In THE SUBSTANCE, fading Hollywood celebrity Elisabeth Sparkle (played by Demi Moore) turns to a black market drug in her quest for youth. “The Substance” promises a younger, “better” version of herself. As a result of injecting the fluorescent yellow-green drug, Elisabeth gives birth to Sue, a manifestation of her ideal self. While it may have seemed like a good idea, Elisabeth soon discovers that her choice to radically make herself over carries dangerous consequences.

Surreal cinematography, dreamlike body horror imagery, and a bold primary color palette of blues, reds, and yellows make THE SUBSTANCE a visually striking experience. Many fashion moments stand out as well: the to-die-for velvet dragon robe, a beautiful blue pantsuit worn by Elisabeth while she is getting fired, Dennis Quaid’s gross TV exec character’s flashy suits, a black Bond-Girl leather catsuit paired with thigh-high Louboutin stiletto boots, and a sexy metallic neon pink workout one-piece worn by Sue that evokes an ’80s exercise video vixen throwback look. As a final touch, there is a voluminous blue Cinderella ball gown.

Of all THE SUBSTANCE’s gorgeous garbs, nothing rivals my love for Elisabeth Sparkle’s vibrant yellow wool belted trench coat. Created by costume designer Emmanuelle Youchnovski, the wool trench acts as a character in its own right, seemingly serving as a stylish security blanket for Elisabeth. The coat’s brilliant hue symbolizes the yellow of the egg yolk that replicates itself after being injected with “The Substance”. Elisabeth frequently wears it throughout the film, from surviving a car accident to picking up her refill kit in Byron Alley, or wearing it as ‘Better Version’ Sue while walking to a fitness show audition.

The coat’s color, reminiscent of the yolk of a hen raised on a mixed grain and grass diet, is a lovely shade of gold. Seeing Elisabeth purposefully stomp down the street in her fabulous coat makes me wonder whether I could own and wear such a statement piece with such confidence. Wearing a coat like that instantly transforms an ordinary stroll down the sidewalk into a runway moment. Ultimately, its bright, sunny hue and elegant design make Elisabeth’s wool trench a stand-out piece and my favorite wardrobe item from THE SUBSTANCE.

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