[HanEyeAm]

Hello,
I went shopping for a car coat and ended up with this wool-blend, Nautica overcoat in charcoal (I'm showing the camel because the store didn't have charcoal in my size so it isn't yet in-hand and camel shows the style better).

I am mid-40s and looking to wear it on the casual side, like for date night out for dinner and movie.

I'm a bit at a loss for layering options. I have read up on general rules for layering so I think I am good on the basics of color, textures, and patterns. I am not a turtleneck guy and would like alternatives to my trusty scarves.

I like the "bib" look of typical car coats and have seen some overcoats with bibs. I think the relatively thin and notched collar makes casual layering a bit more tricky, though.

What do you think?

 

[SG_67]

Seeing as how when you’re indoors it will be off, all that really matters is layering for the proper level of warmth and comfort.

 

[HanEyeAm]

Seeing as how when you're indoors it will be off, all that really matters is layering for the proper level of warmth and comfort.

True. Perhaps I'm overthinking it.

Maybe a better way of asking this, is what is an example of your favorite way to wear an overcoat in a casual style?

I'm mid-40s and won't be doing the t-shirt, jeans, and white sneakers thing. Perhaps this...

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[215339]

Cardigan/Shawl Cardigan
OCBD/Other BD
Khakis
Suede wingtips/chukkas.

That's basically what I do. Although I admit I also wear t-shirts underneath shawl cardigans when going outside as well.

 

[SG_67]

I tend to always layer a sweater or cardigan over a shirt (turtlenecks being an obvious exception to this).

If the weather is appropriate, then I’ll put on a coat. I honestly don’t think about it that hard.

 

[momsdoc]

I don’t like the way crew neck sweaters look without a collared shirt underneath. It looks naked and unfinished. I don’t like seeing a tee shirt under a V-Neck, it looks sloppy showing your underwear. I wear a long sleeve tee shirt underneath my turtle and mock turtlenecks. This is to protect the sweater from my sweat and skin, as well as for comfort from the itchiness of wool sweaters.

 

[Searching_Best_Fit]

The "bib" thing on the overcoat that you showed can be really helpful once the temperature drops to below freezing point. It kind of negates the use of scarf.

If no scarf look is something you look for, try a cardigan or sweater that has solid *lapels* and thick enough to close the throat of the overcoat. Have a collared shirt as base, wear this thick sweater/cardigan and then the overcoat. You can play around with different colors of shirt/cardigan/overcoat to make it interesting and yet give you enough warmth.

 

[HanEyeAm]

The "bib" thing on the overcoat that you showed can be really helpful once the temperature drops to below freezing point. It kind of negates the use of scarf.

If no scarf look is something you look for, try a cardigan or sweater that has solid *lapels* and thick enough to close the throat of the overcoat. Have a collared shirt as base, wear this thick sweater/cardigan and then the overcoat. You can play around with different colors of shirt/cardigan/overcoat to make it interesting and yet give you enough warmth.

Interesting, and thanks for the recommendation. Something like these?

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[Searching_Best_Fit]

Interesting, and thanks for the recommendation. Something like these?

Yes indeed. There are many options to choose from and keep you warm.

 

[Semper Jeep]

I don't like the way crew neck sweaters look without a collared shirt underneath. It looks naked and unfinished. I don't like seeing a tee shirt under a V-Neck, it looks sloppy showing your underwear. I wear a long sleeve tee shirt underneath my turtle and mock turtlenecks. This is to protect the sweater from my sweat and skin, as well as for comfort from the itchiness of wool sweaters.

This 100%.

I am a big fan of crew neck sweaters and think they can look good under a sportcoat or layered with an overcoat but they absolutely need a collared shirt under them. And add me to the list of folks who don't want to see your t-shirt under a v-neck (or under anything really - I don't want to see your t-shirt).

But in the end it's important to remember this is all personal preference and subjective.

 

[215339]

I don't like the way crew neck sweaters look without a collared shirt underneath. It looks naked and unfinished. I don't like seeing a tee shirt under a V-Neck, it looks sloppy showing your underwear. I wear a long sleeve tee shirt underneath my turtle and mock turtlenecks. This is to protect the sweater from my sweat and skin, as well as for comfort from the itchiness of wool sweaters.

This 100%.

I am a big fan of crew neck sweaters and think they can look good under a sportcoat or layered with an overcoat but they absolutely need a collared shirt under them. And add me to the list of folks who don't want to see your t-shirt under a v-neck (or under anything really - I don't want to see your t-shirt).

But in the end it's important to remember this is all personal preference and subjective.

I don't understand the aversion to crewnecks with no collared shirt. It doesn't add or take away much to the look, as opposed to a v-neck sweater

 

[momsdoc]

A crew neck looks more complete with a collared shirt as above, or as below.

 

[Searching_Best_Fit]

I don't understand the aversion to crewnecks with no collared shirt. It doesn't add or take away much to the look, as opposed to a v-neck sweater.

There is a functional reason behind this aversion. The collar of the collar shirt shields your neck from the collar of jacket or overcoat, so that the collar of jacket or overcoat will not be soiled by the dead skin cells or sweat from your neck. That, in fact, is the main reason I agree with this statement. Not because of crew or v-neck sweater.

Although, without a collar shirt underneath, the collar-less t-shirt, or no shirt as the other human-hair-discovered-in-merino-wool-sweather thread suggests, under a sweater looks empty as suggested.

 

[HanEyeAm]

This 100%.

I am a big fan of crew neck sweaters and think they can look good under a sportcoat or layered with an overcoat but they absolutely need a collared shirt under them. And add me to the list of folks who don't want to see your t-shirt under a v-neck (or under anything really - I don't want to see your t-shirt).

But in the end it's important to remember this is all personal preference and subjective.

Maybe ask a younger gal for her take. I have a feeling (whether she is aware or not) that there is something tantalizing about the exposed neck in contrast to an otherwise more formal, structured outfit.

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[HanEyeAm]

OP here. The posts have been helpful, thank you.

Unfortunately, the ordered charcoal coat did not fit as well as the OTR camel one (too much room under outer shoulder and unacceptable amount of lift when raising arms and sitting down. A little wide and reflecting my sloped shoulders.).

My tastes have finally outgrown my wallet.

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[ilikeyourstyle]

I like a v-neck sweater worn over a collared button-up shirt and typically with a scarf through the winter. Without a scarf, a sweater looks a bit funny to me under a coat like that with such exposure in the front. I prefer a higher gorge cool weather coat for that reason, and also because a higher gorge just seems better at protecting from the cold.

I do not like the bib or half-zip look under that type of coat. It can be done with a scarf, but without one, it looks like a mismatch to me.