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?

I'd agree that it is at least practical. The description of Ireland on the site as a 'land of poets and legends, of dreamers and rebels' is hilarious.

Looks like something the Queen would wear. Take from that what you will. 👸

<a class="break-all" href="http://go.mumsnet.com/?xs=1&id=470X1554755&url=www.cotswoldoutdoor.com/p/didriksons-womens-erika-parka-A4414501.html?colour=124&rrec=true" target="_blank">Didrikson erika

This is the one I have - not too puffy and the furry collar can be removed. Not sure how that compares price wise?

Didrikson Erika

I was ready to chime in with "if you love it, wear it!" but that coat looks like something Vera would wear, I don't think even the model makes it look stylish.

In a way it’s so old school that it’s almost come round in fashion again! I can see a youngster in that and it would be quite cool. But tricky for most of us!

It's a rip-off Drizabone stockman for much less. Great if you're on a horse with knee length boots. I'd wear it, but I am a granny! Kids and I had the real thing in Oz 20+ years ago; great for keeping the rain out but not for keeping the wearer warm - we were right on the southern edge by the Southern Ocean, but winters weren't what I'd call cold even there.

The shoulder cape is extra protection against the secondary rain dripping off your Akubra. Which will cost you as much as that coat, or more. 😉

It's the sort of thing you should always have at the 'dusty shoulders' end of the wardrobe just in case. I would pull this out for a day watching outdoor sport, or walking etc. It's not everyday, it's not trendy, but it's worth having.
Doesn't everyone have a coat like this stashed away with their moon boots, walking boots (if not a Walker) and waterproof trousers you bought for an outward bound trip in '03.
The 'I've got just the thing' cupboard, which comes up trumps when there is 'Weather'.

Dowdy. My grandmother wore something similar at 89

@SummerSazz

Didrikson Erika

Thanks, I like it but it would cause the soggy knees problem. I really need something long enough to meet the top of my boots. I'll keep looking.

Absolutely not. It's supremely unstylish and will age you by decades. You don't have to sacrifice all style in the interests of keeping warm - there are some really nice things out there that will do both.

It really depends what you want to do with it. I have similar that I've had for at least 20 years. It's purpose is horses, dog walking, cycling to either of the previous activities etc. It's excellent for that and I would wear it in public if on the way to or from those places. You are right, it covers the top of your boots which is very helpful.

However, I wouldn't wear it in to town, or anywhere I was considering style to be important. I have an older North Face long parka, and I'm looking at a Didrikson next as they've got some very long styles now.

I love it - I am 35, and I want one! It is a bit Dark Academia with the regency shoulder lapels, it would keep your dry. I would say elements of Cottagecore in the rain, getting to the library from one gothic college to the next, and picking up a book from an old library. Love it!

Seasalt coats are longer than some - depends how tall you are.

I bought this a few weeks ago for dog walks.
It’s been great so far, warmer than I’d imagined it would be, which is a bonus, and has kept me dry in the rain. I like that the hood stays put as well - my parka one is enormous and falls right over my face, meaning I can’t have it up, so it might as well not be there!
It’s oversized - I sized down, but there’s still room for a big jumper once the weather gets colder.

I agree with PP that it almost looks retro. It would swamp the hell out of me so that’s why it would be a no but if I was tall and looking for something very practical and channelling heritage chic I might go for the olive. (45). The fact your DH isn’t a fan is telling though as he’s actually seen it on you specifically.

I don’t think it’s the height of fashion, no but it’s not offensive either - it’s outdoorsy, country ish, the sort of look that never goes out but is never really in either! Come and wear it in Norfolk and you’ll be right at home!

@Fabellini

I bought this a few weeks ago for dog walks. It’s been great so far, warmer than I’d imagined it would be, which is a bonus, and has kept me dry in the rain. I like that the hood stays put as well - my parka one is enormous and falls right over my face, meaning I can’t have it up, so it might as well not be there! It’s oversized - I sized down, but there’s still room for a big jumper once the weather gets colder.

I really like this.

What about this long asos one?
www.asos.com/au/asos-tall/asos-design-tall-rubberised-padded-rain-coat-in-charcoal/prd/23295082?ctaref=we+recommend+carousel_1&featureref1=we+recommend+pers

Asos seems to have quite a lot of long length rain coats this season. Not sure of the quality - I'm in the outdoors-gear camp eg Didriksons or Arcteryx personally but I can understand why you might prefer a different look!

Depends on who’s wearing it.

It's horrendous. VERY ageing.

You would have to be drop dead stunning with incredible boots to get away with that without aging a decade or two.