac half price (I think) that way.

Or is this any good. https://communityclothing.co.uk/collections/womenswear/products/womensraincoat-black?variant=20044547686454

I know it's another Community Clothing link but I'm having a moment!

[Floisme]

God dammit it's out of stock in a lot of sizes!

They seem to restock quite regularly though. My jeans came in within a week.

[RemusLupinsBiggestGroupie]

Thanks, Flo, but I don't like that one. Too janitor again.

[TheLightGetsIn]

Parkas are good for a more casual look. had one from Jaeger that I wore to death. Replaced it with a crap but ££ one from Betty Barclay - avoid them like the plague unless you like the drowned rat look.

I do think trench coats are like jeans - you have to grit your teeth and try on endless models until you find "your" one - length, single/double breasted, buckle or wrap belt, straight or slightly curved fit, exact shade, fabric etc. My favourite just-above-the-knee ones have come from Jack Wills, French Connection and Zara, and I also have a longer more formal one from Jaeger that's good over midi skirts. Hobbs do a popular one in loads of colours too, but that one didn't suit me at all though my best friend looks amazing in it.

[NC4Now]

What about a lightweight parka? I don’t know what size you’re looking for but Superdry have some in the sale.

[RemusLupinsBiggestGroupie]

I've got a parka - it's a Parka London one and the warm lining comes out to leave just a very lightweight cotton coat, but it still 'feels' very wintry because I'm used to wearing it when it's really cold, with the lining.

I popped out this morning to get some groceries, and ended up grabbing this after saying I can't wear trench coats and wanted black or grey! I 'think' it looks okay on, and I really like the colour.

[Floisme]

You've bought the navy?

It looks very nice.

[RemusLupinsBiggestGroupie]

Pink!

[RemusLupinsBiggestGroupie]

I think I'd always tried on trench coats that were too big and drowned me, so sized down to get a much neater fit.

[Floisme]

Phew! Pink is good and I like double breasted. Very Humphrey Bogart.

[Floisme]

And I mean that in a good way!

[RemusLupinsBiggestGroupie]

Ha! I've got a lovely grey felt Whistles fedora - maybe I should try pairing them for the Bogart vibe?

[Roaren]

Some of the Whistles "winter" coats are good for spring as they're pretty thin and only do up with a couple of buttons. I bought one in their recent sale but can only wear it on the recent warmer days as it's not robust enough for proper winter. Might be worth a look if they're still in stock. John Lewis as well as Whistles website.

[RemusLupinsBiggestGroupie]

I really liked this too - looked much more £££.

[NC4Now]

Both of those are gorgeous

[RemusLupinsBiggestGroupie]

Thanks, NC. I've removed the cuff things and rolled the sleeves up, because sartorially I still belong in the 80s.

[Gillybobs]

I bought that grey m&s chuck on coat with the sparks discount last week, delighted with it for £36!

[RemusLupinsBiggestGroupie]

I was really surprised how nice it is for the price, Gilly. Enjoy your coat!

[Lucked]

I like the grey one and how it is styled with the hoody but it out of stock in lots of sizes so if you think you might get it go back to the store asap.

[CatherineTheNotSoGreat]

Was coming on to say you should really try a trench but I see you've come to that realisation yourself! I used to always think a trench was awful on me but last year I did like you and sized down and I really like it. Got loads of wear out of it. Length is not too long either. I think that helps too. Got it in Mango.

[RemusLupinsBiggestGroupie]

Catherine - yes, the shorter length definitely helps me too. I'm looking forward to wearing it, when this awful weather finally improves.