Firecracker's Blog

Keep or return: striped wool coat

January 29, 2024

I ordered this coat online and it arrived today. I wasn't looking for a coat, but saw it in the sale online and thought I would give it a try. It would be fun to have a casual coat that is different from what I have already.

I like the style, the fabric, the fit. I was attracted to the idea of a patterned coat, and I like the stripe. The collar when worn up is too high for short-necked me, but I knew that would be the case, and I would wear it open most often, or not completely closed. 

What I'm wondering is whether the color is flattering on me. At first I thought it was a bit too warm-toned, but then it started to grow on me.

What say you all? Thoughts other than color-related are welcome, too.

P.S. My adorable husband says he thinks it looks big, so it might be a return after all. ;)

P.p.s. I added a natural light photo, taken next to a window.

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Posted in the Shopping category
This post is also published in the youlookfab forum. You can read and reply to it in either place. All replies will appear in both places.

34 Comments

  • Angie replied 2 months ago

    KILLER CUTE COAT, Sharan! 

    You will wear it in Seattle!

    The striped false plain is a beautiful blend with your hair! Yes, warmer tones than you are used to - and stunning! Your hair has warm grey and taupe in it too.

    The size looks perfect in that fashion forward way, IYKWIM.

    That said, in #4, at the back as you lift your arm - I can see what hubs is talking about. I always think it's a good idea to compare sizes. So a size down would be interesting to see. That doesn't mean that this is the wrong size! It's "the look" - and dead right bigger like this. Especially with chunky knits worn underneath. It's a fit choice :) 

  • Angie replied 2 months ago

    Btw, you know that the French brand has opened up a store in U-Village ;) 

  • Angie replied 2 months ago

    How cute is this skirt! 

    https://www.sezane.com/us/prod.....ork#size-2

  • Olive Green replied 2 months ago

    I like the assertive silhouette on you. And the tweedy fabric looks good on your skin in a dressing room? Wow. 

  • Firecracker (Sharan) replied 2 months ago

    Thanks, Angie. I felt it is a good oversized fit, so I appreciate your confirmation. (I did say that to hubs, and he was okay with that; it's just his initial reaction was that it is big.) It was on sale, and I think it's sold out now, so I can't order a size down.
    And yes, I've been to the store at U Village in Seattle, and got a cute cropped sweater-jacket, the Betty Cardigan in sage.  They told us the store is a pop-up and will be gone in March! Something else will go in there.

  • Firecracker (Sharan) replied 2 months ago

    Thanks, Olive Green. That's actually my closet where I took the pics! haha!
    That skirt IS cute, Angie.

  • Helena replied 2 months ago

    Well I love it. And I think a little big is sensible so it's comfortable over thicker sweaters etc. Sorry Mr. Firecracker :D but I vote keeper!

  • Irina replied 2 months ago

    I think it looks fab! And I love the color (s) on you. 

  • Firecracker (Sharan) replied 2 months ago

    Thanks Helena--I like this kind of style for that reason--no worries about what layers will fit under it.
    And Irina, you are so good with stylish oversized looks, thank you for your thoughts.

  • Brooklyn replied 2 months ago

    Looks great. I love the collar, the colour and texture. It’s a really standout piece.

  • Firecracker (Sharan) replied 2 months ago

    Thank you, Brooklyn! Since you mentioned the texture, I'll add that it is bouclé, which is what gives it a kind of fuzzy look.

  • rachylou replied 2 months ago

    I really like it and think the colour is very flattering. I do hear your concerns about it being bulky, but it's a style as Angie says.

  • Bonnie replied 2 months ago

    I like it, too, and it looks perfect for cold weather. The color is very flattering on you. 

  • Karie replied 2 months ago

    I love it! And I think the size is perfect.

  • Aquamarine replied 2 months ago

    I love it too! It’s a statement piece for sure. It’s nice to get some fresh outerwear this time of year. The lighter color, which I think works for you, feels appropriate for late winter. Size seems good to me.

  • avicennia replied 2 months ago

    #4 is the only photo that gives a good sense of your skin tone against the fabric. It’s not a great photo and the lighting might be off. But I do understand your concern about color. I’d also be wondering if the color made my skin tone look sallow.

  • Jaime replied 2 months ago

    Well I love it but must say that the jeans and your hair are a big part of it. So if I zero in on the coat I would say that I love the boxy shape with the flares and the vibe, but ok maybe try the smaller size? But I kind of like it a bit oversized. Great pick and styling!

  • Bijou replied 2 months ago

    I love it and prefer this style to be a bit oversized - but that is my love of the 1980's coming through! Fun to have something different to wear.

  • Sal replied 2 months ago

    I like it - it is oversized but that's the look.

  • Suz replied 2 months ago

    I like it on you! I think the size is probably right, in that intentionally oversized way, and it is different from your other coats. Cozy looking. Of course I love the stripe and also the overall texture, which I think helps make the colour work for you. If you will be happy in it, keep!

  • Firecracker (Sharan) replied 2 months ago

    I appreciate everyone's thoughts and comments. You are kind of
    confirming my initial draw to the coat, and I'm feeling a bit better
    about the color, too. I really didn't think that much about the oversized nature of it until my husband made his comment. Ha!

    avicennia, you have a good point about the photos. I almost went outside to try to get a selfie, but something intervened. I will try to get out tomorrow and get a shot of it in daylight!

    Bijou, I think this coat tugs at my nostalgia for 80s styles, too. I hadn't thought of it in that context.

    Jaime, thanks for your comment. I will say, I imagine wearing the coat with different pants sometimes, but I will probably keep my hair. Haha!

    Suz, it feels as cozy as it looks!

  • Lee replied 2 months ago

    KEEP!! Very jaunty! Looks super spiffy on you.

  • Ket replied 2 months ago

    Oh keep!!!!! I think it’s utterly sensational on you! I get early Audrey Hepburn vibes for some reason. It’s very 50s yet 90s yet modern and now. I even like the collar flipped up on you. Though, it might not feel comfortable? But it looks great. I would reward your instincts: Keep, enjoy, and wear it for years to come. It has longevity, even with the oversized fit.

  • Dee replied 2 months ago

    My first impression was Fab!! It might not be your usual colour but it still looks great on you with your hair coloring . Its neutral enough, cozy looking, perfectly oversized and its chic casual styling totally suits you.

  • RobinF replied 2 months ago

    I will agree with all the previous comments. Great coat, I love the shape of it and the color looks great with your hair. Keep!

  • kellygirl replied 2 months ago

    Ooh, I love it. The color, the shape and the fit are fab on you. I hope that you keep it. What a fun cozy coat!!

  • slim cat replied 2 months ago

    Fun unusual and flattering - hope you are keeping it!

  • Firecracker (Sharan) replied 2 months ago

    I added a photo taken next to the window with no other light. I’m thinking the colors are pretty good.

  • Jonesy replied 2 months ago

    LOVE!! Great silhouette, beautiful subtle colors, love the stripe!

  • UmmLila (Lisa) replied 2 months ago

    I like the colors on you. And I like Sézane, too. I've been meaning to write a sweater review, since I think their pieces are more well made than those of many other brands.

  • cjh replied 2 months ago

    Have you decided on the coat? It is very cool and I recommend keeping if you feel the fit is not just okay but fab. 


    My experience with almost okay fit becomes more frustrating with the more unique and interesting the piece. It might not be how everyone else thinks but I can tolerate an almost great fitting everyday top or windbreaker, for example, but a showstopper has to be good in everything or it doesn’t feel good.

  • Firecracker (Sharan) replied 2 months ago

    Thanks, Lisa--yes, I think the quality is really good, especially for the price.

    cjh, very interesting point. I'm not sure how I think about almost-good fit. I guess maybe similar to what you describe. I did decide to keep the coat, and I wore it yesterday!

  • birdie99 replied 2 months ago

    I think it’s gorgeous! That fit is very on trend and the colour suits you beautifully. I vote KEEP!

  • Zaeobi replied 2 months ago

    It suits you so well - the colour, texture, slightly oversized fluid fit, & even the collar (I know it's taller but I think it looks mysteriously elegant on you, not comical - besides, I'm sure you'll appreciate it in sudden winds)!

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Welcome to my style blog. Dressing is something all of us do each day, but for me it is also a hobby. I like to find new ways to wear the clothes I have, make new clothes to add to my wardrobe (yes, sewing is another hobby!), shop for clothes, read and discuss fashion. Following You Look Fab has fueled my interest in taking outfit pictures to see where I've been and to get different perspectives on style. Thanks for joining me. I always appreciate hearing your thoughts.