I have long admired the wonderful coats designed by Givenchy, the Parisian haute couturier, whose signature clothes were so beautifully worn by Audrey Hepburn in many of her films. So when my favorite maison de haute couture in San Francisco was having its sample sale this past January, I was finally able to realize my dream of owning a Givenchy style coat, a la Audrey Hepburn! For me, buying a high quality coat with timeless classic lines is an investment, as it will remain a staple in my wardrobe for many years to come. My clients, too, were thrilled about the sample sale! (Being able to get first pick at designer store sales is among the many advantages of engaging the services of an image consultant.)
It delights me to see that the coat has made a comeback on the fashion runways because, along with the coat, it seems chic and elegance have returned too. Chic is a rather overused word these days, but for me it means remaining stylish without jumping from one style to another. It also means not being a fashion slave and knowing what suits YOU best. For instance, a coat with high armholes and a sleek tie will trim your silhouette and an oversized open collar will broaden your shoulders and sharpen the contrast with your waist.
Remember those high-waisted coats Audrey Hepburn wore in Breakfast at Tiffany’s (1961)? They fell just below the knee and had a single breast button and a scooped or high, wide round collar. They are still the perfect coats to wear around town today and epitomize supreme elegance and pure sophistication.
How about Catherine Deneuve’s trench coat in The Umbrellas of Cherbourg (1964)? That bold and modern coat is still very trendy and inspires creativity and inspiration. Short or long, with or without a belt, the trench coat is a very versatile garment that can be worn all year round, making it a necessity in your wardrobe.
However, not everyone’s budget can include clothes from top name designers. But, that does not preclude you from admiring these treasures and being inspired and creatively “borrowing” ideas from them! For instance, why not revamp an old coat by changing all the buttons or adding or removing a belt? I did this with my gray Max Mara coat, which has been in my wardrobe for at least ten years. I added a weaved leather belt from Club Monaco - a Bottega Veneta look alike - placed slightly above my waist, Empire’ style. (Don’t do this if you are short-waisted.) To my well-worn black raincoat, I added a wide elastic-cloth belt with silver snaps on which I attached a silver pin. I’ve received many compliments on that one! As for my basic long black and white Herringbone coat which has a matching narrow tie and a white flat collar, this year I decided to add a wide black belt and to wrinkle the collar into a balloon which is very much in style this winter. And there’s nothing like an exquisite scarf or a piece of faux fur to lift a coat and bring it right up to date.
The coat of course is a great cover up so you can hide a multitude of sins underneath. I throw it over anything I would never want to be seen in outside my home, then I slip on some flats, grab my fabulous handbag, put red lipstick on et, voila!
For me personally, my coats reflect my personality and communicate to others that I respect them and myself. They help me present myself as an elegant and inspired woman who uses her creativity to live and enjoy life fully. They also indicate that I am willing to invest in high quality garments, that I value every penny I invest in them and that I’ll cherish them and take good care of them forever.
