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

Yes i think open would be good. It's a lovely coat. Wrapped would look a bit Father Christmas.

Gorgeous coat! I'd wear aubergine, violet or burgundy clothes and accessories with it. Polo necks, scarves and/or big jewellery. I can visualise an aubergine cowl neck top with amethyst and silver earrings/necklace, violet suede gloves, dark chocolate coloured needlecord narrow leg trousers tucked into Aubergine lace-up boots.

It would also look lovely over a cream/ivory outfit or a peacock blue velvet dress with matching suede boots.

Edited to add I would definitely wear it open at all times!

Gorgeous coat. I think accessories are the key so think hat, scarf and brooches ( on trend I think). I also think you should consider the occasions when you wear it as I think it would really look great with a nice jean based outfit to offset the formality of the coat and the luxury of the coat, a high low mix of you get my drift. In terms of jeans I think a slim flare would look nice but either way I think the key to wearing it is if it compliments an outfit that feels “you” rather than it feeling like you are dressing up.

I have the same coat but without the hood. I tend to wear it with smarter outfits. Although it’s not very thick it sees me through Winter by layering over jumpers.

Why are so many people so rude? The OP asked for styling tips, not marital advice or for people to come on to say how much they hate it.

I like the aubergine suggestion - it's super in at the moment, and I think you said yours was a light grey? That would work really well, and, for what it's worth, I'm still on team wear it open or with the belt tied in back (that's how I wear all my belted coats).

I have a long dressing gown style coat, I wear it open with flat boots, tights and a mini skirt and jumper. Looks fab

The one I have is a very pale grey which is also dressing gowny but I prefer it to the one in the link I posted.

It's lush! You're so lucky! I'd keep it sleek and classic underneath, dark polo necks and suede minis, white shirt and jeans etc. Beautiful supple leather boots. Chunky jewellery.
Basically just go out and swank about in it - you'll feel fabulous 😁

Knee high heeled boots with a midi skirt that doesn’t come below the hem of the coat, then a polo neck, keep it simple

I think it would be nice in grey.

I agree with this. A shawl collar would look more stylish and much less dressing-gowny

Are you sure you can’t exchange it?

as for styling , It’s very 80s/90s Milanese . Classic/ timeless.
id wear it with 90s jeans and turtleneck , or baggy trousers. Cuffed sleeves.
whatever you decide to do , do not have it altered, you will compromise the shape , it will always look unfinished.

Unbelievably Harvey Nichols won’t exchange sale items. I agree, not to have it altered.

That is beautiful OP

I second a scarf and/or a polo neck sweater.

I actually think it's the hood that is keeping it looking current.

Its lovely! I have similar and wear the belt at the back (through the loops and tied at the back) or it does feel like a dressing gown. Handbag shape/colour and style also changes the look of the coat - I prefer bigger held in the crook of the arm (is that right?! Haha don’t think I’ve ever written it down!) rather than over the shoulder adding bulk.

That's exactly how I think it would look best too.

Wear open with- Black roll neck fitted top, chocolate/mink tailored trousers with a belt in a darker shade of brown and black ankle boots. Sunglasses
Wear closed with dark brown/black fur hat black leather gloves and sunglasses.
Add a scarf made from a thin fabric for a pop of colour.

Did he buy online or in the shop? No shop has any obligation to exchange or refund anything bought in person unless the goods are faulty.

If online, I thought the distance selling rules applied to refunds regardless of whether an item was in the sale. Harvey Nicks seems to have a no exchanges policy for online sales but there's no reason for them not to refund it, if it were bought online.

🤣🤣

Carry a light saber? Actually it's gorgeous, just wear it as it is Maybe a bright scarfe and brooch , yuingx yoh ding normally see on a dressing gown

I’d do something very similar to this. All black outfit - boots, high neck top or dress - and wear the coat open.

Just to check - would it be less dressing gown-ish in a different colour? Is there any possibility you could swap it?

I adore Max Mara coats, btw! The quality is beautiful.

Beautiful fabric, unfortunate belted look. But you can still elevate this.

Here is what I would try:

For French lady/effortless style kinda vibe.
Black turtleneck, slim trousers, pointy leather ankle boots, good quality crossbody bag.

For lady about town doing a bit of work/business:
Replace belt with quality leather belt, wide-leg good fabric trousers, sleek leather loafers, gold hoops.

For all autumn styling:
Go for varying shades of beige/cream for your top/trousers (again, slim) good quality heeled boots, clean hair/simple makeup

good luck.

It was bought in store unfortunately

I can’t exchange it unfortunately, it was bought in the sale at Harvey Nichols and they have a strict policy that doesn’t allow it.