By Lisa Magrath
The mac has been around for what seems like forever, and with very good reason. It’s the perfect option to transition your wardrobe from spring to summer, smart enough to wear to work but also ideal for a more relaxed look at the weekend.
The supercoat we know today started life as a raincoat and was first sold in 1824. Thankfully, things have come a long way with everyone from Hermes to Dunnes Stores offering their take on this wardrobe must-have.
Fit is essential when choosing a mac. If you don’t fall in love with it the moment you try it on it’s not for you. Watch out that the coat doesn’t appear too strained across the chest, that the back of the coat is not too tight fitting, and make sure you can comfortably lift your arms above your head. At the same time if the shoulders are too generous or the belt doesn’t fit neatly round the waist you won’t achieve the sharp look a mac usually brings.
This year the most coveted mac has got to be the Burberry trench, which has become ubiquitous with their poster girl – actress Emma Watson (pictured). But there’s a vast range of fantastic macs well within the grasp of a more modest budget. If you’re in the market for a mac check out Marks and Spencer, Dunnes Stores, Topshop, Debenhams, Wallis or Dorothy Perkins who are all giving great mac at the moment. With so much choice out you’re sure to find the perfect fit, and as the mac seems to make a reappearance every spring, it’s extremely likely you will reach for it again this time next year.
The modern take on the mac has a hemline that hits on or slightly above the knee creating a sassy, sexy look. This season why not inject a splash of colour into your outfit with a bright bold mac in yellow, blue, red, fuchsia or even polka dots. If you’re a traditionalist the neutral beige option will still hold the most appeal.
Macs work well over tailored trousers, pencil skirts or shirt dresses for the office, but be careful of the length here as an above the knee mac with a knee length dress or skirt will look untidy. Ideally I’d recommend wearing a mac slightly longer than your skirt – macs are all about structure and tailoring, so sloppy layering just won’t cut it.
For a more casual approach, team neutral macs with skinny jeans and simple pumps. A vintage print silk scarf folded in a triangle around the shoulders will give a great element of Granny chic, or a tartan woolen scarf is another kitsch way to add colour if you’ve opted for a neutral coloured trench. To avoid Dick Tracey comparions ideally steer clear of hats with a mac, in particular a beret – remember the look you’re going for is classic contemporary not French Resistance
