How is your coat wardrobe looking?
One of my passions has always been a great coat. And one of my biggest bug-bears is a lovely outfit with a crappy coat thrown over the top. At this time of year when summer is over but full-on winter is still a few months away, I believe you need a stylish, versatile, lightweight coat that works over most, if not all of your outfits.
When I was approached by my very favourite coat brand recently to discuss a possible collaboration I was thrilled to bits. I’ve been talking about, loving and wearing this brand for years so to be invited to discuss working together felt like a big moment. I turn down opportunities to work with brands all-the-time. I’m not interested in pedalling new must-have items on the daily, because I believe in buying well and wearing for years and what I teach in my programs and at my events is how to spot what truly suits you so that you can more easily invest in quality and always feel like you have the right thing to wear.
So, its with great excitement that I am writing (once again!) about a truly fabulous brand, Protected Species, with a view to you thinking about your own coat collection and whether you have all bases covered. If you haven’t yet heard me harping on about this wonderful brand, it was created by a desire for a product that they say they needed but couldn’t find. In their words ‘we wanted serious rainwear every day, an aesthetic for every setting (not just for climbing a hill) and cuts and fabrics which were comfortable and reflected who we were.’ They have impressive sustainability credentials too which I know you care about as much as I do. Visit their website for the full story.
If on reading this blog, you realise that you’re ready for a new coat to add to your wardrobe, make sure to use my discount code, HELEN20 – which’ll give you a whopping 20% off the full price.
Casual Outfits:
To me, casual dressing is not scruffy or thrown together, it’s relaxed, stylish and easy. Whether your casual outfits consist of gym wear or jeans with a jumper, you need the right coat to complete the look.
My favourite casual coat that I wear all-year-round is the Protected Species Waterproof City Walker. This easy to wear style comes in several different colours.
And, although this (and the entire range) is 100% waterproof, I don’t reserve this for rainy days – it’s a lightweight sporty look that goes brilliantly over my gym kit AND my jeans. I’ve had mine for several years now and it’s still used several times a week.
THE Waterproof City Walker
Smart Casual:
For those times when you want to look slightly elevated but not as though you’ve made a whole load of effort, you need your coat to do the practical job you require but also give off the right vibe.
The Waterproof Commuter was my very first Protected Species purchase and it’s the one that made me a super-fan! I wore it to death and finally was able to stop wrangling with brollies on my personal shopping trips in London where I was in and out of stores on rainy days. This coat keeps me warm and dry with the perfect sized hood keeping my hair dry and away from the curly, frizz prone-hair issues.
This is the perfect style for those in-between smart/casual outfits and is particularly good for anyone with a ‘straight’ figure type who feels like a sack of spuds in belted styles. This comes in 4 different colours which you can view here.
THE Waterproof Commuter
Smart:
Now, I purchased this style as a smart option but also because I wanted a lighter coloured coat for spring/summer time (I have it in atmosphere white). I love how this is the style of a smart trench coat but in such a lightweight, easy fabric with no stiffness. I choose to tie the belt at the back as I am a sack-of-spuds with a waist-belt, but if you suit being cinched in, this is a great option for you.
I say I bought this one for smarter outfits but from time to time, I grab this one off the hook thinking it’s my City Walker style (because they are the same colour) and I have to say, worn over my gym kit it feels really rather fabulous! So if I’m nipping into Sainsburys post-class, I feel suitably covered up and good about my life choices.
I’d say if you are in for one versatile rain coat, this could be the best option. This style comes in 5 colours here.
THE Waterproof Trench
Check out the other gorgeous styles!
In the years since I made my own purchases, I’ve seen there are now even more gorgeous styles to choose from. If you like the oversized look, check out the Odyssey option here. I love the look of the Quest here too for an oversized shorter jacket.
Whether or not I can justify another option is debatable, but if you are tempted and decide to treat yourself, make sure you use my discount code – HELEN20 to save 20% on the full price.
If you have any questions about your choice, give them a call. They are a small business and incredibly helpful and customer-focussed.
If you want to know about the sustainability credentials, the technicalities of their gorgeous fabric, sizing details or anything else, do take a good look at the website or give the team a call. They’ll be happy to help.
As you can tell, I’m a super fan!
Is it time to banish that old anorak and uplevel your coat game? I hope so.
