Is this coat stylish or dowdy?

[FlyingDandelions]

Found this coat in a local outdoorsy sort of shop at a bargain price. As well as keeping me dry through the wet winter school runs (we walk in all weathers) I thought it looked quite nice. DH violently disagrees and think it makes me look like I'm 'terribly middle aged' (I'm 40, but perhaps he doesn't like to admit that!).

www.longcoats.co.uk/products/jack-murphy-malvern-womens-long-raincoat-with-hood

What's the Mumsnet verdict?

Depends on the colour (the puce is particularly heinous).

As with most garments, a stylish woman could make it look great. But I do know where your DH is coming from - even the styling and photography are definitely aimed at an older demographic.

www.amazon.co.uk/Jack-Wolfskin-Iceguard-Womens-Black/dp/B00L10HPRE/ref=sr_1_17?dchild=1&psc=1&keywords=jack%2Bwolfskin%2Bparka&th=1&tag=mumsnetforu03-21&qid=1633467430&sr=8-17 first Jack Wolfskin coat I found on Amazon. Similar price.

I've had a similar JW coat for the last 6 years, not a tear or a rip in it. Perfect dog walking coat.

@wombforanotherone

I think that a 25 year old could wear it and make it current despite it being an old lady coat. A 70 year old could wear it and it would look fine because they're 70. If you're 40 it will just look frumpy

Agree with this. I also immediately thought of Vera when I saw it, it’s also a bit I know what you did last summer!

No

Hard no from this 42 year old!

@bluerecruit

]] first Jack Wolfskin coat I found on Amazon. Similar price.

I've had a similar JW coat for the last 6 years, not a tear or a rip in it. Perfect dog walking coat.

Thanks for the suggestion but I really need it long, wet legs are not an option!

I know a previous poster suggested a shorter coat and waterproof trousers but that seems ridiculous to me unless you're actually trekking in the wilderness, and impractical if the sun comes out or I want to stop in a cafe on the way home - you can throw off a coat but not exactly whip off a pair of trousers!

And the sale price in the shop was much less than half that.

If you’re 50+ posh and live in the Cotswolds then go for it .

If you like it, and it keeps you warm and dry then you're laughing.

Sod everyone else.

Being stylish in other people's eyes is great, but it's no match for being smug, warm, dry and happy.

I think there is more stylish options available to be honest…

Thanks for all the suggestions, I'm not feeling the love for Jack Wolfskin, Berghaus, North Face etc - seem to be mostly those duvet-under-a-black-plastic-bag looking coats (apologies to those who love quilted jackets).

Ilse Jacobsen or Didriksons suggested by a previous poster are more my style. But the prices!

Maybe I lay it out for DH that I can look like Vera on a budget or he can buy me something from Didriksons ?

Buy it then 🤷🏼‍♀️ seems like you've made up your mind. Which is fair enough!

Just maybe choose a conservative colour...

Oh yes the husband plan sounds good

I quite like it!

It’s a stockman’s coat. They are great for dog walking or riding but look a bit silly in the middle of London, like you’ve lost your way on your journey to the cattle ranch. Personally I’d confine that to dog walks and very rainy days. It’s not particularly stylish but it’s practical and if you like it then sod everyone else.

Maybe I lay it out for DH that I can look like Vera on a budget or he can buy me something from Didriksons ?

I like the way your mind works...

@wombforanotherone

Buy it then 🤷🏼‍♀️ seems like you've made up your mind. Which is fair enough!

Just maybe choose a conservative colour...

No, I've taken on board the wisdom of Mumsnet (especially as I am tall but not remotely willowy!). I'm just fighting my cheap-out instincts!

Also very much appreciating all the alternative suggestions, thanks to all!

My nan would love that. Tbh you'd be dry as fuck in it though so fair play. Rainwear is very rarely "trendy". Which, I'm informed by my dd, is not a cool word.

I thought it was bad that I was in my 40s and looking at Seasalt for coats...yours is so much worse it makes me feel almost trendy!

It's a bit english countryside let's go shooting.

I do sort of live in the countryside - but not the Cotswolds - and the school walk involves actual fields, and past a riding school no less! but the school itself is on the edge of a small city, and I've never shot anything.

Depends whether you are Joanna Lumney or Dawn French tbf.
I'd look like Paddington (or Great Aunt Lucy)

I think it looks a bit overpriced and Cotton Traders-ish if I am honest.

Not for me.

I have one like that which I got from an outlet place cheap.

It is very good for walking through torrential rain (with wellies) and it is also very dowdy

I wear it when it is raining and no one notices 🤷‍♀️

I have one. I'm outdoors alot, It's a rain coat that keeps me dry. I really don't give a fuck what it looks like. Do you need a coat that keeps you dry when the rain is coming sideways? (I'm in the west of Ireland)