It's amazing how frustrating this is, especially the "not look preppy" part.

Check Army/Navy stores (go for the Navy stuff if you prefer black to kelly green). I can think of several different types that fit some of that description. Some may even come with removable liners so w/out liner is the climate range you want but with is warm enough until almost dead of winter. I have something like this - it's not overcoat long, but you wouldn't see shirtails. It may not have quite as many pockets as you want though.

Literally six

Indeed-- little Yasuhito was, in fact, dressed in a blazer, white shirt and khakis today, just like Dad, so I suspect that was why he was coming around for "interviews."

ita, re bras (if it's not too intrusive) WHAT are you using for support under your super sexy back black dress in the picture to which you posted a link yesterday?

The only items on Tim's list that I own and am actually happy to wear are:

blazer (isn't this just an indoor-worn jacket? or does "blazer" mean a specific cut? I have his book so I should read what he says...)
jeans
sweatsuit alternative
skirt
classic dress pants (I think. If they still fit.)

I would really like a black dress and a day dress and a cashmere sweater (or 10).

Tom, if you have the money, why not go to a tailor and sit down with them and have them create a coat for you? That way you get exactly what you want, with the added bonus of knowing no one else will have it?

Tom, if you have the money, why not go to a tailor and sit down with them and have them create a coat for you? That way you get exactly what you want, with the added bonus of knowing no one else will have it?

On the one hand, I'm not sure how good I'll be at describing what I want, since I tend to not know what I want until I see it. On the other hand, if I do buy off the rack, there's a good chance I'll have to go to the tailor's anyway, since my arms are so short.

blazer (isn't this just an indoor-worn jacket? or does "blazer" mean a specific cut?

I interpret blazer as an indoor-worn jacket that is not part of a suit (and probably has some structure to it).

Indeed-- little Yasuhito was, in fact, dressed in a blazer, white shirt and khakis today, just like Dad, so I suspect that was why he was coming around for "interviews."

SO cute.

I am disappointed in the goat biryani I am eating. Goat needs to be cooked until it's falling apart, and I keep biting into bits of gristle here. So sad.

Tom, if you have the money, why not go to a tailor and sit down with them and have them create a coat for you? That way you get exactly what you want, with the added bonus of knowing no one else will have it?

I was just about to suggest this. Juliana is too quick for me!

I ran Tom's specs past Chatty!Co-worker, who is always well put-together, clothing-wise, because he spends a lot of time and energy into his "look." And Chatty suggested going to a tailor.

On the one hand, I'm not sure how good I'll be at describing what I want, since I tend to not know what I want until I see it.

I would use the tattoo/haircut approach for this one - take pictures or cut out magazine shots that have an element that you like, and go to the tailor with it. A lot of times I'll just say the basic idea of what I want, and then they'll work with me to refine it. And if they have a lot of their work around, you can point to things and say what you like or don't like about it.

I'm a big fan of custom coats. If you can't tell.

02 Trench Coat: Aubergine, but more of a faux trench, since it is short. I wear this almost every day.

As JZ notes, this is a very covetable coat.

ita, I think you do have a personal style. At least, the pictures I've seen of you tend to show a consistent aesthetic.