+Modern take on the swing jacket is a sure fit

By KARALEE MILLER

fashion

McClatchy Newspapers

This season, it's what's on the outside that matters most.

We're talking coats, of course - swing coats to be exact. These '60s-inspired jackets are popping up everywhere, giving women a multitude of cozy, cropped looks from which to choose. With a universally flattering A-line cut, the trapeze shape offers an attractive silhouette for almost all figures. The shape of the season features a slim fit at the shoulders and gains width as it nears the hem. Many jackets feature three-quarter length, bell-like sleeves, perfect for pairing with long, ladylike gloves or vintage cuff bracelets.

This season, designers are playing up the retro cover-ups by mixing in different textures, like leather and shearling, and offering classic staples, like tweed and houndstooth, in a range of colors beyond black, white and brown.

Whether your day calls for an executive meeting, a parent-teacher conference or an evening of cocktails, these versatile coats fit the fashion bill. They look fabulous whether paired with hip wide-legged pants or a trim pencil skirt. Throw one on with your well-worn jeans and a strand of pearls and you're instantly on trend. (This might even be the time to raid your grandmother's closet for a vintage piece.) You can wear them over your favorite crisp, white button-down short or a cashmere turtleneck. Short over long is just fine, although you can keep the silhouette slim by avoiding bulky tops. Or you could go sans shirt and don the jacket solo. It's your call.

Either way, you'll no doubt find that the swing coat, though small in stature, makes a big style statement.

THE LOOKS

- For an urban look that's still feminine, try this A Common Thread lightweight black leather jacket, featuring gentle pleating below the yoke, elasticized cuffs and a raw-edge hem, $398, www.a-commonthread.net for retail locations. Pair it with a super sexy Alisha Levine silk raspberry sleeveless top with ruffled hem and back slit, $162, www.alishalevine.com for retail locations. Tarina Tarantino black four-row necklace made of Lucite beads and Swarovski crystals, $178, www.tarinatarantino.com. Poleci's Ice cotton trousers feature subtle tone-on-tone sheen, $295, www.poleci.com for retail locations. Mary Minton sterling silver cuffs with precious gems and carved bone, $520 each, www.marymintondesigner.com for retail locations.

- You're a guaranteed winner with this Thorn by Nancy Ross black knit Anastasia jacket. With its big, glossy button details and three-quarter sleeves, the jacket is basic black in the best sense. $429, Hot Poppy Couture, Fort Worth, Texas, (817) 737-8881. For a chic, uptown look, we've paired it with Seven for All Mankind's wide-legged Ginger jeans, $198, www.7forallmankind.com. Prada black patent belt with silver buckle, $320, Neiman Marcus. Charles David black snakeskin Mary Jane heels, $250, http://charlesdavid.com for retail locations. Rox by Roxanne Elise silver bead charm necklace, $70, www.roxanneelise.com. Lee Angel bracelets (three), $120-$145, Neiman Marcus.

- Look red hot in this black-and-white ensemble, jump-started by a one-button, V-neck Cynthia Steffe houndstooth jacket made of wool/nylon/polyester blend. The contrasting pattern size of the houndstooth boosts the jacket's appeal. $370, Neiman Marcus. Take a bold stance in Alice + Olivia's silk high-waisted, wide-legged pants, a comfortable, yet not-for-everyone, look, $300, Hot Poppy Couture, Fort Worth, Texas, (817) 737-8881. Michael Stars black camisole, $29, www.michaelstars.com. Faux pearl large bauble necklace, $18, Spoiled Pink, Fort Worth, Texas, www.spoiledpink.com. Beverly Feldman black suede bootie pump with top slit, $170, www.beverlyfeldmanshoes.com. Portolano black leather gloves, $230, Neiman Marcus. Dana Tag clear stone bracelet, $25, Dolce Vita, Fort Worth, Texas, (817) 334-0502.

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November 16, 2007

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