COATS - help me show the French some Brit style

[castille]

I need a new smart-casual coat, well in fact I need an entire new winter wardrobe, but I'll settle for a new coat for now.

I am utterly hopeless at shopping but I would soooo like to look effortlessly together so as not to stick out like a sore British thumb amongst all the well-dressed French mums at school. I quite like belted ones, but don't know where to start. Not too smart, because I'm a buggy-pushing SAHM, but just nice enough to feel I'm proudly flying the flag for British style!

I think this is beautiful. But it's...... french!!

In my experience french women prefer a more "mature" look so just make sure you don;t go for anything too stylish, young or funky and you should be fine!

Tugamommy - like the shape, not sure about the buckle around the neck. I like belted coats.

Gemy - a French friend of mine was dressing like her mother by the time she was 23, fur coats and all. Not my scene, not at all! I don't mind looking different from the French, which is why I prefer clothes from home, as long as it's nice different, not weird different...

Lol Castille I've worked closely with the french for the past 5 years and I understand totally what you mean. My french colleuges have in the past expressed open-mouthed shock at my outfit of skinny jeans and smock top!

Regarding the coats (you can imagine what is coming next) French Connection have some lovely ones, as do Ted Baker.

This is from oasis and looks very nice (they do it in black too)
www.oasis-stores.com/fcp/product/Oasis/4500013942/Balloon-sleeve-skirted-coat

The belted ones all seem to be quite smart, whereas anything labelled "casual" seems to mean parka or cocoon shape and I think are slightly in the "wierd" catagory.

LOVE that coat!