Forget frocks! It’s all about the party coat this summer

ALL of a sudden, it’s summer and that means invitations to social events outdoors.

‘Hurrah,’ you think, for wafting across the lawn in your sequined dress, Pimm’s in hand, does seem like perfect heaven — until the sun sets and you’re shivering under a boring wrap or shrug.

What to do? Buy a ‘party coat’ is what — not a dinky little bolero but a serious full-length coat.

And if you won’t be taking it off,

you can make your coat as stando out as you like. It won’t be cheap but you’ll be wearing it summer after summer, so it’s worth it.

A couple of things to remember. First, it must be long enough to cover to your dress. Even a few centimetres of frock protruding below them will ruin the impact. In theory, you should be

able to wear your party coat with nothing underneath (although probably don’t, just in case a gust of wind takes you by surprise).

This nothing-below-the-hem rule obviously doesn’t apply when you’re wearing trousers, but keep these plain. party coats don’t like sharing the limelight.

Second is that your party coat must have a feature. That might be a statement sleeve or metallic fabric. It could be beautiful beading, embroidery or a bold print.

Exercise caution with sequins. You don’t want to look as if you’re headlining a show in Las Vegas.

Buttons look more expensive than zips or belts, as well as giving you a cleaner silhouette. And definitely don’t be tempted by a long, sleeveless coat.

Finally, keep the rest of your look simple. Heels and a clutch work best (straps and chains on a shoulder bag can get entangled with beads or snag embroidery). Let your party coat do the talking. This is not a wardrobe accessory — it is the main event.