When I received my Universal Standard Mystery Box, one of the items was the Universal Standard Willow Coat. This is a coat that I would never have picked for myself, but has become my favorite coat to wear this winter. Below is my Universal Standard Willow Coat review.
Universal Standard Willow Coat Review
Okay, the fabric (this beautiful tight weave wool knit) is gorgeous. But the color? Blush?!? Well you know my thoughts on soft neutrals, it's not a color I would usually choose for my wardrobe. And the cocoon style of the Universal Standard Willow Coat makes it oversized and retro-looking (think a luxe alternative to John Bender's iconic coat).
I thought I looked as though I was playing dress-up when I first tried the coat over a dress that also came in my Universal Standard Luxe Mystery Box but with some creative posing, made it work. But then running a few errands after the shoot I realized how incredibly great this coat is.
It always is a boost when a stranger compliments you, and even bundled up and wearing a mask and sunglasses, I had a stranger ask about this coat. But I found heading into the store, getting in and out of the car, searching my pockets for keys and gloves, I saw the beauty in the Universal Standard Willow Coat.
And now it's the coat I reach for any time it's a dry winter day. The oversized style is very on-trend; it sort of reminds me of a long ivory dress coat I had in college and as a young adult; it felt very nonchalant luxe to throw it on over my cocktail dress for a fraternity dated party, worked great over interview suits, and kept me warm for many a fall funeral, outdoor wedding, and post-church coffee chats. This coat from Universal Standard is just as versatile.
This isn't the coat I wear on freezing mornings when taking the dog out. It's not the coat I wear when there's a chance of rain or snow. I like it best John Bender style with a scarf when it's windy (a pashmina is a nice way to fill the neckline but also have it look chic peeking out when unbuttoned).
But this is an amazing throw-on-and-go coat that doesn't make you look as though you just threw on a coat over the leggings you're wearing today and also wore yesterday. And the oversized style means it fits over that turtleneck under a fleece topped with a pashmina. And that blush color? It somehow makes my black leggings and well-loved fleece look chic.
What I Wore Under the Coat
As for the rest of the look... the sweater is this one from Chico's and it's super nice. I ordered a similar sweater during the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale and returned it; I like how this one is washable yet just as soft. I have this tank under it. The jeans are also from Chico's; this style specifically in 2 petite. They're super comfy, like the kind of jeans you can sit in all day, but they're not a skinny jean and they don't slide down my rear each time I get up from my desk chair.
The boots are from Vionic; I've worn them a few times before. They come in a variety of colors but I think this brown is so chic and loved how they made a statement instead of a black boot with a black sweater. They have great arch support, an 8 medium fits my wider feet, and they're waterproof! Oh, and they're currently on sale at Nordstrom.
The sunglasses are Ray-Ban; they are sold out at Nordstrom where I got them, but I found them at the Ray-Ban site. The and are Chico's, the earrings are Baublebar, the bag is Maxwell Scott and several years old, the sparkly ring is Sorrelli and the brushed gold one is Chico's.
