Warm but stylish coats, etc.

[Feelingoptimistic]

It's really rather cold at the moment, and even though I have some rather nice coats, they really are not that warm... And looking around I think that in the UK it quite difficult to find coats that are very warm, but reasonably dressy. Ok, I know you can get proper outdoor wear types, but if you go somewhere like Whistles, Jigsaw, etc. they are all lovely, but not for minus temperatures.

That is because Whistles and Jigsaw etc do coats for style and a bit of warmth, for people to wear whilst they nip in and out of their cars... if a coat is for being out in extreme weather, like we are getting just now, and you want to be outside then get the right clothes.

I have a Merrell Haven for rain/snow/ wintery school run, it is completely waterproof and warm... if I was going out somewhere I would wear a wool coat with whatever layers felt right.

Different coats for different situations, I wouldn't wear my wellies for a shopping trip, or my high heels for the school run (I walk along muddy roads).

I take your point, but I live and work in London, so no nipping in and out of a car. More likely standing feezing at the bus stop ! But I can't go to a city job dressed in something designed for country weekends.

I understand your problem, having had to deal with it for several years now. The solution I have settled on is layers! In this weather, for example, I usually wear (a) thermal vest; (b) jersey vest; (c) blouse; (d) thick cardigan; (e) wool coat; (f) chunky scarf (and I mean chunky!). All this teamed with lambskin gloves (very toasty indeed) and a good winter hat that covers my ears, and thick socks (or two layers of normal socks). Generally if your extremities and chest are warm, you can deal with the cold better.

With the above ensemble, I look professional (I hope!) while feeling warm. I too do a lot of walking, and very rarely feel under-dressed for the weather.

HTH

You need as many layers as Last Train suggested and get a coat with the highest wool content you can, make sure it feels heavy, buy some cashmere too, then you will be very warm.

I bought a fab cashmere mix coat in TK MAXX £90 I adore it, it is very warm

I have a lovely coat from topshop, very suitable for a corporate work environment but low wool content. Strangely, it is warmer and heavier then my 100% wool last years jigsaw one (but then that may be the sleeves, it has nice long sleeves, something my last coat did not have)

Thanks for the suggestions - yes, I think I need to layer ! Or pick up a European coat in the sales. Sadly, TK Maxx never seems to have anything in my size.