I wear my Macpac puffer when it’s cold, and I take it off when I get to the office. Largely because the office is warm.
Sounds like you’re a candidate for a knit/jumper of some sort. One that won’t crease with a fold.
I’d say any jacket that you can easily fold, that will also be warm, might look a bit crumpled or misshapen once you do fold it. A coat is a more “dressy” look — but you want to avoid blazers, so a coat is in the same realm.
Unfortunately with stylish/practical work outerwear, it’s often stuff that isn’t easy to pack/fold.
Dunno about arcteryx mate I'm too poor for that. My Macpac is the Halo Down without a hood in black so its basically Melbourne uniform. Had it for a year and apart from the rare tiny feather sticking out of it maybe 2% of the time its been lovely.
This one good? [https://arcteryx.com.au/products/atom-hoody-mens-x00000748702?variant=43726239203586](https://arcteryx.com.au/products/atom-hoody-mens-x00000748702?variant=43726239203586)
I’ve got the unhooded version and it’s the best jacket I’ve ever owned. I’m never buying another casual jacket, I’m only gonna buy these Atoms from now on. Different colours or just replace the one I have when I need to.
For work I’ve got my blazers and suits, but for everything else it’s going to be Arc’teryx. My mates have all got one too now and it’s all we wear, they’re that good.
Yep! I only hang blazers/suit jackets on a hanger on the coat rack to keep shape, but I almost always forget them when I leave. The Macpac isn’t as precious so it can hang on my chair
So it seems like a minor issue since Macpac is higher quality? Only a few feathers at worst? The first time I wore a uniqlo one, it made my black shirt look all dusty since the feathers were all over me.
I have had a Macpac for years and it never sheds more than a few feathers a season, and I’ve never found one on my clothes. I have friends with the same jacket and they never mention the feathers coming out. I also have a North Face down jacket and it’s the same. They’re just higher quality with better stitching.
They’re different styles and it depends on what you want. There’s no right or wrong, and as you said, you want to dress more casually/informally at work, so a puffer is more versatile. You can wear the puffer with basically any outfit, anywhere (aside from formal events). A trench coat/coat is a bit more dressed-up and looks better with a business shirt and chinos/slacks/suit.
I purchased a kmart trench last year and it's still good. But if I had the money I would buy something better quality and better suited to my long arms. Otherwise I wear a cape, I don't have to wrangle my sleeves into a coat when I am wearing loose sleeved clothing.
considering smart casual and entry level, just get a simple uniqlo puffer. They have really light puffers that are warm and suitable for all weathers and they are pretty cheap.
Yep I have that problem too haha. Regardless the brand isnt important, a light puffer will suit all your needs. If you really dont want a puffer, try a sweater, cardigan or shirt jacket.
Maybe a bomber jacket or quilted jacket will work.
Although they say you should dress for the position you want. If it's an office job then why not get a blazer? They look smart and it looks pretty relaxed if you're not wearing a tie.
For smart casual, I think blazer + tshirt works, but not with a button dress shirt, since that looks a bit more formal and would be more suitable for low to medium management. I got an entry level role so I don't want to overstep
I used to wear a rain jacket over the top of my suit. It rolled up small when wasn't needed, and did the job when raining.
I have since moved to a Milwaukee heated jacket when it's really cold. Best. Thing. Ever.
I can’t tell you how warm it is, because I haven’t got it yet but I just ordered this.
https://www.citybeach.com/au/dexter-conceal-jacket/20354756-01.html
Under $35 posted. It could be the look you are going for.
Trench coats are for rain not warmth.
Overcoat/peacoat for warmth, otherwise just wear a puffer/parka unless you work in a really formal position.
Once you're in the office it's probably so warm you can walk around like it's summer.
Harrington Jacket? Ben Sherman is the go to for around the $150 mark but unsure if it will be warm enough for Melbourne weather
https://bensherman.com.au/product/signature-harrington-jacket/BS0047822170.html
It all depends on your location - State & City? I would suggest a blazer for smart casual. You do not want plain/solid fabrics (unless where micro-designed or cotton) - you want patterned fabric for your blazers (Checks, Prince of Wales, Ultra-checks). The weight of the fabric will make the difference in providing the warmth needed.
I am not aware of your financials, but MTM would be your best bet for the above. However, based on your low entry position, you might want to look at local stores.
Bro, you can get away with Blazers. You are entering a new era in your life where you ought to dress for success. Set the trend and express your uniqueness. Your colleagues can either love your sense of style or hate it. And let's be honest, Haters are going to hate. Who TF cares?
Don't fall for the down jackets. you do not work in the Swiss Alps... And the streets of Melbourne are surely not a trek to Mt Everest. It's a reason why they call it Outerwear.
Do you have a budget?
My budget is flexible from $100-400 depending on the quality and brand desirability. I don't want to have to maintain blazers by ironing them or getting them dry cleaned, even though I like the clean look.
I think the down jackets or parkas are better since I can just wipe them, and I see everyone on the train who looks like they're going to the office wearing a down jacket
Doesn't get overly cold in Melbourne. I opt for a windbreaker (Kathmandu goretex in case it rains) over a sweater. Office is cold so the sweater is worn year round.
I wear my Macpac puffer when it’s cold, and I take it off when I get to the office. Largely because the office is warm. Sounds like you’re a candidate for a knit/jumper of some sort. One that won’t crease with a fold. I’d say any jacket that you can easily fold, that will also be warm, might look a bit crumpled or misshapen once you do fold it. A coat is a more “dressy” look — but you want to avoid blazers, so a coat is in the same realm. Unfortunately with stylish/practical work outerwear, it’s often stuff that isn’t easy to pack/fold.
A Macpac is honestly all I need. Leave it hung on the back of my chair and its there when I leave
I was thinking of this too. If I was going to buy an arcteryx on my minimum wage job, it would get stolen. Which model to get?
Dunno about arcteryx mate I'm too poor for that. My Macpac is the Halo Down without a hood in black so its basically Melbourne uniform. Had it for a year and apart from the rare tiny feather sticking out of it maybe 2% of the time its been lovely.
Get the Arcteryx Atom if you’re gonna get one. Super light, has some waterproofing and looks very unassuming.
This one good? [https://arcteryx.com.au/products/atom-hoody-mens-x00000748702?variant=43726239203586](https://arcteryx.com.au/products/atom-hoody-mens-x00000748702?variant=43726239203586)
I’ve got the unhooded version and it’s the best jacket I’ve ever owned. I’m never buying another casual jacket, I’m only gonna buy these Atoms from now on. Different colours or just replace the one I have when I need to. For work I’ve got my blazers and suits, but for everything else it’s going to be Arc’teryx. My mates have all got one too now and it’s all we wear, they’re that good.
Yep! I only hang blazers/suit jackets on a hanger on the coat rack to keep shape, but I almost always forget them when I leave. The Macpac isn’t as precious so it can hang on my chair
You have hangers at the office?
We do yes. Each “section” has a coat rack and some hangers for jackets that need a hanger.
I think the macpac is perfect. Which one do you have? I also need it to be low maintenance since I'm lazy and don't want to iron it
Is there pilling with the macpac? I had a uniqlo puffer a long time ago and it would shed feathers which I found annoying
Some feathers will come out but it’s *very* occasional. And they’re tiny. This is how all down jackets are from what I’ve experienced and heard.
So it seems like a minor issue since Macpac is higher quality? Only a few feathers at worst? The first time I wore a uniqlo one, it made my black shirt look all dusty since the feathers were all over me.
I have had a Macpac for years and it never sheds more than a few feathers a season, and I’ve never found one on my clothes. I have friends with the same jacket and they never mention the feathers coming out. I also have a North Face down jacket and it’s the same. They’re just higher quality with better stitching.
Is there any difference between the puffer style jackets or is the coat/trench coat better?
They’re different styles and it depends on what you want. There’s no right or wrong, and as you said, you want to dress more casually/informally at work, so a puffer is more versatile. You can wear the puffer with basically any outfit, anywhere (aside from formal events). A trench coat/coat is a bit more dressed-up and looks better with a business shirt and chinos/slacks/suit.
any good brands or models for a trench coat? I heard mac pac isn't as good quality anymore these days
Trench or an overcoat
Which brands and their models?
I purchased a kmart trench last year and it's still good. But if I had the money I would buy something better quality and better suited to my long arms. Otherwise I wear a cape, I don't have to wrangle my sleeves into a coat when I am wearing loose sleeved clothing.
considering smart casual and entry level, just get a simple uniqlo puffer. They have really light puffers that are warm and suitable for all weathers and they are pretty cheap.
I had a uniqlo puffer a long time ago but I didn't like it because the feathers kept leaking and would get stuck on my shirt
Yep I have that problem too haha. Regardless the brand isnt important, a light puffer will suit all your needs. If you really dont want a puffer, try a sweater, cardigan or shirt jacket.
Maybe a bomber jacket or quilted jacket will work. Although they say you should dress for the position you want. If it's an office job then why not get a blazer? They look smart and it looks pretty relaxed if you're not wearing a tie.
For smart casual, I think blazer + tshirt works, but not with a button dress shirt, since that looks a bit more formal and would be more suitable for low to medium management. I got an entry level role so I don't want to overstep
A blazer is fine for smart casual with or without a button shirt. it seems like you're overthinking it.
Field jacket. You can fold and stow it away easily and it will keep you warm enough during your commute.
I used to wear a rain jacket over the top of my suit. It rolled up small when wasn't needed, and did the job when raining. I have since moved to a Milwaukee heated jacket when it's really cold. Best. Thing. Ever.
I can’t tell you how warm it is, because I haven’t got it yet but I just ordered this. https://www.citybeach.com/au/dexter-conceal-jacket/20354756-01.html Under $35 posted. It could be the look you are going for.
I like that!
Trench coats are for rain not warmth. Overcoat/peacoat for warmth, otherwise just wear a puffer/parka unless you work in a really formal position. Once you're in the office it's probably so warm you can walk around like it's summer.
Wouldn't a canada goose trench coat be both water proof and warm? Not that I can afford it Any suggestions for overcoats, peacoats or parkas?
It would but that's no really a traditional trench coat.
Fratagonia vest Burberry coat Pea coat button up Tech bro branded swag jumper Lots of options
>Burberry coat I ain't affording that on minimum wage
Just op shop a jacket or go to Oxford or Reuben f
Harrington Jacket? Ben Sherman is the go to for around the $150 mark but unsure if it will be warm enough for Melbourne weather https://bensherman.com.au/product/signature-harrington-jacket/BS0047822170.html
It all depends on your location - State & City? I would suggest a blazer for smart casual. You do not want plain/solid fabrics (unless where micro-designed or cotton) - you want patterned fabric for your blazers (Checks, Prince of Wales, Ultra-checks). The weight of the fabric will make the difference in providing the warmth needed. I am not aware of your financials, but MTM would be your best bet for the above. However, based on your low entry position, you might want to look at local stores.
I’m in melb
Bro, you can get away with Blazers. You are entering a new era in your life where you ought to dress for success. Set the trend and express your uniqueness. Your colleagues can either love your sense of style or hate it. And let's be honest, Haters are going to hate. Who TF cares? Don't fall for the down jackets. you do not work in the Swiss Alps... And the streets of Melbourne are surely not a trek to Mt Everest. It's a reason why they call it Outerwear. Do you have a budget?
My budget is flexible from $100-400 depending on the quality and brand desirability. I don't want to have to maintain blazers by ironing them or getting them dry cleaned, even though I like the clean look. I think the down jackets or parkas are better since I can just wipe them, and I see everyone on the train who looks like they're going to the office wearing a down jacket
Doesn't get overly cold in Melbourne. I opt for a windbreaker (Kathmandu goretex in case it rains) over a sweater. Office is cold so the sweater is worn year round.
Doesn’t get overly cold in Melbourne?!?
Not cold enough for a trench coat/overcoat. Usually maximums are around 10-12 in winter and minimums above 4.