This post is coming to you from deep on my list of reader requests for a full rundown of my coat collection and today’s the day! I’m sharing all my wool outwear, which I’ve collected slowly over the last several years.
Of course, most folks don’t need as many coats as I have. However, as you know, I’m a style blogger by trade and living in Ontario, Canada means a very broad range of weather and temperatures to dress for.
In the post you’ll find:
- Pros and cons for each one
- Weather suitability (ie: temp ranges in °C and °F)
- Fit notes (in general I prefer a roomy fit for easy layering)
- How each one looks on
- Where to look for classic coats for your closet too.
Let’s talk coats then!
This post contains affiliate links. This means if you decide to shop through the links included, I may earn commission on a sale at no additional cost to you. All opinions are always my own and I only share items I love and think you might too. Thanks for supporting Style Bee!
MY CURRENT WOOL COAT COLLECTION
THE LATEST ADDITION
Brushed Italian ReWool Peacoat in Buffalo Camel Check
(From Everlane and currently 25% Off. Also comes in Camel.)
More photos of this one on the Style Journal.
PROS
- Lined for easy movement and no clinging to clothes underneath
- Raglan shoulders and wide sleeves are great for layering
- Big collar can be worn up to block wind
- Has a vintage feel with a modern fit
- Double breasted button closure
- Mid length keeps the knees protected without getting in the way while walking
CONS
- I’m not sure how the brushed wool will wear in high friction areas like under arms and where my purse hits my side. Time will tell.
- Highest button closer falls a bit lower than I realized so the neckline falls fairly deep
- Pockets feel a bit flimsy
- Not quite as high quality a feel as I was expecting but still a very nice coat
Suitable for Temps:
- -10°C to 5°C
- 14°F to 41°F
- Depending on how you layer. I recently wore it over a fitted turtleneck and a warm chunky knit to an outdoor market in blustery -7°C weather and I was very cozy.
FIT
- Generous and designed for layering over knits with room to spare. I have a size small and it fits exactly how I hoped it would. For reference I’m 5’7 and generally wear a Small or Medium.
ADDED IN 2021
The London Coat in Charcoal Plaid
(Originally gifted from The Curated. Plaid is no longer available, but Charcoal is very close, linked.)
PROS
- Lined with silk (note: it doesn’t appear that the newest version is lined)
- Drop shoulders and wide sleeves are easy for layering
- Straight, boxy fit is perfect for that oversized, menswear look
- Looks and feels like a high-end designer coat
- Cashmere/Wool blend is really soft and elegant
- Timeless style with minimal detailing
- Comes with a detachable belt
- The perfect long but not too long length (for reference, I’m 5’7)
CONS
- No longer available.
- The new versions don’t have a lining.
- Might be a lot of coat for a petite frame.
Suitable for Temps:
- -10°C to 10°C
- 14°F to 50°F
- Depending on how you layer. I’ve worn it in all sorts of weather and it’s been great. When I want to wear it on really cold days I wear a puffer liner (like this) underneath. -10°C is definitely pushing it but it can be done if you layer like I did in this post.
FIT
- Generous and designed for layering over knits with room to spare. I have a size small and it fits exactly how I hoped it would. I almost ordered Medium but the brand rep advised me to stick with my usual size and I’m glad I did. For reference I’m 5’7 and generally wear a Small or Medium.
BOUGHT IN 2020
PLAID COTTAGE SHACKET
(From Frank & Oak but no longer available. This one looks quite similar.)
PROS
- Great for throwing on over a base layer with jeans for a casual day
- Longer length than a lot of “shackets” I’ve come across
- Wool blend is quite dense and deceptively toasty
- Quintessential “cottage coat” vibe
- Came with a detachable belt
- Botton placket and cuffs are lined and reinforced, which gives it a quality feel
- Side seam pockets have a zip closure, which helps to keeps things secure
CONS
- No longer available
- I’ve had to refasten almost every button on the jacket
- I find the collar a bit itchy on my neck
Suitable for Temps:
- 5°C to 20°C
- 41°F to 68°F
- I’ve worn this jacket in all sorts of weather and it’s up to the task. It’s ideal for warmish windy days when you need to cut the chill.
FIT
- I ordered a size up in this at the time (a Medium) but could have gone with a Small as the fit is roomy and the shoulders run wide. It can feel a little bit like I’m wearing one of Dave’s jackets and he’s 6’4. For reference I’m 5’7 and generally wear a Small or Medium.
VINTAGE, BOUGHT IN 2017
HOUNDSTOOTH COAT
(From Frances May when they curated vintage. Similarhere,here andhere.)
PROS
- Reversible. Can be worn with the black cotton facing out or the houndstooth facing out
- Perfect above the knee length for moderate weather
- Houndstooth is a classic pattern that adds interest without distraction
- Relaxed fit that’s a bit more streamlined than my other coats
CONS
- I haven’t come across anything exactly like it since but I always have an eye out.
Suitable for Temps:
- 0°C to 15°C
- 32°F to 59°F
- This is my go-to coat for chilly spring days and breezy fall days alike. It’s also great traveling because it’s lightweight but still keeps the chill out thanks to the wool and cotton layers. A bonus of it being reversible.
FIT
- This coat was listed as a S/M and as I hoped it fit true to that description. When ordering vintage I try to get garment measurements from the seller and compare to a piece I already own to get the best sense for how it will fit me. For reference I’m 5’7 and generally wear a Small or Medium.
BOUGHT IN 2019
CLASSIC CAMEL COAT
Full unsponsored review here.
PROS
- This coat is an iconic style
- It’s the quintessential camel colour (comes in several others too)
- Elegant, minimal design
- Cashmere / wool blend is dense, luxurious and soft.
- Infinitely versatile and can go on over any outfit
- Timeless wrap coat style
- Looks perfect worn open and falls really beautifully over the frame
CONS
- Unlined so it can cling a bit to clothing underneath
- No closure. Comes with a belt and loops to attach if you want the belt to be connected.
- Probably better suited for climates that are more moderate than where I live
Suitable for Temps:
- 5°C to 15°C
- 41°F to 59°F
- This coat is not terribly warm on its own but depending on what you wear underneath, it can go down to 0°C and even lower if you’re not outside too long. A big scarf and warm accessories help too.
FIT
- This coat is cut relatively slim to the frame compared to some of the other styles in my collection in the same size. If I was ordering again I may size up for more room through the upper arm and hip. Lots of other fit details in this review post. For reference I’m 5’7 and generally wear a Small or Medium.
GIFTED IN 2019
CLYDE TRENCH IN WOOL
More on this piece originally here.
PROS
- This coat is an iconic style by Elizabeth Suzann
- Now made in a sumptuous Climate Beneficial Wool
- Unique, minimal design
- Deep wide pockets perfect for stashing a phone, sunnies and small wallet
- Thick shawl collar can be worn up or down
- Beautiful heavyweight wool that feels so cozy
- Has a more relaxed feel than the rest of my collection
CONS
- No closure.
- Similar to the Classic Camel Coat, this one is probably better suited for climates that are more moderate than where I live.
- Sleeves are a touch short on my arms.
Suitable for Temps:
- 5°C to 15°C
- 41°F to 59°F
- I’ve given this a similar temp rating to The Curated Classic Coat although I tend to find this one feels cozier. It’s best for spring and fall outdoors and I wear it all winter indoors.
FIT
- I have this coat in a size small and it roomy enough to fit over chunky knits and wide sleeved tops easily. Thanks to the swingy a-line shape, there is lots of room through the torso and hips as well. For reference I’m 5’7 and generally wear a Small or Medium.
WHERE TO LOOK FOR COATS
(use LEE15 for 15% Off)
When you find a style you love, give DEPOP, POSHMARK, or your go-to vintage / thrifting platform a search to see if you can find it second hand or a special vintage gem.
THANKS FOR TUNING IN
I hope this coat collection post was interesting and perhaps even informative for your next coat acquisition!
Should I do a similar post on another closet category? Puffer coats, cardigans, crewnecks?
