A simple, modern look with a navy peacoat

Susan B. wears a velveteen navy peacoat, navy striped tee, slim jeans, and metallic detail oxfords.

More often than not, the simplest outfits are the ones I like the best. The trick is remembering to get out of my own way, and not overthink it. 😆 A navy peacoat and striped tee is kind of a no-brainer, but it works.

earrings (similar) | tee | jacket (similar) | bracelet (similar) | jeans | shoes (similar)

This outfit might be a bit more appropriate for spring than winter, but we had a few warm days last week and I’ve been champing at the bit to wear this velveteen peacoat. I purchased it in Milan last fall from WHYCI Milano, and it’s a perfect weight for several months out of the year in Southern California.

I really liked what I saw at the WHYCI boutique. Their styles hit that sweet spot of “simple, but with interesting details.” I tried on a lot of pieces, and found several contenders, but narrowed it down to this jacket and a lightweight sweater with fringe at the neckline & pockets. I’ll be keeping this brand on my radar.

I decided to go easy on the jewelry, and let the jacket and shoes be the focal points. So I chose a bolder earring (similar), watch, and hinged cuff bracelet (similar).

I love the swing shape of this peacoat! To balance the volume, I went with a slim ankle jean. The tee and jeans are from (you guessed it) my January wardrobe capsule. I find I’m reaching for either the striped tops or the v-neck cashmere sweater most days. We’re not going much of anywhere at the moment, so simple (and comfortable) works.

Remember when peacoats (especially navy) were a staple for many brands? (I’m looking at you 👀, J.Crew…) They’re a little more elusive this season, but here are a few options:

Detail: Clergerie "Rayane" slip-on oxford shoes.

I bought these Clergerie shoes in 2016 during a visit to NYC, and they’re still a favorite! A metallic (or animal print) shoe really zhushes up a simple outfit. (This style is currently offered in black.)

Do you have a peacoat in your wardrobe? Do you still wear it?

Come visit The Style Hub for more outfit ideas and style tips!

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21 Comments

  1. I’m loving today’s outfit. Would give my eye teeth for that jacket. It is not easy to find a jacket with the right proportions for a petite, but yours looks perfect. And those shoes are fabulous.

  2. I am loving this group of posts around your capsule wardrobe of navy! So refreshing and classic but still cool.

  3. Agree with Marcia. Love this look! I follow several similar blogs, but yours are the one I open first and I’m never disappointed.

  4. Do you have any favorite no-show socks, Susan? Love the peacoat and outfit, as a whole! Wish I did not have to wear orthopedic inserts in all my shoes (bunions, high arch, need a lot of cushioning)! It cuts out a lot of great shoes!

    1. I love Bombas no-show socks, and I’ve tried many brands. They are not bulky and don’t slide at the heel. They also donate a pair of socks for every sock purchased! I machine wash but air dry so the no slip coating on the heel doesn’t degrade.

  5. Those shoes are my favorite part of this ensemble. They hit the sweet spot between style and comfort for sure!

  6. About 15 years ago I bought a MaxMara peacoat for what was then a crazy amount of money for me. I have to say, it is the best purchase I ever made. I wear it nonstop between November and March, it’s just as beautiful as the day I brought it home, and it makes me happy every time I slip it on. At this point, the cost per wear is probably about a nickel! Truly, the definition of investment shopping!

  7. One of the things I miss most from my navy days is the great pea coat and raincoat we had. I still think it would work. These pieces like this are timeless. I wouldn’t have been allowed the great shoes though. LOL You look great.

  8. I opened the WHYCI website and their clothes are just beautiful! And I love the layout…black and white photos until you touch one, then it colorizes.
    The model for the Fall2020 collection is gorgeous!!!! Her facial bone structure!!! Wow!
    I follow several fashion/lifestyle blogs. Yours continues to be my favorite. Always stylish clothes with a bit of an edge. Makes me push my conservative (nun-like?) instincts. Keep it going.
    Thank you.

  9. Sterlingwear in Boston is a little known manufacture but makes a great peacoat – after all it makes the peacoat for the US Navy. The coats are only sold at the shop or on the website, I found them years ago through either the NYT or WSJ.. I think its product website is down right now – and there’s a notice that due to increased military orders there is a shipping delay. They are impeccably made of a tightly woven wool and wears like iron. The original style is a little boxy but there also more fitted styles.

  10. After reading your newsletters over several years, I have noticed you often wear AG jeans in different washes and styles. I’m searching for a jean brand that I can go to without hours of fitting. And now it seems the latest is to take the stretch out and make the denim heavier. Really not good for me. I’m older, haven’t gained weight but the waistline is disappearing!
    Suggestions?

    1. Hi Marilyn, if you prefer some stretch in your denim, check out Chico’s (I especially like their “Girlfriend” jeans) as well as NYDJ, and my favorite AG (some styles/washes have more stretch than others). I’ve always had a short/thick waist, and find mid-rise styles more comfortable for me than high rise.

      1. My 2 cents: I have a TOUGH time finding flattering and comfortable jeans, w/ a thick waist, moderate tummy & flat bottom and have had the most success with Chico’s So Slimming collection (quite stretchy and forgiving).