Sleeveless coats started to become a favorite among style icons last year after they were introduced on the runway, but this style cemented its trend status after celebrities such as Rihanna and Victoria Beckham were spotted for numerous times wearing a gorgeous sleeveless coat.
A sleeveless coat is perfect for layering. It works best if layered over sweaters in fall and early spring, or layered over sleeveless or short sleeved pieces in transitional weathers and even in summer.
If you´re planning to put your hands on this trend but unsure on how to start, here are eight tips to help you plan your stylish outfits, whether casual or dressy, with sleeveless coats.
1. A sleeveless vest coat with leg warmers
Topper suggestion n Black: COLLECTION by John Lewis Sleeveless Longline Jacket, £89.00
This is the sleeveless trench vest that made buzz when spotted on Rihanna. She wore it open with a tee and some joggers. But if you want to opt for the runway inspiration, you can try it with some shorts, leg warmers and peep-toe ankle boots. Alternatively, you can drop the leg warmers and simply go leggy with ankle boots.
2. A colored sleeveless coat with colored pencil trousers
Victoria Beckham has a penchant for sleeveless coats but this yellow topper really stood out because of its attention-grabbing color and style. If you can find a bright sleeveless coat, layer it over a white top and a different colored bottom. This look is a definitely a color blocking of two well-blended shades.
See: Eye Candy Outerwear – Attractive Colored Wool Blend Coats
3. A sleeveless trench coat layered over a sweater
Coat suggestion: Band of Outsiders Coated Sleeveless Trench, $1,095.00 $438.00 (60% off)
For days when the weather gets unpredictable, warm in the morning and then breezy cold in the afternoon, this sleeveless trench coat comes handy. Wear it over a sweater and skirt, or a button-down shirt and shorts.
4. A sleeveless trench coat for casual mode
Coat suggestion: Steven Alan Women’s Inga Sleeveless Trench Coat, $375.00
Unlike other toppers, a sleeveless coat is easier to style casually. You can simply throw it over a mini dress teamed with strappy flat sandals, or over a sweater dress teamed with some crew socks and flats.
5. A floor-length sleeveless trench coat over a jumpsuit
Are you looking for a new way to update an old jumpsuit? Add a floor length sleeveless coat for some irresistible drama. Your outerwear will serve like a cape. Victoria Beckham is seen here working with neutrals, nude plus black equals absolute elegance.
See: Capes – Alternatives to Keep You Warm During Fall and Winter
6. An ankle length sleeveless coat over a knee length dress
Coat suggestion in Navy: Cedric Charlier Sleeveless Coat, $1,950.00 $780.00 (60% off)
Normally, the rule of length is your coat an inch longer than your dress, or vice-versa. But no rules are absolute, like in this runway look, it´s length over length. Go for an ankle length sleeveless coat to layer over a midi dress and finish up with lace up boots (if your petite) or lace up oxford flats (if your tall).
7. An all-nude sleeveless coat outfit
Topper suggestion: Anne Klein Women’s Sleeveless Trench Jacket, $149.00 $44.70 (70% off)
We´ve said that a tonal outfit makes you appear taller, right? Well, this runway inspiration proves that going neutral-tonal with a sleeveless coat is just as glamorous and attention-grabbing as vivid colors. It´s hard to tell where the topper starts or ends, oh wait, is it a coat with an attached under-layer?
8. A sleeveless trench coat with soft pants
Actual Coat: Victoria Beckham Sleeveless Coat Vest, $825.00
Soft pants are trending for summer, have you heard? Victoria Beckham shows you that soft pants work well with sleeveless coats too. Wear a black sleeveless coat with printed soft, breezy pants and tone down with nude pumps.
What do you think of sleeveless outerwear? How are you going to rock a sleeveless coat this season?