Is it possible that Michelle’s waist is that high? The outfit minus that belt might have looked just fine (says the “fashion don’t”).
You are correct - I noticed from the start that Michelle is extremely short waisted. That is why her belts are up under her boobs. I have the opposite problem - long waisted so dresses that are cut to come in at the waist hit me higher.
She should never wear belts that chop her in half with her short waist!! She always looks best in solid colors with no belt or interruption at the waist.
I'm guessing that since the coat is an 'open front', meaning it doesn't have fasteners of any sort, she used the belt to keep the coat from flying open in the wind. If the belt had been closer in color to the outfit, and she hadn't worn it slap up to her armpits, it would not have looked too bad.