Take one collarless coat...

When Simply Be first got in contact, I wasn't sure what to think. Although I have put some weight on recently (hello sedentary job!) I am still a size 14 and I wouldn't consider myself plus sized. Potentially controversial topic aside, I was pleasantly surprised by the choice of clothes on offer and actually found it very difficult to narrow down my choices. In the end I went for this coat as anyone who knows me, knows that I have quite the soft spot for coats and I thought it would be nice to try a slightly different style. 

Coat: c/o Simply Be, shirt: vintage, jumper: Zara via charity shop, shorts: New Look, tights: Tesco, shoes: New Look
In theory I should love it. The colour is just perfect and it is lovely and warm but I think the design of the coat just looks all wrong on me. I don't think I have a long enough neck to pull off a collarless style and buttoned up is the only way of wearing it without looking completely shapeless. 


Even my usual trick of belting it didn't seem to work :( I am determined not to give up on it though as it is so well made and I really love the colour, I just need some styling tips...

Squinty face: model's own...
I felt slightly like I was wearing a school uniform with this jumper (maybe due to the scratchy navy wool?!) but I certainly never had such a cute spotty shirt for school. I wore this outfit to my first car boot the other weekend and felt slightly twee but oh so warm...

Have you ever shopped on Simply Be? How would you style a collarless coat?

13 comments

Ellie said...

I love the coat buttoned up, it reminds me of sixties shapes! I know what you mean though, I often have problems with coats being shapeless and never knowing how to accessorise so will be watching the comments closely! x

Rachel, Cold Knees said...

I think it looks lovely on you, but of course it's up to you :) Buttoned up it looks fab! x

Alice, Pretty Confused said...

I love the colour of that coat, it's absolutely amazing! You look gorgeous.

I can't say I have ever got anything from Simply Be, I always found it a bit patronising that they start at a size 12 (I can't remember exactly) but describe themselves as for plus size women. I know it says more about us as a society than them as a company but it still frustrates me that you can be smaller than the average UK woman and be described as plus sized! Madness!

At least the clothes seem to be pretty though, it's just a pity that the shape doesn't work for you. You look fantastic though, and those shorts look great on you! xo

Sarah P said...

I absolutely love this whole outfit - the colour of the coat is gorgeous and perfect for autumn.

It's funny I had no idea what size you were until you said here - you have an amazing figure (I would kill for your legs!) and from just seeing you in photos I could quite easily have put you down as being a 10-12.

Just goes to show, it's all about having the confidence to pull anything off. You look fab lady :)

xxx

Gem said...

I love it and think it looks great buttoned up and like Ellie said, it's very 60s x

daisychain said...

the colour of that coat is a beaut! x

Unknown said...

I love the 60s shape and the colour of this, and I like it buttoned up very much. if I'm feeling something is a bit shapeless I always add heels, as somehow they seemed manage to counteract the shapelessness.

Sherin said...

I've been to a few Simply Be events and have been surprised at how gorgeous and great quality their products are.
I love this coat. It's a great colour and you really are wearing it so well.

Polly said...

It was great to see how you approached the minimalist coat - it's a trend that I've been getting into myself (bought a coat off Ebay) but you're totally right about it being tricky to wear the shape. I had similar problems, however I do think that it really suits you and it's a great pop of colour.

If you want to wear it differently I would suggest unbuttoning the coat and adding a skinny belt in the middle in another shade of orange or red - this looks less severe than belting when it's already buttoned up. Alternatively, I'd add a maxi skirt underneath in a block colour with wedges.

Great post though!

Polly x

Unknown said...

Maria I think it really suits you buttoned up! I know it can be scary to look shapeless but I think you look really cool in an unfitted coat, makes your legs look really slim :) You've pulled it off without the collar too, the little blouse collar sitting on top makes it so sweet ♥ Claire @ Jazzpad

FAIIINT said...

I love this colour on you! Oh, I am so jealous that you can pull off all of these bright, bold colours! I think the coat looks great on you buttoned up, has quite a 60's vibe & I love the little collar poking over the top too! :)

Vintage Reflection said...

Could you add a waist belt to it? It's a shame as the colours great! Send it my way, i'll give it a good home haha ;-) I'd try a belt and maybe a snood scarf or how about sewing a peter pan collar to it? x

Sarasmile said...

Just discovered your blog,I love your style and this is a simple yet classy look and still stands today,beautiful coat with simple black tights and flats xx