A fall cape can be an intimidating piece to pull off. There’s only a finite amount of time you can wear it before it becomes too cold and you’re going to stand out. It’s a wonderfully impractical statement piece that requires a confidence and thoughtful styling. It’s also a surprisingly versatile item. I put together five looks below, including a casual weekend look, a work-ready ensemble, and a cocktail-ready outfit to prove that a cape can be an autumn essential. But first, a few tips to keep in mind:
- A camel-colored version goes from day to night with ease and will show less lint than a black alternative.
- Long sleeves are a must. Bare arms looks silly with a wool topper.
- Keep proportions in mind. By definition, a cape is wide and you’ll look even wider with oversize pieces.
- Balance the heaviness of the cape with luxe fall fabrics and leather accessories. Think menswear loafers, structured satchels, and cashmere sweaters.
- Generally speaking, a cape requires a hand-held bag, like a satchel or clutch. Ditch the crossbody, unless you’re planning to wear it underneath with the cape open.
- Choose statement earrings, cuffs, cocktail rings, and pretty brooches. No one is going to see your necklace.
Cape | Turtleneck | Satchel | Loafers | Earrings | Skirt
Jeans | Blouse | Bracelet | Cape | Mules | Bag
Cape | Dress | Sunglasses | Satchel | Ring | Boots
Pants | Sweater | Cape | Brooch (search eBay for vintage options) | Scarf | Pumps | Clutch
Cape | Sweater | Earrings | Jeans | Clutch | Sneakers | Watch
I put everything together as one pin here.
love these! look 5 is my fave – that’s usually what I wear my cape with. I haven’t been brave enough to pair it with a skirt because I feel like I can’t get the balance right, but I’ll let you know when I do! thank you for this 🙂
Ooh, all of these are great! Can’t even pick a favorite! I need to get a more structured cape for this year (but probably won’t). I do have my really fun cashmere one that I can’t wait to pull out again
http://www.closet-fashionista.com/
Good day! Love this post…I was just checking out that cape last night. My site is up and working, however I’m still manipulating the home page. Trying to figure out how I can get it to update automatic with the latest post. Visit here http://www.stylefragment.com/ and click “The Latest”.
loveee these looks! i feel like i can get away with wearing a cape as my winter coat in sc so i might take advantage of that! xo jillian – cornflake dreams
I hate the constricting dinosaur arms in a cape though.. I need a more open, wide cape.
Ha! I didn’t think of T-Rex arms. 😉
Ohh I love these outfit ideas! Thanks for sharing!
Her Heartland Soul
http://herheartlandsoul.com
I have a cape and usually wear it with jeans or trousers… i’ve never tried a dress.
I think a dress or skirt could work as long as the shoes are heavy or menswear inspired. Do you wear your cape often? I actually just ordered this one to try.
literally all I want is a cape! This post was so useful! Love love!
Thanks for the sweet words on Monday!
xoxo,Victoria
http://www.coffeeandablonde.blogspot.com
i love the options and how we can make it fancy or keep it casual! so cute.
Love that cape!! It looks so great with every outfit you created!
The Style Scribe