Would You Dare Wear Such a Flashy Coat?

Our resident trend tester, Sydne Summer, tries out feverish looks to see if they easily transition from the runway and red carpet to real life. Today's assignment? The shiny trench coat.

The trench will always be a classic. But recently, designers have given it a trendy twist with girly accents, bright color and metallics. I decided to try out the latter with Celine's gold python stunner. Taking a cue from Rebecca Romijn, Kate Hudson and Jamie Pressly, I worked the coat as a dress. At first, I thought a nude shoe would subdue the jacket. Big mistake. I looked nearly naked! So I slipped on a plain black sheath, peep-toes and a simple clutch with minimal jewelry (the coat spoke for itself) and headed to Mighty Fine and Disney's The Art of Winnie the Pooh gallery party, hosted by Kidada Jones.

Before I made it to my car, a neighbor stopped me in the garage. "Omigod, I love your coat!" she squealed. "Is it Celine?" Guess it's like the Hervé: when you wear an iconic piece, people notice. 

Okay, "notice" is an understatement. Though Rashida Jones wore a black trench over tall black boots, and another party guest stylishly paired a yellow belted coat with bright red pumps, my extravagant outerwear generated the most comments—from women and men. While the women were more concerned with the designer, the men liked the flashiness: One guest even commented he could see himself in my outfit. A good conversation starter, to say the least. 

The coat's material also got people talking.  Personally, I was uncomfortable with the crinkly noise it made as I walked (I literally sounded like a slithering snake!). But others were enthralled—especially at the Culver City bar I stopped by after the Hollywood gathering. "Is that a real snake?" one man asked. I cringed and nodded yes. "F--k ya!" Amidst a sea of plaid hipster uniforms my sparkly number was a hit. Lesson learned: go for the gold—as long as you're comfortable with the spotlight. This trend has no place for wallflowers. 

Ready to shine? Here are some options:

High
George Simonton python embossed silver trench; $220.

 

 

 

Low
Twelve by Twelve gold coat; $59.

 

 

 

Whoa!
Burberry gold twill coat; $1,095.