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Sure, we all know what basics professional women are supposed to have in their closets, but if you’re buying one for the first time or replacing one you’ve worn into the ground, it can be a pain to find exactly the right incarnation in stores. In “The Hunt,” we search the stores for a basic item that every woman should have.
Here in NYC, last week’s tornado-like weather has made us focus on the issues that really matter: namely, colorful, happy raincoats to battle a dreary day. We tried our best to round up some professional-looking ones in a variety of prices.
This is a happy purple coat that would work well for both fall and spring, we think. It’s $49.99 at Target (and is actually available in about 9 colors). MOSSIMO Mossimo® Black: Contemporary Long Trench Coat – Plum Purple |
Love the fun yellow and the wide lapel with this MICHAEL Michael Kors coat — was $190, now $103 at Bluefly. (Also available in black and khaki.) MICHAEL Michael Kors dark yellow cotton-poly 3-button walker jacket |
Look how happy she looks — perhaps it’s because her Jane Post coat is on sale from $445 to $285. We like the bright red, as well as the hood, and the fact that it’s water repellant. Available for $285 at Neiman Marcus. Jane Post Duffle Coat |
Limited sizes left in this fabulous red trench coat, but ‘cmon — it’s 75% off, so that makes sense. Like the simple tone-on-tone buttons, the full lining, and the bracelet length sleeves on this fabulous red coat by Anna Molinari. Was $1170, now $292.50 at The Outnet. Cotton trench coat |
Love this swingy trench from Kate Spade — the mustard color is exactly the right shade to cheer you up on a gray day. Also, the cotton/silk blend seems luxurious. It’s $525 at Kate Spade. Sketchpad Ivy Raincoat |
Weirdly enough, there were a number of great coats in the $950+ realm of things. For this roundup, we like this bright fuschia cotton and cashmere blend trench coat by Sonia by Sonia Rykiel — it’s such a fun pop of color, and we like the shiny buttons. It’s $940 at Net-a-Porter.com. Sonia by Sonia Rykiel Cotton and cashmere-blend twill trench |
Robin
Sorry to split hairs, but last week’s weather wasn’t tornado-like. It was a certified tornado. The fallen trees on my Park Slope block and in my yard agree.
lawyer
Sorry to split another hair . . . but aren’t all raincoats supposed to be water repellent?
Also, FWIW, I would not recommend a bracelet-sleeved raincoat. I never wear mine because I hate that my forearms get wet and then the drops on my forearm end up running down my sleeve / wiped off on my bag / make my grip slippery.
Anonymous
Yeah, I don’t think any of these (besides the “water repellent” one) are raincoats – they just look like brightly colored lightweight coats to me. Which can serve a purpose during those transitional months, but the purpose isn’t to keep me and my clothes dry on my walk to work.
anon-ny
I bought a 3/4 sleeve trench a couple of years ago and I really like it for transitional seasons (fall/spring). If the weather is particularly monsoon-like, then yes, my forearms get wet (as does pretty much everything else) but otherwise I have an umbrella so this isn’t a problem. The benefit is when it is humid and rainy, the 3/4 sleeves make the coat less hot.
Anon
Agree on both counts – a rain coat that will let you get soaked is ridiculous, as are sleeves that let your clothes get wet…
Perhaps a post entitled “coats that are too absurd to be worn in real life” would have been more apt.
Anonymous
Does anyone else not understand the point of a raincoat that doesn’t have a hood?
Preggo Angie
I have a bubble umbrella, so I don’t really wear a hood. It is useful if I forget my umbrella, but it’s not a must-have feature for me.
Anonymous
I guess I’ve always lived in places where rain is typically accompanied by some pretty intense wind – I can’t tell you how many “wind-proof” umbrellas I ran through before writing them off completely!
L from Oz
Ah yes, in my previous UK location we could always tell the visitors – they were the ones trying to keep dry with folding umbrellas. And then there were the streets littered with the corposes of expired umbrellas after a storm…
anon-ny
I don’t like hoods – they make me feel a bit claustrophobic for some reason due to the limited peripheral vision I guess. So again, I don’t view my rain coat as replacing an umbrella so no hood isn’t a problem for me.
KelliJ
I’m actually looking for a stylish raincoat with a hood. Something that I can put on when I’m running my daughter into daycare with her and her stuff in hand and it’s pouring (and of course no free hand for the umbrella). I have a classic trench, but would really like something with a hood.
I bought an Ellen Tracy trench in red with hood at the Nordstrom sale, but the hood was HUGE so back it went. If anyone comes across something keep me in mind please. ;-)
D
http://www.smartbargains.com/go.sb?pagename=prod&fcloc=search&sp=All%2BProducts%252f%252f%252f%252fUserSearch%253dcole%2Bhaan%252f%252f%252f%252fAttribSelect%253dDepartment%253d'Women's%2BApparel%2BBargains'%252f%252f%252f%252f&dk=cole%20haan&deptid=9&catid=76&prodid=1411611470&t=Search…prod.3
In case you are an XL. I got this last week in a Medium and love it. It’s a great, cheerful color and has a decent-sized hood. Maybe you could also find it elsewhere?
Preggo Angie
For once, I like the less expensive selections over the pricier ones!
Parisienne
I like a classic trench – in a classic beige. For Happy Color, you can add a colored umbrella or scark. The first adult clothing I ever bought was a raincoat – in beige. My husband once bought me a happy colors raincoat in pink and gray – I never wore it.
AIMS
I actually agree. Huge fan of bright, happy umbrellas. Don’t mind bright, happy rainboots (although anything that lets me lilterally step into a puddle makes me happy). I do not like any of these coats.
The only brightly colored raincoat that I’ve ever close to wanted was the Barrington Bear, happy-yellow one & I am not sure I would ever actually wear it to work . . . or anywhere else outside of my imaginary garden.
surrounded by lawyers
Also, reluctantly, joining the naysayers on this one. My issue is versatility: any coat this bright is inevitably going to clash with a substantial number of my clothes, shoes or bags. Maybe cool for the weekend, not so cool for work. Thus the coat has to be either neutral-colored or inexpensive to justify buying.
michiganexpats.com
I agree as well. These are cute in theory, but it’s so bright, so I’d never end up wearing it. One the other hand, a bright scarf and mittens are a must!
anon - chi
Maybe I’m in the minority, but I love the bright colored raincoat idea, although I agree that bracelet length sleeve seem like a bad plan on a piece of clothing designed for bad weather. I have a bright blue raincoat (which was actually featured here last year!) and I love it. I don’t particularly bother to match it with what I’m wearing underneath on the theory that you’re only going to see one or the other, either the coat or my top, so it doesn’t matter if they don’t go. But I also dont’ own many tops that would really look terrible with a bright blue coat.
surrounded by lawyers
Agree–I was talking about clashing with my skirt or pants, which I would wear at the same time, e.g. as I show up to a meeting or business lunch. The shirt, whatev.
s-p-s
While I agree that brights can be overwhelming, I love colored coats like my deep purple trench and burgundy raincoat. By this point, I have enough colorful coats (plus a few neutrals) to match any ensemble :)
kaydee
I know they are not raincoats, but I’m surprised that nobody has suggested the trench coats that Old Navy has right now – a bunch of different colors (also in short and tall), and so, SO cute! I got the navy and the green because they fit great. May not be water proof, but are just the right weight, and for just under $50, an easy investment piece.
http://oldnavy.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=55474&vid=1&pid=772443&scid=772443062
michiganexpats.com
That is a great deal for the price! Need to go shopping…
anon
i got one of these last season and love it!
shopaholic
me too! I love my Old Navy trench!
LizM
My coat has a hood and lining that are both removable. I usually carry an umbrella, so the hood is only necessary when I forget the umbrella or it is a downpour.
I love the removable wool lining. I live in Washington, DC, and the coat without the lining is light enough to wear into the late spring/rainy summer days, but with the lining, I can wear it until about 45 degrees in the winter before I have to switch to a real winter coat.
I got it from Norstroms about 2 years ago, but I don’t see it on the website now.
EYG
I just bought a new Trench at Nordie’s and love it because it has a removable liner and hood. It is great!
L
I am thankful I live in a casual-ish city; I wear my LL Bean raincoat when it rains.
kjf
I have this coat from Eddie Bauer. In fact, I wore it today.
http://www.eddiebauer.com/catalog/product.jsp?ensembleId=36528&&categoryId=103&categoryName=OUTERWEAR-JACKETS–BLAZERS&pCategoryId=3&pCategoryName=WOMEN&gpCategoryId=1&gpCategoryName=EB&catPath=~~categoryId=103~~categoryName=OUTERWEAR-JACKETS–BLAZERS~~pCategoryId=3~~pCategoryName=WOMEN~~gpCategoryId=1~~gpCategoryName=EB&viewAll=y
jcb
I’ve had my eye on this one from Boden for a little while now. Probably will never buy it as I have a perfectly serviceable gray one, but I like some of the color options.
http://www.bodenusa.com/en-US/Womens-Coats-Jackets/Coats/WE280/Womens-Rainyday-Jacket.html?NavGroupID=2
KelliJ
OMG!! I love those coats! Can anyone comment on sizing?
jcb
I’ve found their sizing charts to be pretty accurate. They give lots of measurements so you can be pretty clear on what you’re getting. I’d say I generally end up in the same size that I’d get at BR, though I have started buying their dresses in long rather than regular though I’m only 5’7″.
NYC
You would be surprised how versatile a colorful raincoat is! I have three different ones (from thriftstores) and always get compliments on them. One is orange, one is sky/pool blue, and one is a loud black and white print. The only one that present wearability problems is the b/w one, in part because it has 3/4 sleeves.
brown eyes
Got this Tahari raincoat in the last 1/2 annual sale…in a grey/blue faux snow leopard print. Darling and even more lovely at <$80. I am going to have my seamstress make me a belt in grey, as I think it will look better as in more form fitting rather than a sheath (which doesn't do my hourglass any favors, let alone in a coat). With that, could be more than a raincoat!
http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/3076497?origin=category&resultback=0
D
I got the version of this that does have a belt, and in the same color. I get compliments constantly!!
Little Lurker
is it water repellent?
Marissa
Thread jack: Can anyone recommend some places to look for business card holders? Thanks!
lawDJ
redenvelope .com had a cute leather one I was considering getting
also amazon
nonA
Etsy has a lot of unique ones, in all kind of price points.
Lynnet
I got (or rather, a friend got for me as a present) an absolutely gorgeous business card holder at one of those art fairs that seem to pop up every weekend this time of year. Now if only I had business cards to put in it…
KelliJ
Mine is from Coach. I like it because it doubles as a slim wallet when I just want to carry my license and credit card.
Anonymous
Museum gift shops! They often carry fun and classy ones.
Nina
I am completely unwilling to wear a “raincoat” that is not completely waterproof–this is just foolishness, IMO. You can get a wonderfully supple and waterproof softshell jacket in lots of happy colors (or muted ones, if you so desire). Maybe you feel that high end brands such as Arc’teryx aren’t as “professional” looking as these trenches, but think about how much less professional you’ll look when you’re dripping wet. On rainy days, I laugh at the sopping wet, bedraggled, cold “professionals” from the warm dry comfort of my fully waterproof mountaineering shell.
If you insist on a trench shape, try a jacket from Lole, Columbia, Marmot, or any other brand that you might find at REI. When icy cold rain gets through your cotton-cashmere blend twill “raincoat,” you will no longer care how cute your happy coat looks.
D
I have a Columbia thin jacket with a hood that lives in my car for those times I need a rain jacket but don’t want to wear the whole professional get-up (like mad dashes to get the kids from day care after work).
skd
I have a Nau waterproof jacket that I love and that I wear over my “professional” clothes for the exact same reason!
L from Oz
Absolutely. People may laugh at my bright red cycling poncho, but I arrive at work as dry as anyone can be under those circumstances. (And no, I don’t wear it when I’m not cycling.) My stylish trenchcoat I only wear when it’s not going to rain.
I’m fairly sure North Face has had some trench-shaped things over the years – my previous winter coat was from there and cut very nicely for something that was basically a walking duvet. My current one is Jack Wolfskin – not sure about availability outside Europe, but their jackets will keep you very dry.
Oilskin is also an interesting option. I had a drizabone jacket when I was younger, and I’ve seen a colleague in a very nice oilskin trenchcoat. (Barbour, maybe?)
But there is no point to rain clothes that aren’t waterproof, just as the most stylish ‘winter’ boots are useless if they don’t keep my feet warm and dry and have solid enough soles to stop me breaking my neck. (I don’t have a car, so I wonder if that makes a difference to my clothing philosophy?)
Anonymous
I just picked up a water repellent, button-up raincoat with a removable liner and hood at TJ Maxx for $45.00 (that was the regular price!) mixed in with the fall coats. It is a deep red color. It is gorgeous and fits perfectly.
ceb
Nicely done! Sounds like a great find.
nonA
I never thought of my raincoat as having to match my outfit. My pants/skirts, which are really all that will show, are all probably going to be neutral colors so I can’t imagine it would look that awful. I guess if I ever wore a pair of red pants or something, I might not wear a pink coat with it, but that whole scenario just seems unlikely …
I do agree that a pop of color on a rainy day is sometimes cheering. Both on myself and others!
Ms B
The coats are cute, but if I am going to invest in another trench (to supplement a full length lined Burberry all-seasons trench and a light top of the knee black Liz Claiborne), I am either going for one like the black and white that was on the last weekend thread or I am going to go full-on Burberry. Wears like iron, to have forever.
See here, in red or what they are calling “bright damson” (which I guess means a blued red): http://us.burberry.com/product/index.jsp?productId=4031130&cp=3965371.3963274.3965396&parentPage=family
Sharon
I love this post and really appreciate Kat looking at a wide range of possibilities, both style-wise and price-wise. Well done.
legalicious07
Hear, hear!
Sharon
Hey UK-based Corporettes! (or those who travel there frequently)
A few years ago, I got that now-ubiquitous quilted Burberry jacket (you all know the one – it’s thin and quilted and the sleeves fold back to expose the Burberry print), and my 18 yo daughter has hijacked it, which is fine. I also have a more traditional red Burberry slicker jacket – not as ubiquitous of a style – again, the sleeves fold back to reveal the print but the cut itself is more classic trench.
Anyway, we’re going to England and France next summer. It’s my understanding that Burberry is no longer considered luxe in those areas because the lower-class started wearing it. Will we look like cheesy, stupid Americans wearing these jackets? Because honestly these jackets travel well and I’d like to use them, all else being equal. But I don’t want a sign saying ugly American.
anon
The only way that you’ll be pegged as an “ugly American” is if you ACT like an ugly American. Wear your coat and enjoy your travels.
L from Oz
Well, I suppose Burberry is popular among the WAG (footballers’ wives) set and among certain more money than sense nightclub goers, but I lived in the UK for over three years and never met anyone matching that description anyway…if you met someone truly class obsessed and without a sense of humour that is perhaps what they’d peg you as rather than ugly American, but really, half the people you meet won’t know what brand you’re wearing, another large chunk won’t care, and whoever’s left will probably think it’s a nice jacket. So wear it and don’t worry.
houda
Agree! we get several american tourists and unless they are too frumpy and rude no one would ever be judgmental. My guess is that you are a corporette reader so you definitely do not fall into the ugly-american-tourist category.
maria
As long as you don’t go all Burberry you’ll be fine. But if you wear an entire Burberry outfit, especially one based on the classic print, you will look very noveau riche.
TK1
I am married to a Brit, and I think the Burberry issue you have heard about is due to the so-called “chav” class. I wouldn’t worry about wearing a Burberry jacket as its really a whole lifestyle that gets looked down upon. I attached a link talking about the Burberry backlash (I know, its from Wikipedia, but this isn’t really a serious topic anyway). Enjoy your vacation!
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chav
Sharon
Yes, that’s exactly it — the Chav stereotype (I didn’t know the name). It’s not about anyone thinking I was nobility (ha!), I just didn’t want to send any tacky signals if I didn’t have to.
Anon
Really? Wow…heaven forbid someone think you weren’t nobility …
Anon
Geez, Brits and their caste system!
Wear what you want to wear! Who cares what pretentious people think?
ShorT
Threadjack: Need some advice, Corporettes, please!
I interviewed for a new position at a consulting firm over the summer. I heard early last week that they were ready to discuss next steps and wanted to know when I was available to talk to HR.
I ended up having discussions with others associated with my potential service line and was given what I would term a “soft offer” (I was told they were going to extend an offer, but did not discuss salary/benefits/relo package/etc.) but did not talk to HR. So, now it’s Monday night, and I’ve still not spoken with anyone about specifics.
At what point do I call HR? Or my potential boss? Or do I hold tight until they reach out to me?
lawDJ
I’m a little confused, you heard from them that they wanted to know when you were available to talk to HR… but then when you told them your available times they put you to talk to other people? If you were told you would speak to HR by someone, I’d ask that someone when this might happen, and give them your availability.
ADS
I agree with the confusion: when they told you they wanted to know when you were available to talk to HR, what did you say? Have they followed up on that?
ShorT
Sorry, I didn’t write that clearly.
I was told to send my availability to talk to HR sometime last week. Seperately, others in the same service line initiated contact, and said to expect the full offer from HR. I also followed up over the weekend, letting the people I spoke with know I hadn’t heard from HR and recieved a response that, again, the offer should be coming.
So, I’m trying not to be a pest, but I *really* want to hear the specifics of the offer. When is it appropriate to reach out again? And to whom?
Dealing with HR
I recently had a similar situation. Do you have a formal contact in HR or a recruiter? If you’re going to email somebody, I would email any HR contact you have and not anybody who would be your manager/colleague/etc.
Some people here gave me the advice as well of waiting twice as long as you have been told to contact. So, if HR said ‘We’ll contact you in about 3 days’ wait 6 before contact.
When people here were giving me advice, the broad consensus was that it was generally best to wait as long as possible before initiating extra contact, especially if you’ve been in contact with people on a somewhat regular basis. I think if you spoke to somebody over the weekend, it’s probably best not to do anything until the end of the week. If you haven’t heard anything by Friday COB, possibly send a brief follow up email to your contact in HR or call/email them on Monday. I think a week is a perfectly reasonable amount of time to wait before a brief follow up.
Anon
Lululemon has raincoats that are well-fitting and actually waterproof- first city-appropriate but practical one I’ve found. Not sure if they still have them, bought it a few years ago. Wish I’d gotten the plain black or white not polka-dots as can’t wear it to work.
Anon
That Kate Spade coat looks like a maternity jacket