MEAGHAN SMITH PERSONAL STYLIST

Instead of always buckling up your trench coat, try just wrapping it around you (like you would your dressing gown) and tying it in a knot.

Tying it can take it from business-y and formal to cool and casual.

If you went to Scouts or Girl Guides, you might be able to come up with some clever ways to knot it – but it’s fine, if you’re like me and didn’t, to knot it any old way.

You can see in some of the photos the knot is placed right on the stomach and in others it’s to the side. I tend to wear mine to the side because I like it to look flat across my tummy.  You’ll be able to work out for yourself (in your full-length mirror) where it looks best on you.

While tying a trench is one way to wear it, it certainly isn’t the only way.  I often wear mine open with the belt hanging at the sides.  It’s much more relaxed but still smart.   It really depends what look and feel you’re wanting to achieve.

*Just because tying a trench might not work for your body shape, it doesn’t mean you should give up on wearing one. Keep in mind also that trench coats come in many different styles and fabrics, and a classic, heavy version might not be your best option.

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This is Bianca Jagger in 1986.

I like how she has made this somewhat masculine, utilitarian-style safari jacket look both interesting and feminine.

This is what I notice about her outfit…

She’s wearing a bold lipstick.

The jacket has been belted to cinch in the waist.

The sleeves of the jacket are rolled up – finishing right at the waist (highlighting it), exposing skin and bringing light to the overall look.

A few buttons have been left undone at the neck – again to show some skin/light and draw attention to her face.

It looks like the jacket has shoulder pads.

The bangles.

I’d wear it today – possibly swap to white bottoms though.

What do you think?

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A client trying on a navy coat asked my thoughts on wearing it with black.

I told her I think it’s good, provided you get the shoes right. (As well as a couple of other little things.) I always wear black shoes, and they’re generally patent leather (like in this photo) or suede.

The texture contrast makes the outfit choice look intentional – rather than like I didn’t have a black jacket to wear with the black pants, as demonstrated in this photo.

Another thing to notice in this photo is the buttons. If you’re only wearing one or two colors, shine, texture, and shape are important.

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Even though what Gwyneth is wearing here might look fairly simple and effortless, I can see that it’s intentional, harmonious and has been well thought out.

I broke it down in my Substack and explained what she’s doing, why it’s working, what wouldn’t have worked, and show you what you can take from it – even if it doesn’t excite you as a look, here.

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