Honest opinions: is this coat nice?

[Opalfruitsstrawberry]

For a size 10 woman in her early thirties FWIW, thinking of the Oak colour. I keep going back and forth... I want a stylish warm raincoat - is this as good as it gets?

www.seasaltcornwall.co.uk/waterproof-jackets-raincoats/all-rain/plant-hunter-quilted-waterproof-raincoat-oak.htm

I think you have to reconcile that you cannot be truly stylish in something waterproof.

How waterproof do you need? Because a proper wool coat will be pretty waterproof for most suburban and city occasions.

Otherwise perhaps a parka from somewhere like Barbour. Something that's a bit more fitted and a bit less overgrown toddler.

But, if your main buying criteria is practical it's a decent option.

I have it too!

Absolutely size down, they are huge.

The most practical thing I've ever owned. I had to force myself to buy it after one too many times getting drenched last winter. It is kind of frumpy but I'm finding that quite a fun contrast. I like the clean straight lines, and it looks good with trainers. It's really warm and completely waterproof too.

I think it depends on what you want. Do you want to be warm and dry - or do you think a coat has to be stylish? Personally I would go for warm and dry - it's a coat, not something you will be wearing to attend fashion week!

I really don't understand people who can't make such a simple decision for themselves tbh. Why do people care so much what others think?

@eaglejulesk

This is a style and beauty topic...it's pretty common to be asking for opinions, advice and generally 'what do you reckon to this?' here.

Perhaps if this doesn't float your solo decision making boat you're better off elsewhere.

I think it's quite frumpy however I would wear it because it looks cosy and that's what is most important. I wouldn't care if it looked good tbh!

@Opalfruitsstrawberry

Hi, I've tried to have a look and see if I could see some of the ones I spotted.
I have a nice french connection one that I got from tkmaxx which I wear for walking the dog. It is practical, fitted and stylish but I dont think it's still available. However, they do have a similar blue (I think) one on there at the moment.

I've screenshot a few but I would check out house of frazer: barbour, tog24 then look at some of the regatta ones which you can find through google.

I was never keen on their styles but the newest ones are nicer and still practical.

Also check out superdry. They have a good sale on at the moment and they look good quality.

Ah thanks for the defence @ParisianLady

It’s just a bit of fun really @eaglejulesk. I can obviously make the decision by myself (and have many times before) but enjoy discussing waterproof coats with others, so shoot me

Thank you @Anthilda ! I really like these especially the French Connection one

I think it's a little short for really wet weather when your jeans are going to get wet.

If it's going to be very cold, it might not quite be warm enough on its own. You might need to consider how it's going to hang with a thick-knit sweater underneath it, and a scarf - depending on whether you live in a colder rural part, or warmer city.

I suppose fashion needs to be factored in. If this is the fashion now, embrace it! Be on trend.

( I'm getting used to current fashions, and will shortly appreciate them. Currently, it's looking to me like fashion designers have taken a felt pen to their designs, and scribbled over the torso, then tailored the actual fabric of the bodice and waist and sleeves to draw attention away from any erogenous, sensual parts of the form, leaving just the thigh as the point of interest. I haven't understood the current trend, yet.)

The Protected Species coats look like BHS cast offs!

@Opalfruitsstrawberry

I can tell you from my own point of view that the french connection one is fitted (I am pear shaped and it pulls in nicely at the waist to accentuate my shape).

It does not have an inner lining (the one I got anyway) but the material is softshell and that has kept me warm and dry, and I'm out in all terrain with my dog.
I hope you find what you are looking for.

I have been looking myself for a nice coat for winter, I'm torn between buying a puffa style which will go practically with my jeans or a smart wool style coat which is more feminine.

I live in NE Scotland, and in non Covid times have a 30 minute walk each way for work. I bought a Seasalt coat - I think it was the Janelle one - but I just couldn’t bring myself to wear it. It was just too “functional”, and I did feel a bit Hayley Cropper in it. I sold it after wearing it a couple of times.

I bought a parka from Whistles instead and while I wouldn’t wear it on a glam night out (remember those?) it is much more “me”. It’s going into its third winter now and although it was expensive it was a good investment.

I’m mid-40s.

My friend has this coat and it’s much nicer on than in the pictures. she’s mid 30s.
Just choose the nicest colour, not boring navy!

Try uniqlo x

I have no idea why protected species are so loved on here!!!!! Same with Toast and Hush, horrible shapeless clothes.

I’ve just bought myself an absolutely beautiful Espirit down/feather coat for £50. Debenhams have a sale on coats currently, joules is also great for coats. You need to decide what style of coat you want and then search out some deals. There’s no way in hell I’d spend £245 on a coat unless I had a very specific reason.

These threads always make me laugh - people say the raincoat in question is frumpy but then post alternatives that are equally frumpy! Raincoats are never the height of fashion but that isn’t their purpose. I like Sweaty Betty ones (and my more stylish mum friends wear them) but no doubt others will find them totally frumpsville!

Yeah looks nice

I agree with @ParisianLady, wool is very good for keeping you dry. I got a wool Sandro coat a couple of years ago and it's so warm and you never get wet in it. Good hood too.

I bought this! I’m 34. Pre-Children, my choice would have been a wool coat and umbrella. But pushing a pram while using an umbrella isn’t easy. So I was looking for something to keep me warm and dry while doing the nursery run/going on muddy walks - that hopefully something that wasn’t too ugly. Anyway it arrived and was massive, just didn’t fit me at all. So it’s going back.

I go on about this on every thread about waterproof coats but look at the Arcteryx Patera Parka. Goretex AND down filled (a very rare combination!) and pretty smart looking for an outdoor type coat, with a great hood and minimal branding.

It is serious serious money but I've had mine for two years and absolutely love it. Mine is navy and it works for most occasions bar very smart things, it's such a great jacket.

A friend of mine mid 30s also has this coat In black or maybe dark grey and it looks good on her, definitely not frumpy. She’s slim and sporty/outdoorsy so it goes with her overall look and lifestyle. Obviously if you prefer to dress in a smart and fashion conscious way this wouldn’t be something you’d go for.

I love it but I had a coat that colour once and because it’s a bit different I felt like I had it on all the time, but I do like it!

I’ve just stumbled on this... any thoughts?

www.marksandspencer.com/borg-lined-parka/p/clp60460591

Depending on your style @Opalfruitsstrawberry you could look at Rains, Parka London or similar. I’ve seen parka type coats from lots of high street shops too like Whistles and personally think these can look a bit more stylish.

I think the Seasalt and Joules type ones are basically ok - they aren’t offensive, just bland. Very boring.

Personally I wear a waterproof trench from Mackintosh - they are pricey but classics and last a lifetime.

No not keen. The lower hem in particular.