It doesn't matter if it's March or December: when celebrities choose their birthday outfits, they opt for the over-the-top and extravagant: sequins, fringe, and more sequins. (Of course, that's always better for the next day's Instagram carousel.) But fashion rebel Lady Gaga flipped the style script for last night's celebration.

The singer and star of The Joker: Folie à Deux ended her 38th birthday dinner in Los Angeles with a clever take on the birthday costume. A Matrix-like leather trench coat with an exaggerated belt was the centerpiece of her look, courtesy of Retrofête. This dramatic layer first appeared on Retrofête's Fall 2024 runway at New York Fashion Week.

Gaga's birthday outfit featured a silver chain necklace peeking out from under the moto collar of her coat, from which she dialed in the punk accessories. She also carried a slouchy black leather clutch bag and hid her eyes with square-framed sunglasses. On her feet were square-toe black boots. (So far, sharp-eyed fan and Gaga stylist Nicola Formichetti have yet to identify where the accessories for her all-leather look came from)

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While avoiding the typical party style of mini hemlines and sparkly embellishments, Lady Gaga stayed true to her daytime style. The proof is in the last outfit she shared with her fans. While hanging out in Los Angeles last week, the 13-time Grammy winner posted a short Instagram reel wearing a moto jacket, floral mini dress, and leather ankle boots.

Lady Gaga is not the first celebrity to pull a leather trench off the rack when she's looking for statement outerwear. Zoe Kravitz spent her Batman promotional days in a YSL leather trench coat, and Dua Lipa turned a low-key travel outfit into a spring style inspiration moment this week with a forest green leather trench.

In this case, Gaga's sophisticated birthday trench is a lesson: You can still party without a classic party dress and be a piece to wear again and again. Sticking to a personal style can be a special occasion in itself.

Inspired by Lady Gaga's birthday dress, pair a leather coat with a clutch bag below.