There’s no doubt if you snapped up one of the Theory Wool Trench Coats at the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale already, you got pretty darn lucky: they went fast. And yes, there’s always a chance a return or two will come in, but I suspect they’ll be few and far between, the coat is that good.
So when our readers asked us to find some alternate options for that coat — ones that make their hearts beat just as fast — we were all over it. As as I looked around…I was reminded — again — that it’s easy to get tunnel vision when shopping the #NSale, and there’s a whole, great, big, wide world out there…soooo…..in short?
We found some good ones.
Best Of The #NSale: The Notorious Theory Trench Coat & More Statement Jackets For Fall
You guys first saw it in my wishlist leading up to the sale…
1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 (sold out) (similar pair here & here) / 6 (not on sale) / 7 / 8 / 9 / 10
11 / 12 / 13 / 14 / 15 / 16 / 17 / 18 / 19
…and then later in my dressing room selfies. It’s the kind of coat that makes even the most basic t-shirt and jeans outfits look put together, but can also take a dress next-level.
NOTES On the Theory Wool Trench Coat: It runs a bit small, so if you do encounter this unicorn, size up. It’s also drapey as f*** so even though it’s a bit big, it’ll still work. That said, it’s not a January winter coat — at least not in the Northeast. It’ll work for cold Fall days — and milder winter ones — but it’s more of a lightweight coat.
Top Left: Coat | Dress | Boots | Find Similar Bags Here
Top Right: Coat | Sweater | Jeans (not in the sale) | Boots | Find Similar Bags Here
Bottom Left: Coat | Bra | Top | Jeans | Boots | Find Similar Bags Here
Bottom Right: Coat | Jeans (not in the sale) | Sneakers | Find Similar Bags Here
Alternative Trench Coats That Look The Most Similar
These coats are the most similar to the Theory one in obvious ways: color, fabric and shape. But they’re not the only option. [Oooo…foreshadowing….]
Why I’m Really Excited About Statement Coats This Fall
If we take my wish list — which basically is my ideal capsule wardrobe for, say, going to Paris or something (I was dreaming of post-pandemic OK?) — and swap in various statement coats…the whole vibe changes, but subtly. It still looks like me, it’s still very much my style, but the vibe is different.
I want to be clear: the vibe is not better or worse, it’s just different. Which is why I think statement coats — in this new era of outdoor socializing — are going to be the new big thing, the easiest way to change up your look. Observe:
1. Pendleton Plaid | 2. FRAME Faux Shearling | 3. Bernardo Giraffe Print
4. Vince Faux Fur Moto | 5. Sam Edelman Coat | 6. Bernardo Plaid
See what I mean? Now let’s take a closer look….
The Best Statement Coats In The Nordstrom Anniversary Sale
There are a few sold-out coats in the graphic above (we seriously can’t keep up), so here are the coats that I can both endorse….AND are still in-stock.
1. Pendleton’s Forest Park Double Breasted Wool Blend Coat
This coat, despite the fact that it looks NOTHING like the Theory coat, is a really solid option, and my top pick from the #NSale pieces. The plaid reads as a classic, and is best treated as a neutral: pair it with EVERYTHING.
Pendleton Forest Park Double Breasted Wool Blend Coat
Furthermore, I now actually own this coat, and can report that it’s insanely warm. This is a coat that will last all winter — even in the freezing Northeast. Also, the wool is so soft and drapey, and the coat literally looked good with everything I paired it with…that it’s now rocketed up to one of my very top picks in the sale. Pendleton never goes out of style, either. Truly a really special investment piece.
Left Look: Coat | Jeans (not in the sale) | Boots | Find Similar Bags Here
Right Look: Coat | Sweater | Jeans (sold out) (similar pair here & here) | Boots
2. FRAME Faux Shearling Jacket
A moto jacket like this changes the vibe completely…but still works with literally everything. I ordered this a week ago, but thanks to some of the summer storms…it’s been delayed. We did have one reader mention that there’s a defect in hers (one of the seams is oddly visible) but I’m hoping that’s a one-off. I have a FRAME shearling coat from a few years ago, and the quality was top-notch. I’ll post a picture to social once this coat comes in.
3. Bernardo Giraffe Print Car Coat
There’s something about this print that is both very exciting and very neutral. I’m also partial to this 3/4 length — I think it’s really versatile.
I was able to get my hands on this coat and loved it. It’s a lighter weight (more like the Theory one) but not quite as drapey. That said, it’s also a fraction of the cost. One of those coats that will make an outfit. I’m a big fan.
Coat | Sweater | Jeans | Sneakers
4. Vince Faux Fur Moto Jacket
I’m in this space where I’m now wondering…how many coats can a girl actually use?Because if the answer is at least three (yes?? THREE?) then I want to keep this one AND the Pendleton as well. (Oh wait…and Giraffe coat? Now I’m in trouble.)
In any case, there’s something…casual about this Vince moto jacket that makes it exceptionally easy to wear.
Also, this coat is nice and toasty warm. I can totally see myself rocking it in the winter over a turtleneck. It’s not as warm as the Pendleton, but faux-fur tends to do surprisingly well in winter months. Fit is TTS.
Top Left: Coat | Sweater | Jeans | Find Similar Bags Here
Top Right: Coat | Jeans (sold out) (similar pair here & here) | Mules | Find Similar Bags Here
Bottom Left: Coat | Sweater | Jeans (in the sale) | Jeans (not in the sale) | Boots
Bottom Right: Coat | Top | Sweatpants | Sneakers | Find Similar Bags Here
5. Sam Edelman Camel Notched Collar Coat
This is the style of coat I’ve been looking for — for years. I ended up going with the Theory wool trench, but this coat is still basically perfect. It comes in a bunch of colors, is the right 3/4 length for someone a bit taller than me, and is really well-tailored.
Sam Edelman Notched Collar Wool Blend Coat
6. Bernardo Plaid Coat
I keep coming back to this coat because — like the giraffe print one — it has a gorgeous, statement making print (one I can’t stop thinking about) that reads like a neutral. It looks longer than the other coats here — I’m not sure petites could carry it off (between the print and the length) — but on someone tall? GORGEOUS.
7. Statement Coats On Crazy Sale Elsewhere
It dawned on me that August is a really good time to be searching for madly discounted statement coats. Granted, only the #Nsale discounts new merchandise, but I figured there were some gems to be found. So I searched through Nordies, Bloomies, Shopbop, Net-a-Porter and others to see what I could find. And? Yup: Some really good stuff.
Are you guys looking at statement coats as a staple this Fall? If so…which one are you leaning toward? (Oh, and if you’re not over the #NSale yet, go to our guide for more coverage.)
xo,
S
