Tuesday’s TPS Report: Kym Military Long Jacket

81 Comments

1. um…for some reason, I am getting a vibe of housecoat here! Not a fan of such huge patches of embroidery!

2. Cute, but why is it 3/4 length sleeves?!

   1. Hate!! the 3/4 length sleeves on things that are supposed to be warm trend (jackets, sweaters, cardigans, etc.) I don’t mind a lightweight 3/4 length sleeve that I can wear under a jacket or sweater, but if I’m wearing a coat, it’s because I’m cold, and I’m not going to get warm with something that doesn’t cover my arms.
      3/4 sleeves are a dealbreaker, in my book.

      1. I wear 3/4 length sleeves with either a slouchy, long sleeved sweater, or with long, up-the-arm gloves. I think it’s a really fun look. If it’s actually really cold, I won’t be wearing a coat like this anyhow. This is meant for 50 degree fall days, not for the dead of winter.

         1. I don’t really need that many different coats. And I wouldn’t want to wear gloves if it’s not cold enough to demand it.

            It’s fine that you like it; I’m sure that it’s cute on you. But I dislike it and think it’s silly.

            1. I actually like 3/4 sleeves on coats because it doesn’t really get cold enough in my city to wear gloves on a regular basis, so when my hands do get cold I tend to shove my hands in my coat pockets. If you have a full length sleeve, they tend to scrunch up when you do this. 3/4 length sleeves hit the pocket area just right.

3. Hmm, interesting. Like the idea but it seems hard to make this look sharp. It looks very overwhelming on the model. Maybe if it were more fitted it would look better?

4. Can I get some quick help managing my first impressions this winter?

   How would you feel about a professional woman, 29 years old and 5’3″, who showed up to an important daytime event–think interview, meeting, conference, or similar–wearing heels and a suit under a coat that is:

   –knee length, wool, black
   –long sleeved
   –has three buttons down the front in a single row
   –has a simple belt, and…
   –has a somewhat glam rouched collar.

   The coat is very classic and conservative, but I am wondering about the effect of this final factor. I can’t find a picture of this coat online, but the collar is similar to the one on this coat: (sorry this link is huge!)

   http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://debenhams.scene7.com/is/image/Debenhams/54488_M4P1050&imgrefurl=http://neckjersey.biz/belted-trench-coat/&usg=__JX050bEMXr-Ft0tj_-bqytgfnwI=&h=400&w=400&sz=9&hl=en&start=5&sig2=iE4h0y5qFUn5WvMBFL-PJg&zoom=1&um=1&itbs=1&tbnid=OwOqWsck3zmIRM:&tbnh=124&tbnw=124&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dbelted%2Bwool%2Bcoat%2Bblack%2Bruched%2Bcollar%26um%3D1%26hl%3Den%26sa%3DN%26rls%3Dcom.microsoft:en-us%26ndsp%3D20%26tbs%3Disch:1&ei=WZXiTPKuGoG0lQeB0KiNDQ

   Thoughts? You don’t have to like the collar personally, but I am just wondering if it would raise your eyebrows about me as a professional. Many thanks….

   1. Oh–if you go to this link, the coat I’m talking about is the one that shows up at the top of the screen. You’re offered to expand it to a larger view.

   2. I think it’s sharp. I see traditional coats with fun details all the time here in chicago. You’re way overthinking it! Plus being black, and the rest of it conservative, tones down anything.

   3. I think that coat collar is perfectly professional. The only thing I would worry about personally is how the line looks when you put a suit under, if it’s too open then it might look weird with a suit jacket/blouse/shirt under. However, if it’s that open I’d likely wear a scarf and it wouldn’t matter anyway :)

      1. I own – and adore – a coat like this, although mine may be more glam than the one that you describe! While I prefer wearing it with a dress and heels for a fancy dinner or evening out, I don’t think it would be a problem to wear a coat like this professionally…

   4. So this is just a winter coat or trench coat over a suit?

      I think your link is wrong, or I will say no one will care about the coat but you’ll be mighty hot if you wear a coat over a suit for a conference all day.

      1. Winter coat–the link I gave was just to show a similar collar from a different jacket.

   5. It’s fine – wouldn’t you take the coat off for an interview anyway?

      1. Surely I would. Just talking about what I have on when I walk in the door/see people at the airport/get out of the taxi, etc. I feel like it matters.

         1. Totally doesn’t matter. At least not where I am. In NY, when it’s freezing (I’m talking blizzard NY) the long black parka over a suit is acceptable. Otherwise, tons of gals wear those bright J.Crew swing jackets all the time now.

   6. That is a gorgeous coat! Love the collar. I think it’s perfectly appropriate worn over a suit.

   7. I’m assuming you’ll be removing the coat once you arrive at and that your concern is whether or not someone would have a negative impression of this type of outerwear?

      I think it’s fine. I don’t like the collar personally but I wouldn’t think you unprofessional for choosing it – I just think we have different tastes :)

      1. Yes, it’s as outerwear only. Thanks!

   8. I own a J-Crew wool coat that looks exactly as you described. I think it looks very professional and dressy.

   9. It’s fine / doesn’t matter to me. What you wear inside the coat would be more likely to affect my judgment of you as a professional woman! :)

      1. I agree. I never get the concerns about outerwear I have seen voiced here at times (“I would never wear that coat to court!” type comments). You take your coat off inside. Unless it is ripped up, covered in dirt, or looks like streetwalker attire, I really don’t care what someone wears as outerweat. This coat is perfectly appropriate to me.

   10. it’s fine. people interviewing you don’t care about your coat as much as you might think they do.

       1. I wouldn’t notice this coat — looks like an ordinary winter coat to me

   11. I’d think – hmm, she has a personality! Would not alter my professional opinion of you one iota!

5. i LOVE this coat. Not for work, but with some skinny jeans and brown frye knee high riding boots.

6. I LOVE this coat! Too bad it’s only available in extra-small, large, and extra-large!

   1. DARN IT!!! Well, that just saved me $200 today.

      1. DARN IT for me too … but for the opposite reason! I think this just COST me $200 today … :)

         @s, I love your styling suggestion and am looking forward to pairing this coat with my Fryes.

7. I love this. Seriously, seriously love it. Am eyeing my credit card warily, as it might leap up and take control of my hand.

8. I like this coat, but agree that it’s probably not for work. I don’t think anyone would actually care if I wore it to work, but I don’t think it would add anything to what I wear to work, style-wise because something made of fleece just doesn’t go with traditional work clothes; and, it’s also not the type of coat that would make my boring work clothes look “cooler,” like a more traditional military style jacket, etc.
   I would totally wear it the way S suggests — with jeans and some funky boots, in my own spare time.

9. I think that it depends on your line of work! It would absolutely work in a more creative environment. There is a very playful and arty vibe to this jacket – almost more retro than military. I prefer the strict military look for myself, but this a super option for those who prefer a loser military piece.

10. Oh, I love this. Very uncharacteristic of me to love something with so much personality, but I can’t help it. It’s beautiful!

11. As someone who suffers from the winter-time “blues”, this coat would be the perfect anecdote for me.

12. Firm Photos — I am having my photo taken for my law firm’s website tomorrow, and would love your advice on what to wear and so forth. I can’t decide between a black suit or a medium gray pinstrip suit, which would you recommend? In addition, would a collared shirt (white or pale blue) look better than a silk shell (in pale blue)? Do any of you put on your make-up differently (or style your hair differently) for promotional type photos? Thank you.

    1. Is your coloring such that black looks good on you? (meaning a “winter” type). If so, between those two choices I would choose the black suit, but if you’re not sure about your coloring, go with the medium gray one. Generally gray/navy photograph better than black, but the background you’re being photographed against might matter.

       Collared or silk shell really depends also on what looks best on you. Collared shirts drown me (short neck, large chest) and I look ridiculous so I went with a high-neck shell (no cleavage whatsoever).

       I put on more makeup and did some contouring with highlighter/bronzer (if you don’t know how to this, don’t try for a firm photo now) and I also styled my hair more carefully when I did my firm photos (meaning I used hair spray to make sure it stayed how I wanted it).

    2. I wouldn’t wear “pale” anything for a firm photo. Bright colors (royal blues, fushias, etc.) look best in the photos, which tend to wash everyone out. If you wear the black suit especially, make sure your shirt is vibrant beneath it. I wore a collared shirt in my firm photo and like the look, but many on here will probably say to wear a shell. I would keep your hair in the style you normally wear (I hate it when people don’t look anything in real life like their photo), but do think about maybe wearing a touch more makeup (again, just to keep from getting washed out, not to look different than you usually do or like someone you’re not).

    3. in all honesty, the point of hte photo is really just so opposing counsel can see if you’re cute or not. Not really a big deal. Wear what you think you look best in. Any suit would work.

       1. Or clients. Sometimes it’s so the client can see if you’re cute or not.

       2. I know this is meant light-heartedly, but don’t sell yourself short. There’s a lot more to you — even your physical presentation — in the world of work than whether or not you are “cute.” This may be what other associates are looking for primarily, I don’t know, but it’s not what I’m looking for (mid-level partner) and its not what my clients are looking for either. Wear something that makes you look like a real, responsible grown-up. Attractive, sure, but please, not “cute.” I’ve always heard that earth tones photograph better, though everything is own is in the black, navy, or grey spectrum, so I have never actually implemented that advice.

    4. Definitely wear more makeup than usual – particularly blush and lipstick – the lights will wash you out. Also, make sure you wear at least one brightish color – french blue at least if button down shirt – for the shirt. Not white!

    5. I had a photo taken for my firm’s summer associate brochure last august — one thing I noticed is that a pinstripe or a herringbone may not photograph as well as a solid color — patterns can often look weird, particularly on websites. Also, make sure whatever make-up you wear photographs properly.

    6. I always hear don’t wear black for photos – too harsh. I’m not sure about the pinstripe, but try to keep it to medium colors. Definitely on the side of more makeup as well.

    7. I wore a navy blue suit with a vibrant shell underneath, and it looked nice. Button down shirts look great if you’re comfortable wearing them, but they don’t look right on me. I agree with the others that you should wear more makeup than you usually do. I thought I had put a good deal of makeup on but it hardly showed in the picture.

    8. I am assuming that we are talking about a colour photo here. We have black and white photos and a whole different set of rules apply! Generally it is easier to ‘hide’ in black and white photos as they tend to be softer. If you are doing a black and white photo, then wearing black will look quite different to grey and black may be the way forward.

    9. Personally I like a grey suit. Black can be harsh. Is the pinstripe thin, or really prominent? Pinstripes and other patterns sometimes get funkified on camera, although a decent photographer should be able to manage it.

       Wear colors that compliment your skintone, and make sure the look isn’t too monochromatic. But be careful with the “bright color” advice – on me (super-super-pale person), the brightest colors actually wash me out more and make me look worse than pale colors.

       Don’t wear anything “trendy,” including jewelry and hairstyle. Wear something you think is classic enough that you won’t look back on it with embarssment if the picture is floated around 15 years from now (its amazing how many people still have pictures up on our firm’s website that scream “80s!”).

    10. Thank you all. It didn’t dawn on me to check and see if the photo will be in color — it appears it will be black & white. Therefore, I may go with the “hiding” advice and wear black, but extra make-up. However, any and all additional thoughts are much appreciated.

13. Winter coat with a ruched collar does not sound promising – and black coats are a problem too because they show every little thing that lands on them. This is the year of the trenchcoat – a classic belted style with a notched collar – in camel color – would be a good pick. In a warmer climate, an oyster colored lightweight trench. Both are great worn over black or gray.

    The coat shown today, no, no, no, never embroidered flowers on anything but a handkerchief.

    1. Those are some strong statements Parisienne! Camel washes me (and other winters) out so I’d never buy anything in that color, and where I live a trenchcoat wouldn’t keep you warm in your office in the winter.

       If they make wool trench coats (which is weird because a trench coat by definition is supposed to be a raincoat….), I guess that could work in frigid temps, but double-breasted styles don’t look good on the ample-bosommed, so that would be out for me/many people as well.

       I do agree with you 100% on the coat today though :)

       1. Trench coats for winter? Not in the northeast, or Chicago, or Minneapolis….

       2. Thanks, Lawyerette. The reasons you gave are indeed the reasons I wouldn’t get a camel trench for myself, although I love them on others. The color and button placement are just not ideal for me.

    2. Camel IS the color of the season. I also think she means a belted coat — rather than a waterproof trench coat (or is Paris just much warmer?)

       1. Something about all of Parisienne’s comments makes me think of 75 . . .
          Not that that’s a bad thing. Just saying ;)

          1. I thought she was 75 as well! haha. maybe sisters :)

             1. Not to be too sleuthy, but I think I remember 75 saying that she used to live in Paris, or travelled there often, or something to that effect.

          2. I was thinking the same thing! Anne Vohl as well.

       2. To be fair, Paris is a whole lot more temperate climate-wise. It doesn’t really snow all that much, and it rarely/never gets bitter-bitter cold like it does here in some places. Most people I knew owned a peacoat-type coat as their heaviest coat, and it wasn’t a super-insulated one. :-)

    3. It depends on the coat, not the color, whether it shows “every little thing” that lands on it. In New York City, many of us wear black outerwear because it doesn’t show the dirt that you accumulate on your coat by riding the subway. I had a camel trench once – and it got so filthy that I had to have it drycleaned every two weeks. Black shows far less dirt. A dirty camel or oyster trench looks very shabby.

       Who carries handkerchiefs?

       1. I collect vintage handkerchiefs and carry them on occasion. They are much nicer to pull out during a teary moment than tissue.

          1. Yep, I have a collection of nice handkerchiefs, although none are embroidered. I find that I’m always short of tissues, or they end up shredded in the bottom of my bag, which is unpleasant.

14. Just an FYI — some great stuff on Rue La La today — DVF, gorgeous Casadei shoes & awesome unmentionables from a brand I can’t remember.

    1. And tons of Cole Haan on Gilt.
       This is not a good day for those of us with poor impulse control.

       1. Gilt is selling a pair of Cole Haan sunglasses for $39 that I bought last spring for $19.99 at a TJ Maxx and have worn all summer. Love those sites, but be warned they aren’t always as good a bargain as they seem.

    2. I had a very expensive morning, personally. Ruelala loves me. Luckily most of the DVF dresses were sold out by the time I got to the site …

       1. Rue La La has been really doing me in recently! I’m kind of giving up on Gilt because their clothes usually just seem out of touch to me, but I’ve been ordering lots on RLL. I ordered DVF luggage today and a couple of AK suits for really cheap last week. I also recently ordered a beautiful rug. Eeek — lots of big purchases!

          1. I would love an invite to Rue La La. It sounds like they have great deals.

15. I adore this coat but for the 3/4 length sleeves. They are attractive, but make the coat much less practical for me. If I am going to wear a coat, I want to be warm.
    I wouldn’t have any hesitation about wearing a coat like this into the office, however. I wouldn’t wear it to court with my suits. But for a typical day in and out of the office, I think it is beautiful and elegant.

    1. For those of us with real winters, a 3/4 sleeve coat just doesn’t cut it. And no, long gloves don’t make up for it when its really cold.

       The flowers are just not my thing – they look like my grandma’s throw pillows (literally, not figuaratively – she has blue pillows with scarily similar flowers).

       1. Agreed that this wouldn’t cut it for real winter, but I don’t think that has anything to do with the length of sleeves. This is not a winter coat. It’s a cotton fleece coat. Literally, the equivalent of a regular sweatshirt. I am, frankly, surprised to hear all the complaints about sleeve length — I hope no one thinks this is a winter coat who orders it. It’s meant to be a transitional fall/spring piece. The 2 inches of exposed arm — if you can’t plan for it with creative layering — is not going to make much difference, if any, in terms of how warm or cold you’re going to be.

16. Threadjack~
    To all the ladies that go to court on a regular basis: Is it acceptable to wear, instead of an actual suit coat or traditional blazer, a sweater jacket that is structured-ish? I live in the rural Midwest and there are not very many younger female lawyers around here to take cues from.
    I have this one:
    http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/3113916?origin=category&resultback=3116

    And this one (in black):
    http://bananarepublic.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=51429&vid=1&pid=783973

    I am pretty sure the second one is a no-go. But what about the Nordstrom one, with black slacks and heels?

    1. I think it depends on the court.
       The second one is probably way too casual. The first might fly for a conference, or something similar, but I wouldn’t do it. Each court is different & I have certainly seen worse. But my thinking is just b/c you may get away with something, doesn’t mean you should try.
       If there are no women, take cues from men — do they wear something other than full suits? If yes, are they wearing pants & a sports coat/blazer or are they wearing sweaters & pants. If they’re in sweaters, fine. But if you can’t see a man in a cardigan, button down & black pants showing up, don’t rock this look.
       * small caveat — the first sweater in black would probably not be so noticeable & so you’d be in a better position to “get away” w/it. But I would still stick to blazers.

    2. I would definitely not wear either to court. Why would you not wear a blazer at least the first time, and check out what everyone else is wearing? I agree with AIMS – if the men are in ties and blazers, you also need to be in a blazer. Plus, if there are few young women in your jdx, you may need to work extra hard to be taken seriously. Suit up for the first time, and then you can always dress down next time (maybe to a structured jacket with non-matching pants).

    3. Greetings from the rural South! I mean this in all kindness —No. Suit up. At least a jacket. Once you’ve established yourself, perhaps a classic sweater set. The fact that there are not many young female lawyers around means that you need to make every effort to have a polished look.

17. Great Talbots sale — 40% off all jackets (not outerwear) from 12-3, your time.
    Code JACKET. Free shipping.

    1. THANK YOU!!!

18. Got another birthday code to share. Your $10 Shoebuy Gift Certificate Code is:
    P380498181581394

19. The coat looks cute on the model, but I’m imagining it on the average office worker and getting a different impression entirely.

20. I am so in love with this coat, and the fact that I am a public interest lawyer and can get away with it. I also love the long gloves idea with it.

21. I don’t have the body to wear this. I think I look too much like Mao Tse Tug or whatever his name was when I wear something like this.

    I prefer a pleated jacket that does not make me look too big in the rear, but this would show EVERYTHING and I really have to lose 5 pounds first.

22. This remins me of a high end robe to wear out when I want to bundle in something comfortable to go buy milk without looking too frumpy.
    I still love it though, but not for the office

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