5 iconic outerwear pieces and how to style them

At the court of Versailles, the cloak was considered one of the three symbols of power - besides the scepter and the crown of course. It was therefore not a garment bound to the fashions of the time, but an absolute value that indicated the supremacy of tradition and the king. In the so-called society of labels, keeping the king's cloak was in fact a highly sought-after function, and even princes - whether they were of blood or foreigners - to crown officers, dukes and all those who were part of the king's circle, were granted the use of the cloak only on certain occasions.

Today, wearing a cloak is no longer an action linked to a ceremonial, and whether it is a vintage piece by Yves Saint Laurent or a more current Celine by Hedi Slimane (Fall 2020), the cloak is considered an outerwear in all respects, probably representative of a bold fashion statement. This is what any outerwear piece is, isn't it?

Always key pieces of every wardrobe, jackets and coats - and all the different types of outerwear - are the emblem of our personality. Whether it's a shocking pink faux fur, a green Loden or a navy Peacoat, the outerwear can change a look or complete it, but above all it gives character to those who pursue the dream of a recognizable and decisive personal style. So here's a brief introduction to 5 iconic outerwear pieces and some tips to style them with the same charm with which Jean-Paul Belmondo wore his trench coats.

The camel coat

From Jackie Kennedy to Kate Moss, there are many style icons that have made the camel coat the outerwear par excellence. Worn as early as 1930, it is considered a timeless classic, a symbol of elegance, charm but also modernity. It reached its greatest notoriety in 1981, when Anne-Marie Beretta designed the iconic 101801 for Max Mara inspired by men's coats with perfect proportions for a woman who was finally modern and successful. Today - reinterpreted every Fall-Winter by stylists from all over the world - it is considered not only a sophisticated garment, but also a democratic and multifaceted outerwear, suitable for all looks.

How to style it? With jeans and t-shirts for the Saturday morning walk to the organic market, but also in total black for a minimal and seductive allure, or even with a mini-dress and Mary Jane like Alexa Chung for an intoxicating night to remember. A drizzle of red lipstick will make everything more irreverent and less boring.

The trench coat

Sensual and easy like Catherine Deneuve's dresses in Belle de Jour, the trench coat is the outerwear that drove Hollywood crazy, inspiring the dreams of entire generations. Its birth is due to Mackintosh, Burberry and Aquascutum who made it a technical garment suitable for military equipment, its success, on the other hand, is due to a timeless garment that is incredibly performing and - at least initially - appreciated by the bourgeoisie.

How to style it? To be worn exclusively to fall in love under the pouring rain like Audrey Hepburn in Breakfast at Tiffany's.

The raincoat

Every king has his outerwear, if Louis XIV could not give up his cloak, in the same way Queen Elizabeth - as The Crown taught us - will never be able to do without the raincoat "country jacket", namely the Barbour. Indeed, it is no coincidence that the company obtained the Royal Warrant of Appointment directly from the Duke of Edinburgh as the official supplier of the British Royal Family. With this premise of royalty and honors, this coat cannot fail to conquer all of us aspiring Lady D.

How to style it? To be worn in the countryside with breeches and Wellington boots to respect the tradition, but with the addition of a colorful silk scarf for a glamorous and totally chic touch - men included.

The leather jacket

Known throughout the world under the name Perfecto, the leather jacket is a striking example of a subculture that became fashion. Born in the late 1920s from a request by a motorcyclist to Irving Schott, the nail has become a timeless classic also adopted by rock culture and later, in the 70s, by punk culture. However, it was thanks to artists and designers such as Vivienne Westwood, James Dean and Andy Warhol that he became an iconic garment with a rebellious and irresistible soul, even if no longer unconventional.

How to style it? Obviously to be worn with dark denim pants and a striped sweater because the right attitude for a perfecto is that of the handsome rogue fantasy, just like Yves Saint Laurent taught us.

The Down Jacket

Like most technical garments, the Down Jacket - also known as the Puffer Jacket - was born from a personal need. The first duvet was in fact invented by Eddie Bauer in the 1930s, after almost losing his life from hypothermia. Today recognized as an emblem of an athleisure style and spirit, actually one of the first to adopt this new invention was Charles James who made it one of the most elegant evening jackets ever designed and which - I must admit - I would like to be mine in the colder days. And how can we forget the Puffer Coat Gowns collection by Valentino in collaboration with Moncler?

How to style it? To be worn with the same class with which Charles James thought of his ball gowns now kept at the Metropolitan. Technicalism does not mean badly dressed and if - like me - you are afraid that the Down Jacket does not make you look chic enough, just opt for a black oversized down jacket, gathered hair, a pair of vintage Balenciaga earrings and voilà, les jeux sont faits!