Amal Clooney Schools Us On How To Wear A Sleeveless Coat

While sleeveless trench coats — sometimes colloquially referred to as “vests” — are the hot trend right now, they can just be confusing to wear. What length sleeve do you wear underneath? Are matching trousers required? Can it be formal or casual — or both? Does the piece actually keep you warm in cool weather (no sleeves) or will it be too oppressive in the summer (extra layer)? Well, leave it to the brilliant Amal Clooney — human rights lawyer and Columbia Law School visiting faculty member — to answer all the above questions with one insanely casual and chic outfit. And on her day off, too.

While out on a stroll in tony Notting Hill, London, Amal turned her Tome sleeveless trench coat (note: not a vest) into a relaxed layering piece that’s perfect for a temperamental English summer day. To stay cool and breezy, she effortlessly layered the floaty jacket over a V-neck, cropped cami-top paired with distressed Citizens of Humanity's Corey jeans. The natty, oversized check print and tailored silhouette instantly added polish to what could have been a grungy look. The barrister (that’s what they call lawyers over there) also recycled her go-to work tote for her off-the-clock look, but edged it up with the rest of her monochrome accessories: open-toed, stacked heel booties, a funky geometric necklace, and her signature Heidi London cat-eye sunnies. There you have it: You’ve been schooled on how to wear a sleeveless coat. Class dismissed.