There are times when that reliable wool balmacaan just won’t do. And a big evening out is one of them. Certain occasions call for more drama in a cover-up: a luscious fabric, perhaps with a sable collar, a hood or intricate cutwork.
Generally called an opera coat or opera wrap, this type of outerwear covers all evening bases.
“I wear it whenever I go `black-tie,’ ” says Chicago-based designer Maria Pinto, of her silk velvet coat lined in rose quartz taffeta (among those pictured on these pages). “It’s the perfect thing to pop over long clothing. I like the linings to be very luxurious and have a little surprise of color. When you walk and get a slice of color, it’s very beautiful.”
So you sacrifice a bit of warmth when you slip on one of these wraps or coats. It’s a small price to pay for your grand entrance.
