Desperately need fashion advice for upcoming proposal

[HopelesslyUnfashionable]

Hi all, have name changed for this because I think a few people in real life know who I am on here due to previous posts & our engagement plans are very much a secret atm.

So I'm essentially a rather plump mum who wants to look elegant for our trip away & proposal. Going to Bruges hopefully in February, so it will be cold. I won't know where or when exactly the proposal will take place- I want an element of surprise! So I could really do with help finding a coat that is practical in terms of being warm & waterproof but also looks stylish.

I've lost over 2 stones so far on my weight loss journey & hoping to keep going (still need to lose around 3 more) so something that looks good cinched in so I don't slim out of it too quickly would be a bonus but not essential.

I'm 5'5 and currently in a size 16, but some are a little big on me, hoping I might be a 14 by the time we go.

Look at protected species for stylish waterproof coats.
https://www.protected-species.com/

Have you thought about a wax jacket like a Barbour jacket? They often have sales on or you can get them on vinted. They don't go out of style and you can dress them up with a nice scarf and leather gloves. I love mine and I'm plump too. You can by the liners to go underneath to add extra warmth too.

They sell well too, if you lose weight and they no longer fit.

YOURS has some gorgeous dresses that would compliment your figure. I would go for a wrap dress.
🎊 btw

If you’re unsure of your style and what you actually want, the sensible thing to do is to go physically into as many shops as you can and try things on until you find something you like. Take a reliable, style conscious friend to help.

I am completely confused I am afraid. You already know he wants to marry you but needs to propose formally?

I honestly don't mean that to sound unkind but I simply don't understand the need for a proposal if you already know.

FWIW I wore a Terrence Nolder ballgown when DH proposed. It was a wonderful moment but totally unplanned and totally unexpected.

I should of added an early congratulations and have a fantastic time OP!

I think there are some great suggestions here already, lovely belted and faux fur options but it sounds like the coat isn't the only issue. You're conflating a coat for the trip with a general malaise about your personal style and changing shape so maybe a personal shopping session could be helpful? I believe the larger branches of John Lewis offer this and you said you have a voucher. I think sometimes they can be rubbish but you might also hit the jackpot and get really good suggestions on a style direction to aim for without any obligation to buy. You'll get the opportunity to try things on with someone who should know the products and sometimes an outside eye can see things you can't.

I was coming on to suggest Protected Species coats too. Pricey but I got mine in a sale period and absolutely love it.

Have a fab time in Bruges OP!

I went to Krakow in November, so similar temperatures. I got all my stuff from Vinted. A Uniqlo coat (teddy bear coat in Camel) a pair of dark brown boots for walking the 20000 steps a day. A thermal hat scarf gloves set. Thermal tights from Amazon in bergundy so cosy. Uniqlo cords in bergundy a green jumper and a brown paisley skirt from Uniqlo too. Life a capsule wardrobe. All went in hand luggage except the jumper and coat and cords which I wore on the plane.

What about this? It's not warm but it's waterproof and stylish, would look great on your hourglass figure. Nice scarf and gloves with warm clothes underneath.

Maybe wrap dress or jumper dress with belt at waist, tights and knee highs?

Bruges in February is going to be cold - European winter cold, not just a bit of rain. So many of the trench coat, wax jacket, etc options suggested here are just not suitable!

People in Europe (unlike the U.K.) dress for the weather, as there is nothing more miserable than being cold.

I also think Vinted is a great place to get quality items. The thing with Vinted is that when you first look it can seem a bit overwhelming and full of rubbish, but once you do some searches for items you are looking for, in brands and sizes that you want, it will then recommend items to you when they come up.

Have a look at Emily and Finn for dresses, and Rain Sisters for coats.

I like hoods and warmth and cinched waist and suit cream/ taupe so have ordered a Quiz longline puffer with fake fur hood in sale. I've never bought from them so it may be cheap horror but I'm hopeful. 😃
I mention this to you as I seem to remember they had an emerald green one in sale too which looked v nice.
I'd also have a look at TK Maxx online which has a lot of new coats in - some very nice brands - within your budget.

I know you don't want long length but they're awfully cozy and cover - therefore 'go' with anything.

After coat, I'd start with footwear. Boots smarter than trainers and can be equally comfy if you choose correctly. Some here will throw up their hands in horror ( at everything) but Marks and Spencer do some v nice leather ankle boots ( I have some with low block heel in black and also cream from there that bear a close resemblance to a designer brand). Clarks also had a knee length block heel suede with fabric back knee length pair in sale that I have been wearing with long knitted dresses. Very comfortable and smart.
Knitted dress might be handy thing for you? See marks and other shop sales.
Have a lovely time.

I’d go to your local tk MAXX they have some lovely Michael Korrs and Tommy Hilfiger coats that have a belt

I just wore the uniqlo trench in the sub zero snow in Krakow. Granted I had a uniqlo puffa underneath. Thus I have worn in it all weather's from summer rain to sub zero snow.

Cold weather dressing is mostly about the right layers. I find as long as you have at least a thermal base layer, a wool layer, a down or technical puffer layer and (i prefer) a wind/waterproof layer. Youve got a lot of flexibility in what you do with it. it doesn't matter if the top and puffer layer are combined or you have them separate. Separate is more flexible, so a smart trench that can be cinched in or out is absolutely doable

I wouldn't bet on that. I was in Vienna in November and it was nowhere near as cold as you might have expected. I didn't even need to wear gloves

According to my weather app Bruges today is warmer than Edinburgh. Layers which can removed or added to and something waterproof is the way to go.

@Notcontent don't worry I'll dress for the weather, but I've always been more of a layers person than a big puffa/quilted type affair. Will definitely have enough layers & options to be warm though.

Thank you for all the further ideas. I've been browsing away & think I'm getting close to the looks I want. Going to hit some real shops tomorrow to see if the styles I think will suit me actually do or not. Then order a mix of things from new & places like vinted.

So hitting the real shops helped rule out some options but probably added more questions than answers & made me realise the biggest issue is I have no confidence in myself when it comes to choosing clothes that suit me.

As I said, some progress though- camel coloured coats wash me out, puffy coats feel too bulky & would definitely annoy me. A classic wool coat looks nice, but obviously not waterproof.

I've also managed to make a list of the outfits I want to pack & know where I have gaps in my wardrobe, so on the right track! The quest continues

If you like the look of a wool coat but need it to be waterproof, why not consider a trench, which is the compromise, just wear thermal layers underneath it or a thin quilted gilet? There's lots of colours now, not just the standard beige version, some even have hoods!