I am starting my “Shop your Closet” or as we say in the UK “shop your wardrobe” post with a MaxMara coat that I think I purchased in about 2005. I was still working as an image consultant and coach in the corporate market. I wore jackets and formal clothes most days. I remember that this coat was a major purchase at the time and although I bought it in the sales it was still expensive. The fabric is divine, wonderfully soft, 70% alpaca and 30% wool.
It used to be longer about mid-calf; and I always wore with the tie belt. I had it re-modelled about four years ago as it was beginning to look like a dressing gown. I had it shortened to just below the knee and added a popper fastening at the top, so that I could wear it loose. I still occasionally wear it belted but think it looks more modern without the belt.
I have deliberately styled my coat to look casual and less corporate. I often wear a colourful scarf, however on this occasion I decided to try a tone on tone colour scheme with a pair of dark grey trousers, grey cashmere sweater and muted grey scarf. I deliberately wore my new Stan Smith sneakers, I was determined to experiment and try this look. I know this style is not for everybody. I could just as easily have worn one of my black ankle boots for a more classic feel.
How I wore my MaxMara coat with white jeans in November 2014.
Photos kindly taken by my friend Caroline.
RULE 1 – IF YOU WANT TO SHOP YOUR CLOSET SUCCESSFULLY I HIGHLY RECOMMEND YOU FIND AN EXCELLENT TAILOR/ALTERATION PERSON. IT WILL BE WELL WORTH THE EFFORT AND THE COST.
White Stan Smith sneakers available at Nordstrom and Farfetched and MyTheresa (UK).
My coat is my MaxMara very similar one at Jaeger.
Similar coats at Net-a-Porter in the sale
Hello, have only recently started following your blog . Good advice . Love the Stan Smith look
But agree it’s not everyone’s cup of tea !
A big fan of Sports Luxe look
Not sure when a wardrobe became a closet though ‘ do you have a lot of American followers ?
Thankyou enjoying your posts
Hi sarah
Thanks for your comment. Yes I do have a lot of American followers. I try and mix up the “languages” if I use the english “wardrobe” I get comments from my USA readers
Love your coat! Even in the photos you can say that it is really a quality article. Great investment piece.
Gorgeous coat, and I really like the grey scarf with it. Gives a sophisticated-casual vibe.
I was so pleased to read this post. I have a MaxMara camel coat that I bought as an investment piece in 2000 in Italy, they were still using the Lira then! it is beautiful quality but wearing it recently i realised how old fashioned it felt and looked. It’s calf length with raglan loose sleeves and though a size 8 is more like a 14 being very loose. You have inspired me to go get it cut shorter and maybe have the 4-button double breasted fit altered too. It’s unfortunate that my well-used good tailor has just closed but I have a couple of recommendations. Yours looks so lovely and modern now!
Your altered coat is beautiful. Looks wonderful, belted, and with white jeans.
You certainly got just the right light in those photos! I agree with some, that the casual, sneaker look is not for all of us: it just does not do well on me! But I am envious of those (you) who can carry it off. Looking forward to more of these posts!
Happy New Year Josephine! In the spirit of shopping my closet I have also been perusing my husband’s! He has a gorgeous, full length Hugo Boss classic, taupe wool coat which he no longer wants. It’s not that much too big for me but do you have advice on re-styling coats? I’m thinking a slight hemming and possible taking the sleeves up a tad just to prevent me from looking like I’m swimming. I want to maintain the over-size feel. Love your pics here, goes to show your great taste is timeless!
Hi Jane
I think that altered mens coats can look great on women. I think that it is important to get the sleeves the correct length and to shorten. Also I think that if the shoulders sit well it makes a difference. This however can be a tricky alteration.
Thanks Josephine! You inspired me to consider shortening a coat. Love the sneakers. may give it a try.
Agree that an excellent tailor is critical to re-styling clothing. I have made a few mistakes (now unusable clothing) but found a great tailor who will advise me to tailor or not to tailor.
Love these neutral styles…great coats!
The white jeans with white shoes & white t-neck makes me wonder if you you’re on your way to the hospital for your other job!
Oops! Please forgive the extra “you”, I don’t know how that got in! “The white jeans with white shoes & white t-neck makes me wonder if you you’re on your way to the hospital for your other job!”
Good idea to have such a beautiful coat updated. Personally, I like it better belted.
Max Mara really makes beautiful coats…it’s an Italian thing…all that wonderful stitching. This one looks downright luxurious.