“I finally stopped choosing between warm and pretty on my morning walks”

Pretty on the outside, cosy on the inside.

By PatriciaDublin · 8 November 2026

Every morning, rain or shine, Toby and I do our loop along the water. He is a nine-year-old spaniel with more energy than me, and he does not care what the weather is doing.

For years I wore the same shapeless padded coat. Warm, yes. But dull, and I always felt a bit like I was wearing a sleeping bag. Whenever I tried something nicer, it was too thin, and by the second field I was cold and wishing I had stayed home.

“I wanted something that kept the wind out, but that I wouldn’t mind being seen in at the café afterwards.”

What made the difference

The first thing you notice is the print. It’s cheerful without being loud, and it makes a plain pair of jeans look like you actually thought about your outfit.

But it’s the padding that sold me. It’s thick and warm, so I don’t need three layers underneath. The hood stays put when the wind picks up, and the zip goes all the way up. The fit is roomy, so a jumper fits easily underneath and I can still move my arms to throw the ball.

“Where did you get that jacket?”

I wear it almost every day now. To the shops, to my daughter’s, and of course on our walks. Last week a woman at the café asked where it was from, and I was quite pleased to tell her it came from Bridget & Sarah.

And when I come home, I hang it on the hook by the door instead of throwing it over a chair. That says enough, I think.

If you’re like me and you’re out in the cold every day anyway, you might as well be warm and feel good about what you’re wearing.

Melvaris Floral Jacket

€39.95

• Thick, padded construction
• Hood, zip closure and turn-down collar
• Loose, oversized fit, XS to 3XL
• Three colours: White, Dark Blue, Orange
• Free tracked shipping to Ireland · 30-day returns

See the Melvaris jacket →

Patricia is 67 and lives in Dublin with her dog, Toby. She isn’t a fashion writer — just someone sharing what finally worked for her.