The winter coat you'll actually be glad to put on.
On the waterproof hooded coat with a warm lining, a soft fleecy collar and a flattering fitted line — made for wet commutes, snowy porches and every cold errand in between.
I am 59 years old, and somewhere along the way getting dressed stopped being a pleasure. The comfortable things in my closet were shapeless and dull; the pretty things pinched, clung, or showed more arm than I wanted to show. So most mornings I settled for “fine.”
I didn't realize how much that wore on me until a friend from my book club turned up to lunch looking relaxed and elegant at the same time. When I asked where her dress was from, she smiled and told me to read the Wrenley family's letter before I bought anything.
The Wrenley Family runs a small boutique, family-owned since 1996. Their letter walks through the handful of things they refused to compromise on. I am going to let their words carry it, because they say it better than I could.
1Waterproof, so the weather stays outside
The Velma has a waterproof outer shell that keeps rain, sleet and wind out on a long walk home. A zipper with a snap-over placket closes it up snugly, so the cold doesn't creep in through the front.
2Warm, without doubling the thickness
Inside sits an insulated lining that holds the heat in — warm enough to sit on a snowy bench lacing up your boots, but never so thick that you feel like you're wearing a sleeping bag. The soft, fleecy collar feels lovely against your neck.
3A hood that's ready the moment it turns
The full-coverage hood is lined with the same soft, fleecy texture, so it's warm the instant you pull it up. When the weather turns without warning, you're covered — no umbrella, no hat hair.
4A fitted line that flatters
So many winter coats turn into a shapeless box. The Velma follows a gently fitted line through the body, so you look neat and put-together — even over a chunky sweater and jeans.
5The coat you grab on your way out
It hangs by the door, ready for the school run, the grocery store or a winter walk. Two flap pockets keep your keys, phone and gloves close, and it goes with everything from jeans to a wool skirt.
6Six colors, up to 3XL
Choose from gray, black, navy blue, khaki, green or red, in sizes S all the way to 3XL. It's made to fit the woman — not to make the woman fit the coat.
The Velma, against the winter coats you've been buying
| Typical winter coat | The Velma | |
|---|---|---|
| Weather | Soaks through in the rain | A waterproof outer shell |
| Warmth | Thin, or bulky and heavy | An insulated lining, warm without the bulk |
| Hood | None, or a thin flap | A full hood with a soft fleecy lining |
| Shape | A shapeless box | A flattering fitted line |
| Pockets | Small and fiddly | Roomy flap pockets |
- Soaks through in the rain
- Thin, or bulky and heavy
- None, or a thin flap
- A shapeless box
- Small and fiddly
- A waterproof outer shell
- An insulated lining, warm without the bulk
- A full hood with a soft fleecy lining
- A flattering fitted line
- Roomy flap pockets
Why it's on sale right now
This year the Wrenley Family celebrates its 30th anniversary — family-owned since 1996. To thank the women who have shopped with them over the years, they are holding an anniversary sale: the Velma is normally priced at $269.95, and for the anniversary it is $79.95 — 70% off, in all six colors.
And if you'd like more than one, the store's bundle offer applies too: buy 2 for an extra 10% off, 3 for 15% or 4 for 20%.
Every order is packed by hand, shipped with tracking, and comes with a 30-day return window — so you can try it on at home and decide for yourself.
The Velma Winter Coat
- A waterproof outer shell that keeps rain and wind out
- An insulated, warm lining
- A full-coverage hood with a soft fleecy lining
- A fitted line through the body — warm without the bulk
- Flap pockets and a snap-over front placket
- 6 colors · sizes S–3XL · 30-day returns
The Velma · $79.95 (was $269.95)
Bundle offer: buy 2 for an extra 10% off, buy 3 for 15%, buy 4 for 20%.
I do not usually write things like this. But I spent too many years settling for clothes that were merely fine — and this one coat quietly gave me back the pleasure of getting dressed. If that sounds like you, I hope you find your size before it's gone.
— Julie Henderson
Shop the Velma — $79.95 →This is a personal account from a Wrenley Family customer. Julie was not paid to write it. · The Wrenley Family · Sizes S–3XL · Tracked delivery · 30-day returns.