THE PARTY COAT

dresses are all well and good but in the British climate we often need more than a layer of silk. Cue the party coat: metallic brocade at Rochas, quilted silk at Nina Ricci, and feather-trimmed at Dries van Noten or leather at Céline. Wear them open, or just belt over narrow trousers, a basic black dress or a pair of tights, add a pair of embellished flats, some earrings, and go forth cosily.