Desperately seeking a coat...

[LadyPoison]

My main winter coat is now 25 years old (have I mentioned I hate shopping?).

It has absolutely got to be replaced this winter..

I have some lovely wool coats from Jaeger that tick the smart box but I need a smart casual one for every day.

The trouble is I'm fussy. I hate those shiny puffy padded ones that are everywhere this year. They make me look huge and the feel of the fabric is like fingernails on a chalkboard. I must have visited 20 shops this week and didn't see anything much else other than that teddy bear fabric. Not sure how I feel about that - there was one in Phase8 I quite liked but the look on my friend's face when I tried it on was enough to convince me to leave it there!

So - budget is up to £250 ( maybe more). I'm around a size 12 and 5'10".

Washable would be good and not black as it doesn't suit me! It needs to be fairly warm as I'm a cold soul.

Help!

I like a trench coat for smart casual, but maybe you’re looking for something more substantial?

What length? Single breasted or double breasted? A ‘safe’ colour like navy or olive, or something a bit more eye-catching?

Well basically the warm options are wool, padded, furry/teddy or lined parka. So sounds like you need a lined parka.

this one is often recommended on MN

Really don’t mind. I live in black jeans so a length suitable to wear with them. It needs to be warm enough to walk to the pub on a chilly night. Not too bothered about waterproof as I tend to wear my mountain walking jacketif it’s foul but that is very utilitarian

I’d actually like something quite eye catching. I generally play it a bit too safe usually

@minipie that’s a definite possibility! Thank you

How about some sort of parka?

https://parkalondon.com/products/nordic-mid-length-faux-fur-parka-jacket

Or faux fur?

https://jakke.co.uk/products/heather-faux-fur-coat-mushroom

An aviator?

https://www.whistles.com/product/faux-fur-aviator-37444.html

Just examples - loads of versions of the same types in different colours/styles!

If you’re looking for eye catching, you could go for something off eBay / vinted. You’d have to ask the seller a few more questions about the condition.

https://www.vinted.co.uk/items/2764703342-vintage-laura-ashley-purple-gothic-steampunk-alternative-long-riding-coat-faux-fur-size-12?referrer=catalog

This is new with tags. Idk the age, I would say not proper vintage and made 15 years ago?
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/175949908632

Otherwise something like these coats?

https://www.stories.com/en_gbp/clothing/jackets-coats/woolcoats/product.belted-coat-green.1170340002.html
this one is very popular so I’d buy now if you like it. Not sure how warm it would be though as only belted.

House of Bruar looks lovely. But you will probably look great in longer.

https://www.houseofbruar.com/ladies-donegal-herringbone-raglan-coat-green/?locale=gpb&glCountry=UK&glCurrency=GBP&source=similar_items

Same coat brighter colours

https://www.houseofbruar.com/ladies-tweed-raglan-coat-black-ts12327blackstewart/?locale=gpb&glCountry=UK&glCurrency=GBP&source=similar_items

I saw this and liked the colour, but I don’t know if it would be warm enough for you, although it does have a lining so maybe.

https://www.hobbs.com/product/saskia-shower-resistant-trench-coat/0223-3991-9057L00-WARM-PLUM.html#gclid=EAIaIQobChMIs5ObkuLygQMVieTtCh2fQwdGEAAYASAAEgKwoPD_BwE&utm_term=hobbs%20coats&utm_content=135352452148&utm_campaign=14504394899&utm_medium=cpc&utm_source=google&cq_plt=gp&cq_net=g&cq_plac=&cq_term=hobbs%20coats&cq_cmp=14504394899&cq_src=google_ads&cgid=clothing-coats-and-jackets&is=true&sz=60&start=0&isSecondPage=false&pid=0223-3991-9057L00-WARM-PLUM&pos=19

TK Maxx is worth a look. I bought a wool Ralph Lauren coat last week for £149

Hobbs are excellent for coats. I did find a gorgeous aubergine one of theirs in TK Maxx last year and stupidly didn't buy it.
Having said that I bought an Aquascutum duffel coat in a charity shop for £50 last weekend so I'm feeling smug.

Thanks for all the suggestions!

I’ve ordered one from TKMaxx. I would never have thought of looking there. I’d like to have seen it first but I have my fingers crossed!

Well the TKMaxx one has been returned. Sleeves much too short for me. Actually probably too short for most people unless you are into the 3/4 length which I'm not in a winter coat!

The hunt continues although I see that tailored coats are apparently coming back in. I have some nice ones like that already I could now get out again.