five ways to wear a cape

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.

I put everything together as one pin here.