Ted Baker Overcoat, Charcoal

Ted Baker is a fashion house that I can honestly say I am a huge fan of. If I had my own fashion brand, it would be similar to Ted’s style. The prints, the boldness, the detail - I really do find myself marvelling at his works.

A quality overcoat is an investment

The truth is, I’ve barely ever been able to afford the items, with most of my small collection coming by way of sites which sell items for cheaper. Or finding items in charity shops outside London at eye-popping low prices. How I came to find myself in this particular overcoat was a good few years back. 

I heard something said by someone who had invested in a small collection of expensive jackets, rather than buying lots of cheap jackets. The idea was that lots of cheap jackets lead to more unnecessary items, but also a one way ticket to quick decline. An overcoat was said to be one of those items that you don’t want to buy cheap. An expensive one will last you, and will serve you well. I was happy with my collection of cheap jackets. I had very few overcoats though and I loved the way an overcoat could make an outfit.

Browsing Ted Baker, Westfields

It was just meant to be a browse when I discovered this particular Ted Baker overcoat (isn’t it always?) in the White City Westfields store. I’m not even sure I was looking for overcoats, so I always say it found me. And before I knew it, I was sold. Perhaps it was the sales assistant who made me feel like for a moment, I was more than just the average Joe. I may not remember his name, but I do remember the service. It was exceptional. I’m sure he even decided on the colour; I think I was swaying toward black.

The overcoat fit like a glove. It was simple, yet so sharp. The classic, floral inner lining made the charcoal on the outside seem like the door to a secret after party. At the time, I was mortgage free and was doing better with money than I usually did, so I bought it (along with a Ted Baker satchel) and rendered myself completely absent from the transaction.

How the years fly by

It’s been some years since I bought this overcoat. Sadly, the original one was stolen (or “accidentally taken”) at a New Years Eve party in a cocktail bar in Putney. The night also ended with a fight, where an acquaintance knocked out another guy then had to make a swift exit before the police arrived. That was the last NYE party outside of family events that I have been too.

I got a new one in the sale and wore it sparingly afterwards. I’ve found myself wearing it a lot in the last few months, having kept it stored away for over a year in favour of thicker, bomber jackets. Wearing it again feels like the very first time. While I have two other overcoats in my collection, they don’t compare in quality and design. 

On reflection.

Do I believe you have to invest in an expensive overcoat for longevity? No. One of my other overcoats I’ve had for many years and it’s incredible how many compliments I get from it from people who have seen it many times before, mistaking it for new each time.

So while I don’t think you always have to spend extra to get longevity (in fact, I’ve had expensive items that have gone to shit in the shortest time), I do agree that an expensive overcoat can be a worthwhile investment.