Why do people wear coats draped over their shoulders in photos? - YouLookFab Forum

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Why do people wear coats draped over their shoulders in photos?

Krissy

Hi everyone,

I've noticed that a lot of fashion photography has the model wearing a coat draped over their shoulders. Almost like the coat were a cape. I tried this the other day (just for the photo) and I was wondering why this was a thing that kept cropping up. It seems quote impractical and something done only for a photo and not for actual wear.

When I saw the photo I noticed that it did look okay. Is it because it makes a nice vertical sillouette at the front? Or because the coat drapes nicely and hides lumps and bumps?

Just curious.

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Dressing

19 replies

Latest reply was from Deb

Summer

Veteran

This does seem to be a new trend, Krissy, or, rather, an old one trotted out again. Back in the '50s and '60s it was quite popular, and I remember wearing cardigans in this way. I think the intention is to convey an aura of nonchalance!

Style Fan

Veteran

New trend, old trend, recycled trend, whatever...... I have noticed this as well. What the model is wearing in the photo is not necessarily what works in real life. It may look great or cool or create some impression but it is not about living a real life.

You look lovely.

crutcher

Veteran

I always thought that that was a very continental look...Its not for Chicago or at times this winter New York because of the temps...but it does look laid back and chic and aware...smile..

Janet

(website)

Veteran

It's really mainly just a fashion blogger phenomenon -- I suppose to show the clothes underneath the coat better. Sometimes I think they do that because the coat doesn't fit properly too. Totally impractical for real life. I will drape my coat over my shoulders when seated in a cold theater or restaurant, but that's about it.

harmonica

Veteran

Looks chic, but totally impractical for my life.

I think Angie wrote about how she liked to drape her coat. I can't find the exact blog post, just these threads:
http://youlookfab.com/welookfa.....-shoulders

http://youlookfab.com/welookfa.....s-ridiculo

old chic

It does look better in pictures than draping your coat over one arm, elbow bent.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

I wear my coats draped quite a bit - in real life, as I have written in many a forum and blog post. I'm not doing it to be "cool" - I'm doing it because it's practical, and have been doing so for years. Sometimes it's too hot to wear a coat on indoors, so I drape it over my shoulders so that I don't need to carry it (like when I'm working with a client). But I loathe being cold, so I wear my coat properly as soon as I feel too chilly.

jackiec

Veteran

I immediately thought of Angie when I read this, and I see she's already posted. I think it looks incredibly elegant. I've never done it myself. I feel like I must flail around too much and would knock it right off immediately

Sveta

(website)

Veteran

But Angie - I don't remember you ever doing this in the outfit shots!
I agree with the comments above - this is done for the care-free vibe, to show of the coat AND outfit under it in the same time - usualy with the coat on you cannot see the outfit properly.
Like Angie I sometimes do it too, especially in the mall when it is too hot to wear the coat and it is easier to carry it on my shoulders than in my hands.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Sveta, this might jog your memory:

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Sveta

(website)

Veteran

Ha-ha, yes, my "elephant" memory failed me here.

Ingunn

(website)

Veteran

You look beautiful it the photo. Angie, you make this look so natural, too. I like the look, but I never wear it myself. Today I tried, though, and it worked like a charm:

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Diana

Veteran

I think on fashion blogs it's often done to showcase the outfit AND the coat I one photo. However, after Angie talked about it last year, I tried it and actually find it surprisingly useful in certain situations, for example if I'm going only a block or two outdoors. I don't have to put down my bag and stop to put on my coat, but rather I just toss it on over my shoulder. Try it sometime. It works best with a coat with some structure in the shoulder/collar, like a trench.

Anonymous

I started copying my Mum & Granny on this and have done it forever. (Draw the line at the top cardi button thing they had going on, though!). Like Angie, it's practical for me. I go from cold to hot in seconds and just can't be bothered pulling sleeves on and off, especially in meetings, performances and such. Sometimes, like at the airport, it's easier than carrying. That said, I have dropped coats and jackets on filthy streets when they slid off my shoulders.

lyn67

Veteran

I often am warm in the mall, but it never occured me to wear my coat like that, thanx for the head ups(Crissy and Angie), will try it next time! (remember my Mom doing it all the time when younger but didn't see it on the streets nowadays).

Laura (rhubarbgirl)

(website)

Veteran

My mom used to yell at me for doing this when I was a kid - "either put your coat properly on or take it off!" LOL.

Thistle

Veteran

Hmmm, I have never seen this in real life, but it seems to work for Angie

I suspect it has less to do with comfort and more to showcase an outfit, especially if you are seeing it on blogs versus on the street.

Krissy

Thanks, everyone! You've all made really interesting points and definitely answered my question. I agree that it does a better job of showcasing the clothes underneath and I'm pleased to hear that there are real life situations where this is a practical look.

Deb

Veteran

Ditto Angie.......my rationale exactly.