Help me make this Max Mara coat work – styling tips please!

[Styledilemma89]

DP very sweetly bought me a Max Mara coat - it’s gorgeous quality and I know it was expensive, so I feel I must wear it.
Problem is… every time I put it on I feel like I’m heading out in my dressing gown.
It’s one of the wrap styles with a belt, quite long and in a light grey colour There’s no option to return it, so I need to find a way to make it work.
www.thebs.com/en/marilyn-hooded-beige-cashmere-wrap-coat-max-mara-123257

Beautiful coat!

A big scarf in a strong colour/pattern, perhaps?

The price!!?!? <faints>
It is beautiful looking though...

I'll be totally honest... I agree it has vague dressing down vibes. Even in online pics when not "styled"...I think you are going to need accessories and maybe to wear it open?

Given the outlay....
if you dont love it, its poss worth considering exchanging it for something you do love?

If not, I think layering is going to be the secret to avoiding the bedtime cocoa look

Will definitely try this!

Unfortunately there is no option to even exchange it, so I need to find a way to wear it and feel good in it. It is beautiful and he'll be happy to see me wearing it but it's definitely not my usual style.

I was also thinking of wearing it open and then perhaps a monochrome look with black patent boots, black bag and some chunky gold earrings.

I think it may look worse (more dressing gown-like) worn open, as there’ll be a lot of fabric flapping around. It’s got quite a 70s vibe - aim for Bianca Jagger cool.

The dressing gown look is very much the fashion now.

It’s a very expensive gorgeous coat and I think it’s likely if you walk into a Max Mara store with it they could show you how to style it really well in a way you like.

I'd google some pictures of it. There's one where it's worn open that I think looks really good.

How does it fit you? I'm on the small side and I find that some Max Mara coats are just way too big and there's too much fabric to suit me, particularly in the belted coats. If it doesn't fit well, and exchanging isn't an option, if you have a good tailor near you, they will be able to slightly alter the shape so you might be happier with it (which for me would involve losing the belt).

I also agree with a PP who said it might be worth going into the store with it. I bought a few things from the Bond Street store last year and the staff was incredibly helpful.

I hope you find a way to enjoy it! Their cashmere is lovely

Can’t you wear it as an ‘actual’ dressing gown ?

Maybe resell it if it's not you?

How about wearing a big brooch on the lapel.

Oh I love it! Just start wearing it and it will feel so amazing you’ll get the hang of it!

This is gorgeous. What a stunning gift.

I agree with the pp with the scarf, and accessories.

I also liked to dress within my comfort zone, but I recently acquired some clothing that are out of that zone, and I had to think differently of how to wear them. And now I'm wondering what was holding me back the whole time.

Do these offer any inspiration?

Also google "Marilyn Monroe trench coat" for lots of gorgeous photos showing MM's inspiration. The key, I feel, is to think of swathes - cocooning you, flowing around you - swathes of cashmere! How gorgeous and sensual! Also yes to a huge scarf. Swathes upon swathes, yet you can use the scarf to define a line of vision 😊

I'd find a good tailor and get the hood removed as that's the thing that's making it look most like a dressing gown.

Brooch. Switch out the belt …. Try styling it with a selection of belts in different colours and widths.

This coat will last you for decades. My DH bought me a MM in Rome over 20 years ago. It’s still as good as ever.

I do think it has dressing gown vibes but I love it regardless.

it does fit well, not overly big. I’m average height and often where a heel which makes me look quite tall. I agree that going into the shop is probably a good idea to get some pointers!

i think he’d be quite disappointed. I definitely feel I should wear it for a season at least but hoping I’ll get used to it and enjoy wearing it.

Beautiful coat, I think your monochrome idea is a good one. I've done it before with a "statement coat" myself
I don't like the way it's been styled in the photographs, I'd try it with all black (or navy) underneath, some gold jewellery and see how that looks together.

This coat is crying out for some really gorgeous boots with a bit of a (chunky) heel.

Or wide, loose trousers and a stylish sweater plus a statement necklace or scarf.

Definitely monochrome.

Why is returning it not an option? Such a gamble to take on a very expensive item. I think it will be tricky to style in a way that reflects its quality and value. The model does look like she’s wearing a dressing gown on a couple of the photos. I am sure the wisdom of MN can help though.

I love it! Definitely wear it with the belt, or another waist belt. I’d wear it with dresses and skirts shorter than the coat length (if you normally wear skirts and dresses!) so it doesn’t devolve into dressing gown territory, or look too bulky with slacks. Or very slim cut trousers would work too.
I think kitten heels would look great with this too!
Could you keep it for special occasions if some of your options for wear feel quite limiting?

It’s fab, but I think not so much dressing gown as ‘luxury cloister’ - so I agree that some quite sharp contrast will work, and your black patent and gold accessories idea is good. I could see it with kitten heels. If it didn’t have the hood I’d say a big scarf but there would be a hell of a lot going on round your neck! Chunky earrings would be good. As you’re fairly tall I’m sure you will find a way to make it work. Good idea to go to the shop for more tips.

Exactly my thoughts. The hood has to go.
Can the hood be worn completely flat as a large shawl collar? If it can, leave it that way- if not have hood part removed.

This is gorgeous and so my kind of style. For casual wear I’d just put nice black leggings with knee high boots and a black roll neck maybe with a big sloughy bag and accessories.

for more glam you could probably wear dresses and tights with boots or flat smart shoes and a bag. I’d likely stick to dark browns and blacks, maybe maroon but I’m not the most colourful person lol