Would You Wear… a Cape?
As you all know, summer is coming to a close and fall weather is rapidly approaching. And the change of seasons means exciting wardrobe changes: boots, jackets, sweaters, and leggings will come out of hiding and resume their places in our everyday clothing rotation. So for today’s article, I chose to focus on a rather non-traditional fall piece that will soon be seen everywhere: the cape.
Capes are predicted to be one of fall 2010′s hottest trends. They showed up on many of the Fall 2010 runways in every style imaginable: While some barely covered shoulders, other capes were long and cozy. They are easy to layer over everything you own – throw a wool one on over your outfit for a brisk morning walk to class or rock a cute crochet poncho for a weekend shopping trip with the girls.
Due to its versatility, this cover-up can easily make the transition from fall to winter. Not sure? Here are two ways to bundle up with a cape this fall!
As a cover-up on a cool fall day…
Product Information: Tank – Delias, Cape – Topshop, Shorts – Jane Norman, Tights – Modcloth, Shoes – American Eagle, Earrings – Dorothy Perkins, Bracelet – Modcloth
For a chilly day of running errands…
Product Information: Cape Coat – Oli, Tights – Modcloth, Boots – Endless, Bag – Forever21, Ring – Boohoo, Earrings – Zappos
Tell us – would you wear a cape?
What are your thoughts on capes? How would you wear them? Leave a comment below and let us know your thoughts on this upcoming fall trend!
Posted on on August 24, 2010 / Filed Under: Would You Wear? / Tags: Back to School Shopping, Boots, Capes, fall trends, Leggings, Sweaters
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sarah
i wouldnt exactly call that a cape.
an actual cape…no way.
these…possibly.
nicole
cute. i wouldn’t call it a cape. shawl? open poncho?
Kate
Well, Sarah, sweetness, these are capes, but more in the tradition of an opera cape, caplet or winter cloak., rather than the more recognizable and considerably sillier superhero style cape we’ve all come to associate with the word. And I agree- as much as I love Batman, outside of Halloween, the chances of me wanting to don his signature digs are slim to none.
But these? Yes ma’am! I was actually just packing for a move last week and chanced upon an Irish wool cape that my late mother left to me, and I immediately got so excited to incorporate it into my wardrobe this fall.
Lizzy
I really thought this would be some strange, super hero cape post when I first read the title lol. I REALLY love the color scheme and accessories in #1 (I’ve become a huge owl fan for some reason in jewelry) and the cape in #2 doesn’t even look like a cape so it’s cool! Have to check prices and such and maybe actually see a real person wearing one to make sure I wouldn’t stand out haha… is this based off British fashion? I always feel like they’re the cape capital of the world (think Madeline… wait, that’s French isn’t it?)
Lizzy
We need the ability to like/agree with comments here.. Kate that was a great comment, totally made me laugh – and awesome with your mom’s cape! Maybe you could send in pics for us to see – I like seeing real people try these ideas out first (i’m somtimes a big fashion chicken!)
Cassie
I would definitely wear a cape. I love them. They just give off an ‘effortlessly chic’ vibe.
I love the capes you showed above and this one as well –> http://lookbook.nu/files/looks/large/561437_jkl.jpg?1271246630
Sammi
I love capes. It’s going to take me ages the find the ‘one’ though. x_x;
Caitlyn - FIDM
Thanks for the comments, all! Maybe I should clarify the cape debate. I can certainly see how these wouldn’t be as dramatic or crazy capes as one was expecting, but I do believe them to be capes. Anything that has the big and flowy/no arms whatsoever, drapey or poncho look is a cape to me. These were all seen on the Fall 2010 runways and referred to as capes, so it is the trend I chose! I think these are more wearable versions of capes.
Kate, I’m so glad to hear about your mother’s wool cape. I love vintage finds and some of the best can simply come from your mum!
Lizzy, to be honest I’m not entirely sure where this originated. I’m going to do some research. But they have definitely been around for centuries.
Cassie, that is probably the CUTEST cape I have ever seen. Where can I get that for myself?
Lizzy
Sorry to keep blowing up your comment section (thanks for the shout back to me!) … I’ve now become obsessed (within the last 10 mins of reading this) but can’t seem to find ANY capes really that look similar to these on the web (unless I want to spend $500) … where did you find yours? lol
Mika
this article is perfect! i’ve been searching for the perfect cape or “capelet” for ages and the second one is just what i’ve been looking for.
i’ll definitely be snatching one up.
Shanise M
Love love LOVE the cape in the second outfit! At first i thought cosplay had taken over (shivers) but these capes? I adore! I’m totally going to be trying this look in the fall…
Isabel
I have a faux fur cape that I just cannot wait to wear! :D
Becky
I adore that first outfit – might have to make a trip to topshop tomorrow!
Lizzy – the first cape can be found in the accessories section of the topshop website if that helps!
Alycia - University of Windsor
I am SO excited to try this!! It isn’t very often I find a trend that I’m really excited about, and this is one that I will definitely be trying out! :)
Great post! Your outfit ideas are really cute, I am especially fond of the second one, but I think the first is really cute and quirky too.
dani
ha, my mind jumped to long, superhero/medieval warrior type capes when I saw the title too! But yes, these are very cute! I always wanted to invest in a dark navy blue or black caplet with matching gloves… it always struck me as so vintage and sweet! Glad to know they’re in style!
Also glad that this isn’t the long, medieval warrior type capes either. Once I looked out my dorm room window and saw this girl coming down the steps in a floor length, bright red velvet cape. No, it was not Halloween, and since it was getting dark outside, it was kind of terrifying!
E-ddie
I like the first two photo credits more than the outfits, actually. Then again, I don’t consider leggings/tights to be pants.
Rani
I love Love LOVE this look! I used to wear capes (called them ponchos) in high school and I’m SURE I kept them! I can NOT wait to break them out again this fall! :D
Cassie
Caitlyn – I found that on lookbook … apparently it’s from H&M! =]
Leah
can i just say i absolutely adore those shorts you posted?
and i think some types of capes i would wear, like the second one, but definitely not the first one. not my style.
Melissa
Normally I find capes to be fairly unwearable, but the outfits you put together are gorgeous! I love them!
Laura
Just for clarification, does this mean my black crochet poncho circa 2004 from Kohl’s shouldn’t be collecting just in my drawer anymore? It’s actually fashionable again?! This is great news.
Vanessa
I find capes to be pretty difficult to pull off. The only times I’ve seen them work are on slender girls like in your pictures. On larger girls like myself, they are too overwhelming as additional volume.
Lizzy
Aww really Vanessa? I saw a military inspired one for plus size on ASOS that looked pretty nice on their plus size model… hopes getting crushed lol
Cara
I already have worn a beautiful purple, brown, and orange tweedy houndstooth cape I bought last winter. Being a vintage-to-Victorian girl, I love capes, and am looking for a wool one for winter, as dramatic, voluminous, and long as possible!
Charlotte - University of Birmingham
i really love the first look!!
i love cuddly winter coats (i just bought my fall aviator jacket today!!) and i love the look of capes but i’ve never managed to find one that didn’t make me look massive!!
charlotte xxx
Maddie
Darn yes. I dont like the first one much – it reminds me of an afgan. But maybe a wool one in a bright color like turquoise.
Elle Sees
Hell naw. But these outfits are cutes.
Mary
Personally, I love the cape trend. The only problem is finding affordable versions that don’t look costumey!
Yvonne
I love my wool cape from Forever 21! I got it sale for 7 bux! It was great for on the plane when I flew over from CA to NY in the winter. It worked so well at keeping me warm and it’s super comfortable!
Lizzy
Yvonne where and when did you get the F21 cape? (sorry on a mission and you gave me hope lol) I cant find any at all on their site!
Nikki
I was wondering can I wear a cape if I’m 5’1 and curvy on the bottom?
Katie
Good god, YES!
Honestly, after i saw confessions of a shopaholic, i’ve been dying to find a cape coat like that.
Rebekah
Those outfits are adorable =) I definitely want to try this out.
Luinae
I have an “actual” cape- like it looks like it came from the set of a fantasy movie. It’s brilliantly warm, and fabulously stylish, in my opinion.
Elle
I’d definitely wear a capelet or a cape/jacket (like the one in outfit #2), but I would never wear a cape/poncho (like the one in outfit #1).
I don’t believe a cape/poncho is flattering because it really hides your figure and makes you look stumpy, unless you’re 6′ tall. It also borders on the line of tacky and doesn’t look put together. Unless you can find a really nice one I think a cape like that would be hard to pull off.
There comes a point where you have to take into account that not everything fashionable looks good.
Danii
I love that the second one is long and belted, though it doesnt seem to be in stock anymore? i also browsed several other stores online, but i couldnt find anything similar :/
however, i got a purple knitted cape on sale at topshop two years ago, but i have never worn it… i guess it’s time to give it a try :)
Sara
So they’re still on fashion? That’s great!! Last winter Zara had a gorgeous cape I didn’t get cause I thought the whole cape thing will be demodé soon… but I think I will give it a chance this fall if I see another one again :)
Ahaja
I absolutely love this possible trend. especially the first pic. I want one. I feel like carrie bradshaw had one in one of the movies. But needless to say I will definitely be rocking this trend.
Rin
I love the second cape you featured, because its belted. Otherwise, I find them to be rather shapeless. Since I’m already large on top, I don’t want to emphasize that more. And I always think they lay oddly on me because I have a big chest.
Ronnie
i like the second outfit a lot!
m
i used to have a maroon cape that i absolutely adored when i was younger, since it was so victorian & reminded me of one of my favorite books, a little princess – guess i’ll have to find myself an updated larger version now. ;)
Bryn
I love love LOVE capes–I’m on the lookout for a thrift jackpot (not likely, but I’m still hopeful!), one of my favorite shirts has a loose, draped back and wide sleeves, very capelike, and I’ve made makeshift capes before that looked quite convincing they make me feel quite sophisticated. I feel the need to go listen to opera; whenever I’ve been to a symphony concert, and I’ve been to quite a few, I try to incorporate a cape-like element.
On a side note, some people mentioned that the title made them think of superhero capes or medieval fantasy capes. My grandmother made me a thick, warm green cape that comes to my ankles and envelopes my entire body for Renaissance Festival one year. On a particularly cold day, inspired by my high school’s resident oddball/nerd/generally cool dude, I wore this cape to school as an extra layer against the cold. (It was frigid!) It was more comfortable than it would seem, and I actually didn’t get too many odd looks for it! I felt myself oddly fashionable that day. I’m just saying–don’t knock it before you try it :D
Laura
I too was skeptical at the title of this post, but was pleasantly surprised at what you posted! I don’t think I would wear the first three capes shown, but I love the last one, under “for a chilly day of running errands”! One of my goals this fall is to branch out from my usual “safe” fashion looks and be more daring. Maybe I can incorporate a cape into my wardrobe!
Caitlyn - FIDM
So glad to hear the excitement about the capes and sample outfits. You all should post pictures of yourselves in them somewhere and send me the link! : )
For those looking for capes, try TopShop. They have a couple really cute styles. Also check out Free People, Urban Outfitters, Anthropologie, and Modcloth. To be honest, vintage shopping for capes could produce the best results. Check out a Buffalo Exchange or thrift store.
In response to Nikki, YES! You absolutely can wear a cape. Try them on with some cute boots or heels. Try different styles, including the open ones and belted ones. See what you like – don’t be scared to try!
Valerie
Yes, I’d wear a cape!! It looks comfortable and an alternative to cardigans or other sweaters.
Formal Attire Ladies
I would. This is so much fun to wear.
Sophie
Too bad Oli doesn’t ship to N. America!
Christina
I love capes, the sublime femininity that harks back to 40′s glamor. Count me in. However, why have just a cape. This cape is the cape to end all capes in my world. I saw this cape and just died. (I would prefer faux fur but what the hell)
http://www.neimanmarcus.com/store/catalog/prod.jhtml?itemId=prod112980055&parentId=cat32380741
kayla
I love the new cape sweaters Old Navy have out so yes, I would wear a cape and plan too!