Fashion Secrets: Dusters

History shows the duster was designed for function to protect a horseman’s clothing from trail dust, hence its name. Over time dusters have evolved into more fashionable pieces with different fabrications, colors and occasions to wear. Today’s dusters for women are chic and stylish pieces that pull entire looks together. They can create unique, one-of-a-kind outfits with elevated style. A duster instantly adds ease and elegance to a look. Here are the secrets from our Boston Proper stylists on how to wear and pair dusters for any occasion.

The weight and fabric of a duster will dictate how it can be styled along with design details. Sheer dusters are an excellent choice for covering up at the beach or by the pool. Their weightless, airy feel is perfect in the warm weather and adds amazing style over a swimsuit, especially if the look is completed with a wedge or sandal.

Another way our stylists create looks with sheer dusters is pairing them with a night-out dress. This is particularly chic when the duster is embellished. It can boost the look of a dress to create a more special, standout look while adding effortless flow and movement.

KEY LOOK – Shoulder Show

A trick to leveraging basic pieces in your wardrobe is to add a single “wow” item to your look. An everyday jean and cami takes on an entirely different feel when a duster in a captivating print, bold color or intricately detailed design is layered over these pieces. This works any time of year with any type of duster for virtually any occasion. In colder months dusters are very stylish with boots, jeans and tops in in warmer months with tanks, sandals and jeans or shorts.

Even sweater dusters can be worn throughout the seasons with their versatile weights and designs. Open crochet styles are seasonless while a heavier knit is what you’d want to wear for staying warm and comfortable, as well as stylish, when the fall and winter months roll in.

Dusters are always on our stylists lists because of their versatility and the style impact they add to an outfit. But there is one more secret to duster style; they’ll make you feel glamorous -- even on “blah” days when you want to cover up and camouflage. Whether you slip on a lace duster, a jeweled duster, a shimmery duster or a printed duster, the effect will be the same.