By Melissa Singer
Ever since I started thinking about the summer trench coat, and how it's likely to be one of the hardest working pieces in your wardrobe this summer, I can't get Belinda Carlisle's Summer Rain out of my head.
"I can hear the whistle/Military train/I was dancing with my baby/In the summer rain."
Layering essential ... the Witchery duster jacket ($199), as seen in the latest campaign.
You see, a bout of summer rain (or slightly cooler weather) is absolutely the time you'll be reaching for this flowing, lighter weight version of the wardrobe staple.
A duster also looks great over a short dress.Credit: Christian Vierig
Worn long to the ground in a "duster" style (but think more Marilyn Monroe than Man From Snowy River), it's a layering piece you can wear from September to May – just play with the inbetweeny bits to regulate your temperature.
It's also a great piece to have a play with colour – leave blacks and navys for your winter threads and try something khaki or a soft pink.
Playing with colour ... Chrissy Teigen steps out in a gathered-sleeve duster jacket.Credit: BM1/Getty Images
Who's doing it
The celebrity matriarch of the duster coat is Jennifer Lopez but modern-day stars loving a bit of the flowy trench action include step-sister super duo Kim Kardashian and Kendall Jenner, Chrissy Teigen, Jessica Alba and Hailey Baldwin.
It's worth mentioning at this point that you don't need to be a glamazon to wear the look. While Jenner, Teigen and Baldwin are all 170cm or taller, Kardashian is a petite 159cm and looks much taller when she throws on a duster as it creates a long line from neck to toe. If you are on the petite side, you may find an ankle- or calf-grazing style is a better match, unless you tend to wear high platform heels on a regular occasion.
Skinny jeans are the duster's friend, as demonstrated by Kendall Jenner.Credit: SAV
Respect the proportions
Given the duster coat can be a bit billowing, consider what you wear it with. Some women will love the full modern power package – duster coat, palazzo pants and a silk top – while the cascading trench styles also look great over skinny jeans and ankle boots. If you want something that keeps the silhouette but removes a bit of the fabric bulk, try a sleeveless style.
Proportions matter ... Kim Kardashian shows how petite women can rock a duster.Credit: Marc Piasecki
Where to get the look
You know a trend is going to be big when you don't have to look further than the High Street for some on point examples. Witchery's duster is already in stores. Managing director Linda Levy describes it as the "ultimate layering piece" for summer.
"Layer it over this season's must-have 90's inspired slip dress and a block-heel mule out for drinks with the girls; or wear it with a crisp white cotton shirt, denim skinny jeans and loafers for off-duty chic."