Help an expat make sense of winter coats/jackets?

[Frequentflier]

Hi,

I am an expat fresh off the boat from India, and need some advice on what type of winter coat I should be buying. Am all at sea! I see a lot of recommendations here, but am confused about what I actually need for London weather, and if I can get away with just one all purpose coat. My budget is about £ 120 ( low, I know, but all I can spare at the moment.) I am 5'7 and a size 12, small bust and hips, largish tummy. I'd also like to take advantage of the sales.

What I would really like is something elegant like this www.zara.com/uk/en/wool-blend-coat-with-belt-p08412744.html?v1=80964550&v2=1549217. But everyone out and about seems to be wearing something padded and quilted to keep the rain out like this www.uniqlo.com/uk/en/product/women-ultra-light-down-hooded-coat-419852.html?dwvar_419852_color=COL09&dwvar_419852_size=SMA002&cgid=IDouterwear1612a ? Is there a compromise: something not too Michelin man and yet rainproof, warm and with a hood?

I realise this is a very basic question, but those who wear elegant winter coats that are not completely waterproof, do you also wear a rainjacket over it? Currently am working from home, and only getting out to go to the park, so I guess I should not be looking for "elegant". The usual type of puffer jacket does make me look like a python post meal, though!

Also, is water repellent good enough for London?

If you are outdoors a lot then nothing beats a cosy parka or puffer coat. Something that can be cinched in at the waist will lool more flattering anf less Michelin like.

If you are outdoors a lot then nothing beats a cosy parka or puffer coat. Something that can be cinched in at the waist will lool more flattering anf less Michelin like.

If you are outdoors a lot then nothing beats a cosy parka or puffer coat. Something that can be cinched in at the waist will lool more flattering anf less Michelin like.

I suspect I'm probably not a great person to give advice but I will anyway.

I find long wool coats annoying on public transport. Great for walking not so good for sitting... and mine are also really hot (wool/cashmere blends). I've got a couple of really nice ones that I only wear very rarely. One so infrequently that I think of it as my "winter funeral outfit".

The coat I wear most often is an old lightweight down jacket. Not bulky, folds small, not too warm and it copes with light rain. I also don't worry if it ends up trailing on the floor in a cafe etc.

It's unusual for there to be so much rain i don't want to wear it ( this morning however, was a great example) in those situations I usually wear my goretex walking jacket.

Last year I bought a lovely new seasalt parka that is waterproof as my main coat but I've not worn it much as I find it too warm. It's such a white elephant I was thinking about accepting it was a useless purchase and giving it to the charity shop and simply buying a new version of my existing down jacket.

Hobbs often have very smart anorak-y type jackets and I've just had a look and their coats are really nice this year. Over your budget but their sales are usually brilliant.

I've picked a 3/4 length coat as that was the only style of wool coat I've ever got on with as a London commuter.

www.hobbs.com/product/tilda-wool-collar-coat/0220-3528-1049L00-FERN-GREEN.html#cgid=clothing-coats-and-jackets&is=false&sz=60&start=0&isSecondPage=false&pid=0220-3528-1049L00-FERN-GREEN&pos=15

M&S have some nice options
www.marksandspencer.com/down-and-feather-quilted-coat/p/clp60455268?color=NAVY#intid=prodColourId-60454260&gid=1&pid=2

Another M&S
www.marksandspencer.com/thermowarmth-padded-coat/p/clp60454298?color=BERRY#intid=prodColourId-60455408&gid=1&pid=2

Wow, thank you all so much for the help. I fell down a rabbithole of previous threads on parkas as well, to distract myself from the US Elections. Lots of useful tips, though quite a few sold out in my size!

I have decided to go with a waterproof parka, if not a puffer, probably from Trespass or Regatta.. I doubt I am going to be doing anything that needs formal wear in the next six months at least. And yes, plan to buy lots of base layers and a size bigger. I will consider a smart coat later, given my entire family currently needs winter wear. I have a teen DS, so not pushing a buggy around or watching football matches for hours.

Depending on what you want the smart coat/jacket for, might be worth considering a fur/fleece lined leather or similar short jacket.
The wool coat you linked tends to be work wear only.

Hi, From a fellow Indian who has lived in the U.K. You will eventually need a few coats but my first winter with a similar budget I managed with a wool coat. M&S has several. You want the wool content to be quite high.
Eventually you want:

• a waterproof coat. Check out Mountain Warehouse. They have good deals. A 3 in 1 fleece and waterproof coat will serve different purposes (and might suffice as your main winter coat as well).
• one of those Uniqlo down jacket things.
• something lighter for September/October and then April/May. The waterproof layer of the 3 in 1 will probably work.

With parkas, check the filler. You ideally want a down coat. Some of the polyester filled ones are just not as warm.

For your kids, Mountain Warehouse. They have 3 in 1 jackets for kids and padded coats as well. They also have frequent sales.

Real decent quality second hand wool coats can be picked up 10 a penny at a charity shop or eBay.

I agree about secondhand wool coats, the wool content is often high and the price low. You can probably pick up a good quality one as older ones are usually well made. If you're often on public transport you could go for a 3/4 length or peacoat style.

www.johnlewis.com/phase-eight-daisy-double-faced-coat-natural/p4823704

plus umbrella

London is less waterlogged than most of the country, so you need a thin gilet for warmth in dry mild weather, with room for a wool sweater underneath. You need an uninsulated waterproof to go over it in summer storms and all year: buy a size up here. The combination should see you through normal winters, but every 8 or 10 years there will be a freeze so when it happens you will need something more substantial.

More important, you will need scarves, because a cold draught down your neck is horrid, gloves, and a cute hat. The hat is probably the most important, and the hardest to choose. No random off the internet can help because it's all about what suits you. The hat and scarf together will keep you warm. And warm socks will not hurt. A dry head and dry feet are essential to the full enjoyment of winter, which can be glorious. All this applies to all members of your family.

There's a motto in the rural areas of the UK: there's no such thing as the wrong weather. Only the wrong clothing. And the wrong clothing is anything primarily cheap-fashion-oriented. Shop sensibly to dress for mild and wet. The best stuff changes minimally; over a decade or two, most people would struggle to discern the fashion tweaking.

Shoes I am ignoring. I live in a wet, rural area and my footwear choices would not be those of anyone living in a city.

Arket and Cos make great coats. Also &OtherStories snd Hobbs. I like Massimo Dutti too. Their coats are stylish and smart. Always keep an eye on their Sales.

OP that coat is beautiful!

If you do opt for waterproof, I was lucky enough to get a Protected Species coat with a half price offer from MN.

I’ve been surprised how many people have commented on it. It’s also impressively waterproof. However, I do have to wear layers underneath if going for a walk in the cold. The big padded coats are much warmer.

I have just discovered seasalt coats, which are warm, flattering and waterproof, e.g. this one. www.seasaltcornwall.co.uk/waterproof-jackets-raincoats/all-rain/fleece-lined-waterproof-womens-janelle-coat.htm

They are not cheap but they are good quality imho. I have brought them new with tags on ebay for less than the price their online shop sells them at.

Waltzing Parrot, that is a gorgeous John Lewis coat. But I got up today in a London peasouper, and realised that I had better go for something really practical and warm , since will be out a lot more in the lockdown. I have ordered this and will see how it fits. www.trespass.com/faithful-womens-parka-jacket#color_code=Navy It has great reviews. I also realised that I hate carrying a lot of bits and pieces, so need a great hood and warm pockets.
Chaibiskoot: Have sent DS and DH onto Mountain warehouse. Just don't seem to like Uniqlo puffers, but if this coat is not warm enough may consider.
Xingming: Great tips. Was thinking of just getting Heatteach hats, gloves and scarves from Uniqlo, plus a couple of merino wool turtlenecks to layer. Would you recommend? Hands have gotten cold in the last couple of days.
Presenting Percy, Acorn Autumn and Misty Monday: Sadly my budget is below a 120, so some of those mentioned are out of budget. Sea Salt Janelle is gorgeous! Will maybe check on ebay in the future when I have more time. Everyone in the family needs winter wear, so for my first winter I am trying to stick to the budget as we also need socks, gloves, hats, scarves...

I have gone into full work avoidance mode trying to figure out the difference between a parka , a gilet and a puffer. Then a cagoule came along:)

OP "I have gone into full work avoidance mode trying to figure out the difference between a parka , a gilet and a puffer. Then a cagoule came along"

hours of fun!

in the cold light of day, and looking on a proper PC, the velour hit me like a wet fish. I don't know what I was thinking.

sorry, wrong thread re velour

@opinionatedfreak which down jacket do you have? Is it warm enough for everyday use?

OP, as a fellow expat, I think your Trespass solution is excellent. I LOVE my Trespass coat but mine is more casual and I am now eyeing yours up as a slightly less frumpy version....

Like others, I think if you're commuting you might need something a little more lightweight. And layers are absolutely your friend. Ditto scarves, hats and gloves which can be removed easily and shoved in bags/pockets.

DS coats have been Trespass the last couple of years too - the kids coats are really good quality and very reasonably priced. He got a heavier one this year but last year had a down one. DS and I both also have Trespass walking shoes or boots.

I don't spend alot of coats and you don't have to spend much.

You could get a practical waterproof and a classy style one too for £120

I recently bought a very warm parka coat, nips in at waist - £28!! From George at Asda.

Also look at Tresspass, Mountian warehouse etc

For something cheaper and stylish try Newlook, Dorothy Perkins, Next, Asda, TU at Sainsbury's.

direct.asda.com/george/women/coats-jackets/cream-faux-fur-longline-padded-coat/GEM755522,default,pd.html?cgid=D1M1G20C6