School run coat

[MrsBigTed]

I'm looking for new coat that I can wear through winter for the school run / sitting in the park after school.

I'm lusting after a shin length insulated coat, hoping it will be dry and warm but I'm worried about looking like a dumpy potato with no shape. I'm 160cm / 5ft 3, big size 12 - small size 14 (would love a 13!)

What do other people do? Any recommendations? Budget of about £100, and would love a vibrant colour, but very open to ideas.

https://www.oasisfashion.com/product/oasis-longline-heat-seal-puffer-jacket_baa01460

I've just got this in the sale as a school run/ freezing playground coat. I love the colour and it's got a bit of shape to it.

Apologies, just realised that it's sold out in a 12 - but the Oasis sale is worth a look.

Seasalt coats are brilliant. Slightly over your budget but ever so waterproof!

I’m your height and I would say you really, really need to try things on. It’s all about the fit. There are subtle differences in shape and length which really make the difference between fitting well and looking dumpy. Impossible to tell from pictures I find.

Superdry has lots of slightly different styles of winter coat/jacket if you have one accessible. If you find a style you like, you can often find reduced ones from past seasons on outlet websites. Mountain Warehouse and other outdoor shops are good places to try. John Lewis might have a reasonable range too (haven’t looked).

Mid shin is good, definitely avoid mid thigh!

Thanks for the tips @minipie, it's good to hear someone shares the struggle. Agree, mid thigh is a sure fire way to look dumpy.

I love the colours that Seasalter offer @tantrummingterrors, but the budget upsets me! And a most are the dodgy-potato-making length. When I'm taller, and richer, I'll be all over them 😉

@Chasetherainblownfearsaway that's exactly the kind of thing I'm picturing in my mind!

You need to make a friend that works there and get 50% off! Try them on first too. Some look terrible on me, other not so much!

Agree with sea salt! I've also got an Orla kiely regatta long, reversible coat that's super warm and always gets compliments

Look at seasalt on Vinted? I got mine from there.

Seasalt are so good and last for ages. They used to offer a carers discount and others for I think education and NHS I am quite short and plump but feel nice in it.

In case anyone finds this thread in the future, I found the regatta fritha coat was a good length, and cinched in at the right part of my waist.

The Seasalter options were beautiful, but out of my budget, and I wasn't patient enough on vinted. Thank you everyone for your suggestions.