Ankle-Length Winter Coat Dilemma — Stylish vs Practical

[ExitPursuedByAGummyBear]

I’m looking for an ankle-length winter coat, but I’m stuck deciding between two approaches:

1. Go for the warmest, most stylish puffer coat or lined parka I can find and accept that it will always look practically like a coat no matter how chic it claims to be.

2. Choose a stylish, fitted wool coat (or something similar) that isn’t waterproof, and just carry an umbrella when the weather turns.

I’m leaning towards option 2 because I’ve seen some lovely Korean-style ankle-length puffer coats with hoods that look super cosy, I’m not sure I can pull it off and instead give off a Michelin Man vibe. That said, I’m open to being convinced either way!

I’d ideally like something ankle-length (though calf-length could work), and I’m looking for something that’s black, navy, dark brown, dark green, or even camel/cream. My budget is up to £200, but I’m happy to spend a bit more if it’s worth it, as I see this as an investment piece that I’d use long-term every winter.

Any recommendations for coats that tick these boxes? Has anyone faced a similar dilemma and found the perfect solution? Hopefully I’m not the only one feeling this way.

I had the same dilemma.

I have this from Uniqlo https://www.uniqlo.com/uk/en/products/E469898-000/00?colorDisplayCode=09&sizeDisplayCode=003
it's not totally waterproof of course, but it withstands medium to heavy rain on my walk to work and back, 45mins each way and it dries quickly so it's not wet by the end of work even if it got rained on in the morning. It's warm enough for north west england.

But I wanted a smarter coat for when it's cold and dry. So the other day I bought this https://shop.mango.com/gb/en/p/women/coats/coats/wool-overcoat_77067705?c=99

I'm only 5 '1 and it's nearly ankle length for me, it'll probably be mid calf for you.

Id def be trawling Vinted. I dont think there is a winter coat that will do everything and cover you for all weathers.
For a £200 budget you could easily get a warm puffer style, long wool coat and proper raincoat (not to mention a couple of others!).

I have a lovely army green wool coat, a tweed trench coat, a couple of smart shorter wool coats, a lovely warm parka and most recently a running jacket all from Vinted. Price range £4-£20 each!

I think it very much depends on your lifestyle as to whether a wool coat or a puffs coat is what you want. No kids, working in London, wool coat and umbrella just fine. Kids, school run, parks puffs much more practical. Most puffas are not waterproof, I have a Barbour one from a couple of years ago that is, Seasalt have had a waterproof puffa in the padt or Rains, but they are very expensive. I agree that others say about wool coats, you want 100% wool, a good brand secondhand and never had one pill or have lint.

John Lewis have a similar coat - google John Lewis Single breasted Navy coat.
But it may be shorter than the Long Tall Sally One so may be more suitable for you.

The ones that I found which were prone to pilling, were the 100% wool ones from H&M. The ones from Mango, which I bought from ASOS, did attract lint/fluff and I found were more noticeable on darker colour coats. I was quite fond of those. But they no longer fit me. But I just am not a coat person and once I find one I like, I practically live in it so I’m happy splurge. Just prefer to wear it first so I can have a better idea of whether I need to or can layer clothes. Plus want to avoid the faff of having return things.

I was in UNIQLO the other day so I did see that coat. It felt like a soft marshmallow/cloud so I couldn’t resist touching it I did notice a long coat and the label said something like a cashmere wool blend, but the belt strap looked really thin for some reason. I can’t seem to find it online.

@GodRestYouMerryGentlewench That Rochas houndstooth coat sounds lovely. Did it look like something like this?

Slightly off topic but I will always prefer a hood over an umbrella.
They are so cumbersome and pokey. And easy to lose.

@ExitPursuedByAGummyBear - not exactly! More this sort of shape - though this photo is Dior.

I don't think you can find one coat that covers all weather (unless you're happy with a puffa/down coat.)

I'm a coat person and have two down coats (one thicker than the other) both around knee length. They aren't high fashion(Uniqlo.)
I also have a couple of 100% wool coats, both knee length and smart, and a longer calf length wool coat.

You're always going to see fluff etc on dark coloured wool coats- the trick is a coat brush or similar. Or Sellotape!

I’ve lived through many iterations of the long/maxi coat.
Each time they become fashionable again, I’m reminded of how difficult they are when going up steps.
Avoid.

What about something like this waterproof Mac,
https://www.seasaltcornwall.com/penweathers-waterproof-organic-cotton-trench-coat?glCountry=GB&glCurrency=GBP&color=37684&gad_source=1&gbraid=0AAAAAD_rcolD1jI01MksbMo8tP6j75YYM&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI1qSYsbWEigMV3JFQBh3a2BvFEAQYByABEgIrvvD_BwE

with a down zip up jacket under:

https://ultralightoutdoorgear.co.uk/womens-down-sweater/

Splash out on a decent wool coat and buy a cheaper waterproof parka from Mountain Warehouse or something.

I'd been looking for a new wool coat for about 3 years but couldn't find one that met my requirements (high % wool, not wrap, no shoulder pads, under arm area generous enough to move my upper body properly - all surprisingly difficult). I finally found one on the Zalando Lounge private sales thing last month. Logged on at 6am for their Barbour sale and managed to get the last Size 10 of a dark green, relaxed fit, mid-calf length coat for £135, originally £289. I wasn't optimistic it would fit me but it was perfect, and I look forward to wearing it for many years. I'd recommend Zalando Lounge, Brand Alley and TK Maxx for the best chance of getting something decent for under £200. The only coat I've had bobble was a wool-blend one from Esprit, which I think was only about 40% wool and not very substantial.

Barbour all the way, I've had mine 3 years and it's been brilliant, I can't find an image but it's a long slightly quilted, it's so warm, even though it looks thin, shower proof, even some heavy downpours! Also worn for work and doesn't look out of place, I think it looks smart. Does beach walks, shopping and just the best vertistle coat ever.
😁

Which Barbour is it @Punsandroses ?

I still have a smart black cashmere and wool mid length coat that cost me £100 about 35 years ago from Jigsaw. I also gave a lovely dark leopard print coat from Zara about 8 years ago. But my go to coats are puffa jackets/coats in different colours, lengths and weights from Uniqlo, Mountain Warehouse, charity shops and Primark...then a mid length waterproof coat with drawstring waist from Uniqlo that goes over puffa jackets. Must admit I also have a shorter length one too in a very pale grey. I have a beige Next teddy coat from a charity shop and a Faux fur Top Shop coat pinched from my daughter... I didn't intend to buy another coat this year but ended up buying a knee length black puffa coat from Primark at £22 in a bigger size so I could layer over jumpers and jackets...believe it or not I don't spend a lot on clothes but I love having a great range of coats! Agree with the majority..a puffa coat with Uniqlo waterproof over it plus secondhand wool coat. PS I am 5 foot and 68!

I bought an ankle length puffer from Misguided for £25 in a sale last year and I've never looked back! It's so so warm and comfy but also looks cool and having spent hundreds on big brand coats in the past this is my favourite.

Personally I love Original Montgomery Duffle coats they are 50% price at the moment at £150, although mid thigh length. They are super warm and like wearing a heavy blanket.