STYLE GURU STYLE: A Mature Coat For The Kid At Heart

The simplicity of 3.1 Phillip Lim’s pieces in its most recent runway show has inspired me to clean up my usually busy look. The silhouettes of the garments had an air of maturity, while the line’s use of several textures brought a tasteful flair. Navy blue was the darkest color of choice, providing a softer alternative to the classic fashion favorite, black. These outfits seemed most appropriate for the dream office job or a promising internship, so I wasn’t sure how it would translate to college fashion or my own personal style. My thoughts changed once I saw a coat with a lapel collar and belted waist. I realized then that a coat I recently purchased, for the sake of replacing an older one, was similar in style. This type of coat creates a more professional and put together look, despite what clothes are being worn underneath.

I gave this coat the ultimate challenge by wearing one of the most youthful patterns I own: blue floral. I wore the cropped long sleeve shirt with a pair of my beloved high-waisted jeans for an overall casual look. My platform creepers added a generous amount of height and a nostalgic ‘90s vibe. My accessories were simple because I wanted the coat to stand out, so I kept my jewelry to a minimum and added a soft gray scarf. I was tempted to make it appear like an infinity scarf, but I decided that the lines of the fringe would complement the lines of the collar.

The mixed textures of this coat are what saved it from being boring. The patches of leather on the elbows and back made the color appear less flat and also gave it a formal element. Its versatility makes it a must-have for this winter.

Get My Look: 1. A lapel collar coat. 2. A patterned tee. 3. Some polished platforms.

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