I’ve always loved the look of an open trench, but find it hard to get right. Double-breasted trench coats have to overlap and button across the front, so there’s a lot of extra fabric flapping around when it’s not fully buttoned. On people with more height and presence, the extra fabric of an unbuttoned trench can look cool and casual. I, on the other hand, look swallowed and lost in my coat.
Here, the extra fabric has been folded back and buttoned in on itself, which isn’t a new idea to anyone, but for some reason, it’s only now working for me. I’ve tried this before and thought the coat looked unbalanced. For some reason, when I tried it again this time, it worked beautifully. Did my eye just get used to the look? Or did I do something better this time? Seems hard to believe since buttoning a coat isn’t exactly hard to do. Maybe it worked this time because the waist tie has been cinched behind the coat to gather the fabric for a slimmer look? Whatever the reason, I’m loving the springification of this trench and my new found way to wear it open.
As a huge departure from my affinity for menswear inspirations, my all time favorite silhouette is the full skirt and narrow waist popularized by Christian Dior’s New Look. It’s strange that I can be attracted to the most masculine of womenswear, and then arguably the most feminine of silhouettes. I don’t wear full skirts often because I always felt they were better suited for women with more shapely legs than my own, but here, it worked. Maybe the coat is balancing me out? Either way…I like it! =)
Outfit Details - Burberry trench :: Ann Taylor blouse :: Banana Republic skirt (c/o) :: Ann Taylor belt :: Christian Louboutin shoes :: Chanel handbag :: Amrita Singh necklace :: Kate Spade watch (customized) :: Stella & Dot bracelet (c/o) (new in silver) (post) :: Vintage bracelet
