With the likes of high-end brands like Altuzarra, Louis Vuitton, Gucci and Erdem using embroideries and embellishments on cocktail coats, this layering piece is enjoying its moment in the sun. While Gucci’s powder pink double breasted avatar comes with a glittery piping, Louis Vuitton’s ornate versions can be paired with sporty shorts. Erdem’s poetically-activated offerings exude an aristocratic vibe and Versace’s version comes spangled with vibrant multi-hued dots. Back home, designer Pankaj and Nidhi’s versions stand out, thanks to their floral applique embroidery.
Our Bollywood beauties, too, have been spotted sporting this layering piece with panache. Sridevi was seen in a fully-beaded floor-length jacket on the red carpet and Kajol had teamed her sari with a statement jacket on another occasion. While promoting one of her films, Ileana D’Cruz was seen layering her festive separates with a printed jacket. We ask some of our style arbiters what do they find most appealing about cocktail coats...
ADDS INSTANT GLAM
Balmain’s va va voom separates, which come with a rock and roll edge, are likely to make you the ultimate soiree queen. Designer Arpita Mehta couldn’t agree more. She says, “A cocktail coat is a formal and dressy piece and one can team it with almost anything — from a pair of micro shorts to a casual tank top. It’s definitely the go-to look for the season.”
Stylist Eshaa Aminn suggests cinching it at the waist. “The trench dress silhouette has become a major trend for the fall season. Team it with a pair of denims and a tank top. Designers have gone overboard with interesting details like lapels and collar. Opt for one in a palette of mustard, wine or rose,” suggests Eshaa.
CREATES A MYSTERY AROUND A DRESS
With a growing number of events being held outdoors, the cocktail coat is proving to be a great option for layering — from a sexy choli to an itsy bitsy bralette. Designer Aniket Satam says, “It creates a mystery about the dress one’s wearing beneath and adds a surprise element. Make sure while purchasing such statement pieces that it should have a repeat value and neutral enough not to overpower the wearer’s personality. The tone-on-tone brocade, placement-oriented embroideries and jewel tones work well for parties.”
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