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As a shortie, I need to tread carefully if I decide to wear anything oversized. I can either look super chic, or as if I’ve constructed my shelter for the evening. There is NO in between. For over a year, my algorithm has been constantly feeding me images and videos of that Toteme scarf jacket. You know the one – the deliciously oversized coat with contrast stitching and a chic built-in scarf with fringing detail. If you’re not vertically challenged and you have the means to buy this jacket, I’m absolutely convinced you need it. I have no doubt it would look AMAZING on you.
Toteme coat (sz DK 34), Nobody Denim jeans, Wittner flats, Bellroy bag*, Status Anxiety sunglasses*
If, however, you need a step stool to navigate around your kitchen (read: you’re a shortie), then it might not be as straightforward. I deliberated for months about purchasing it for myself but I finally snatched one up for myself a few weeks ago when it was restocked at Net-A-Porter in the new khaki colour. It’s a stunner, and the colour is a beaut. I considered getting the black version last year but I couldn’t justify it considering the number of black coats I own. I didn’t need much convincing that the khaki jacket would work in my wardrobe. A couple of clicks and sleeps later, the parcel arrived at my doorstep.
LOOK AT ALL THE DELICIOUS COLOURS IT COMES IN
I was SO excited to unpack the coat and my first impressions of the fabric certainly met my expectations. The material is excellent quality, the wool has a felted quality that is both structured and soft and would keep one nice and toasty on a winter’s day. This isn’t my first rodeo with a Toteme coat either, I’ve bought one of their signature wool-blend coats a few years ago secondhand and it is amazing quality and has held up well after all these years. Toteme does not disappoint when it comes to quality.
L: Toteme coat (sz DK 34), Levi’s jeans (AU link, US link); R: Toteme coat (sz DK 34), Nobody Denim jeans, Wittner flats, Bellroy bag*, Status Anxiety sunglasses*
I went with a size DK 34 (the equivalent of a size AU 6), and as a lot of you can probably guess – I was swimming in it (I’m 5’2 or 158cm btw). Granted, I swim in lots of things, sometimes swimming in clothing is the look I’m going for, but this really felt like I was in the Pacific Ocean of fabric. I could have definitely sized down to a size DK 32. That said, I don’t think it looks that bad, but I don’t think it’s the most practical choice. Considering its already hefty price tag, getting any tailoring work done to the jacket (such as taking the arms up) would just add more to the total cost and it wouldn’t be a straightforward job either – my tailor would need to take the jacket apart at the shoulders in order to maintain the contrast stitching detail at the cuffs.
After trying it on many times during the returns window, I finally resolved to send it back. Ultimately, I struggled to style it without it looking like a tent despite loving the colour, fabric and the design features of the jacket. Fellow petites – tread carefully. Disappointment might await you. A size DK 32 might be the solution, and I might reconsider it if it’s restocked. For everyone else? The jacket really does live up to the hype!
I hope you found my Toteme scarf jacket review to be helpful! Thanks for stopping by!
P.S. You can check out all of my daily outfits here.
