Designer Shehla Khan's Exclusive Scoop on Pulling Off a Trench Coat in Summers

"A trench in the summer seems a little weather-oblivious, but it doesn’t have to be. Paired intelligently, it totally works (because summer layering can often come to your rescue on
a particularly bloat-y day). What I like most about the trench is, you can style it comfortably either casually, or formally. It could work with anything—from cut-offs and espadrilles, to ripped jeans and a crop top (for an easy day-look). If you’re looking to chic it up and make it more evening-apt, try a lighter, sheerer trench. If you can get something in chiffon or satin, it’ll make for a pretty arresting formal outfit.

Even if you’re working with a more standard trench, a short, dark dress with heels will make it night-out appropriate. What I’ve gone for with my own look here is essentially ‘smart-casual’. It’s not too overt to work for the day, but it translates to glamorous easily. The hot ticket is the pencil pumps (not as ‘much’ as stilettos, but with a touch more class than, say, sliders), and the bralet—always sexy, and less ‘look-at-me’ when you layer it than it normally comes off as. But, since a bralet leaves a lot of your neck just sort of....out there, a necklace (or in this case, two) helps. When you’re layering necklaces, length and style matter. I’ve worn a dark choker with a silver chain and pendant, because the heavy effect of one balances out the delicacy of the other. The last element (the distressed jeans) put the casual back in ‘smart-casual’, because really, what’s more relaxed than ripped-up denim?

Et voilà! You’re ready for the trenches!"