I've ordered a Seasalt Janelle coat...

[buttheywereonlysatellites]

I took the plunge last night as there's a 50% NHS discount at the moment.
But, I'm only 5'4", is it going to be too long on me? And I know it's not a beautiful coat but I hope it doesn't look TOO frumpy.
I just wanted something both warm and waterproof but under £100.
It arrives on Wednesday!

Well, again, none of that was directed at you as the OP. It was directed at shitty attitudes. And the swearing isn't capitalised.

Keep the coat or don't keep it. But don't dismiss it because some random people on the internet declare it to be frumpy or 'old lady'.

Those who have posted saying you are about 5' 3" ish and saying it's a good length, did you buy the regular or the petite?

@Floisme @BebeStevens @ThatQuietOne

They are not particularly attractive no, but bloody amazing coats. Mine has been a godsend in this weather.

@RemusLupinsBiggestGroupie

Well, again, none of that was directed at you as the OP. It was directed at shitty attitudes. And the swearing isn't capitalised.

Keep the coat or don't keep it. But don't dismiss it because some random people on the internet declare it to be frumpy or 'old lady'.

Sorry, got the capitalised bit wrong! The only person that will convince if it's "frumpy" or not is me, don't you worry.

Come back and tell us what you think. I'm still toying with ordering one. :)

This in black is my current walking in winter coat, but it isn't waterproof and it's very heavy.

I have one. I don't consider it frumpy but then I am old and not bothered about fashion in the slightest. All seems a bit trying too hard for me! I too am 5' 4'' and if I were to buy the coat again I'd get the petite one as it does touch my mid-calf boots and sometimes feel like it might catch in them (has not yet though). It's a nice coat for autumn, mild winter. Not warm enough for full on winter IMHO but then I feel the cold a lot.

@RemusLupinsBiggestGroupie that parka is gorgeous, and the kind of coat I'd normally go for. I've had a similar one for a few years that I've had loads of compliments on (a teenage boy once said to his mum, whom I'd just asked for directions, "her coat is sick" ). But it's now ripped, isn't waterproof AND isn't that warm really.

Mine is very warm, but is also looking a bit worse for wear. It also looks better unfastened, which defeats its object really.

😂 at the sick coat!

@RavingAnnie mine is a regular, size 8. It is long (I’m 5’2) but I like that (and the arms are fine) - it keeps me very dry in bad weather (it gets splattered in mud but I can cope with that!).

Yes it is frumpy but I am happy with mine and love it

I can walk in the rain for an hour with my dog and keep dry

My dog thinks I look ace in it.

Who gives a duck how I look on a Tuesday morning in at eight am in the pissing rain anyway

@RavingAnnie

Those who have posted saying you are about 5' 3" ish and saying it's a good length, did you buy the regular or the petite?

@Floisme @BebeStevens @ThatQuietOne

Regular as there were no petites at the time, I would have tried the petite though tbh if there had been the choice

@ThatQuietOne @BebeStevens

Thank you. Very helpful!

I too am short at 5'3". On a cost per wear basis alone, mine was by far the most economical purchase ever. I wear it every day and whilst not beautiful it is practical for me and my walks along our coastal location.

I bought mine (bark blue) last October.
I’m 65 and 5’6.
Not the most stylish coat ever, but it’s absolutely perfect for dog walking, warm, windproof and waterproof. Despite it being -3 and with a freezing east wind the past few days, I have only worn a long sleeved t shirt underneath, and been plenty warm enough. I love that it almost reaches my wellies.
Enjoy!

RavingAnnie I've got the regular too. It reaches the end of my knees at the front, and it's calf length at the back.

I wear a thin down jacket underneath when it’s been really cold ( like in the snow this week). This coat is wonderful. It’s completely waterproof, doesn’t get my bum wet if I sit on a damp bench, and doesn’t get too hot in milder temps. Fuck frumpy.

I have a Seasalt coat....not the Janelle one, but something similar. I hate the bloody thing. I got my usual size, but it is tight across the back and it bothers me when I wear it.

OK... I am large of nork, and broad shouldered to boot, so maybe this coat is just not cut for my body shape.

I no longer shop at Seasalt, because all their dresses and tunics are not cut generous ly across the shoulders.

I also find that the quality is not that great.

Sorry to sound so negative.....

I have a Janelle. It is extremely practical. It also looks pretty dreadful. And yes, I do care actually. Because I live somewhere so cold and wet that I spend much of the wear in a warm and waterproof coat and I would like to be warm AND dry AND stylish when half the time that is all people see. But apparently outerwear designers have decreed that this is far too greedy and we have to choose. If you're very lucky you'll get two out of those three criteria.

In answer to PP who asked about length: I am 5'2" and deliberately bought the regular length as I need something that reaches the top of my boots to ensure I'm not constantly walking around with soggy knees/calves. It's mid-calf length on me, and is longer at the back than the front. The petite was more like knee length at the front and fractionally longer at the back. HTH.

*much of the year

Yes, I'm probably repeating myself but I don't care - I totally agree with Sceptical that it's perfectly reasonable to expect clothes to do a job and look good, and that this has nothing to do with wanting to look sexy, whatever that even means.

I have a Janelle and it spends most of its life at the back of the cupboard, but there are a few days every year when I get it out and appreciate its functionality. It could do a lot better and I will never apologise for expecting more from a coat, especially when it's not cheap.

As for men - how many do you know who look for a car or a phone or a laptop that performs well and looks the part? And why shouldn't they?

@thecatisaliveandwell

I have a Seasalt coat....not the Janelle one, but something similar. I hate the bloody thing. I got my usual size, but it is tight across the back and it bothers me when I wear it.

OK... I am large of nork, and broad shouldered to boot, so maybe this coat is just not cut for my body shape.

I no longer shop at Seasalt, because all their dresses and tunics are not cut generous ly across the shoulders.

I also find that the quality is not that great.

Sorry to sound so negative.....

Mine hasn't arrived yet, but I've got fairly narrow shoulder and small boobs so hopefully that won't be an issue. I've never bought anything from Seasalt before so I'm not entirely sure of my size. I'll guess I'll find out when it arrives. The more I read on here the more I think it's going to get sent straight back as it's going to be ugly...!

I have to be honest I've always had compliments when I've worn mine. I wouldn't say it's a smart coat such as a wool military style one. It's an outdoorsy style. I'm not one for fleeces and walking boots ere so I'm not coming from a "Go Outdoors" viewpoint! I have to say as a throw on for going for a walk or out for the day and you know it's going to rain it's a fab coat. I love mine i feel quite jaunty in it !! im 5'5 and it's quite long the back tapers into a V just past my knees.

@Floisme I have a feeling we may have coincided on these threads before. If you ever find that elusive stylish, warm, waterproof, longer-length coat that I've been searching for for years, PLEASE come back here and shout from the rooftops about it because I want to know!

Also, while the term "frumpy" may be more linked to women's clothes the concept definitely isn't. (Source: various items from my DH's wardrobe over the years.)