Jack' of all seasons

What’s adding a comfortable edge to clothing this season? A transseasonal maxi coat of course! Whether paired with a swim suit, a slinky dress, ripped denims or a kurta even, these floor grazers are exuding a lounging effect that fashionistas can’t seem to get enough of! And it’s easy to see just why. Luxury ramps from Balenciaga to Bottega Venetta are bringing out stunning interpretations of these long-line and lightweight beauties. Closer home, you could say that Anita Dongre and Masaba Gupta have mastered it.

While everyone from Victoria Beckham to supermodels Kendall Jenner, Gigi Hadid and Chrissy Teigen are sashaying in it, what’s driving Indian audiences towards it is its sheer versatility – its fuss free styles and clean lines that can be paired with Indian or Western wear. “They can be worn as an Indian outfit with brocade tapered pants or teamed with distressed denim and a bustier/camisole and left unbuttoned,” says Bengaluru-based designer Deepta Ragunath of Aikya. Comfort factor is another major draw. “Since the season has been about over sized coats, boxy tees and over coats, these fit right in to a casual meeting and can be switched up to a high tea by accessorising well with smart, tapered pants and nice pumps,” she suggests.

Unlike trench coats but closer to duster coats, these pieces are characterised by their breezy silhouettes. “Hence, the most suitable fabrics to opt for are georgettes, satins, chiffons or mul-mul so they flow well. Try them on in floral, geometric or tie and dye patterns and make sure to balance it out – if you’re wearing something printed inside, opt for a plain jacket and vice-versa,” says ooru designer and a regular at Bangalore Fashion Week, Shloka Sudhakar whose latest collection features them too. If you believe that this piece would be on heavy rotation, invest in pale pinks and subtle greys. For a luxe evening escapade, consider jewel-toned jackets in silk finishes and crushed satins perhaps. If your transitional friend comes with exaggerated sleeves ala a kaftan, gun metal threads, beads and velvets, keep the focus on the coat by pairing it with a silk blouse.  

For an off-duty style, according to city-based stylist Tanya Eldred Bhat, the easiest and most hassle-free way to rock it would be to, “Wear it with tank tops, skinny jeans and heels or to combine cut off vintage denim shorts, a plan tee with a vividly printed jacket,” she says.