How to Wear the Cape Trend
No longer just for super heroes, capes have been making a big impact on runways around the world recently. These capes and capelets are super feminine and lady like, but they aren't very easy to wear. In fact, if you don't style your cape correctly, you risk looking like you are wearing a costume. Unless you are aspiring to be mistaken for Little Red Riding Hood, follow these guidelines when you're choosing what to wear with your new cape.
Capes are not Coats
Capes are outerwear, but they aren't really very warm. Your cape is probably best suited to occasions where you would normally bring a warm cardigan to cover up, rather than a regular coat. Capes are particularly great for wearing on dates during the spring and autumn, when nights get cool but not cold. They can help you to still look dressed up and flirty when you need something warm to wear over a cocktail dress.
Stay Skinny
Capes are dramatic, in part because they have so much volume. You are going to want to avoid pairing them with anything else that has a ton of volume, or else you are going to end up just looking huge. For example, capes don't go well with full skirts or wide leg trousers. Instead, wear your cape with skinny jeans, tights, or leggings. Either choose a cape that is longer than your top or dress, or go for a capelet that ends just above your waist.
If you have a large bust, choose a cape that is a combination coat and cape with a waistline, like the belted Jay Godfrey cape that Kim Kardashian wears. This waistline will help to keep your cape from looking like a tent. You don't want your cape hanging off of your bust.
Grab a Clutch
You shouldn't hang a purse off of your shoulder if you are going to wear a cape. Only your cape should be hanging off of your shoulders, and a purse will give your cape a weird shape. Instead, carry all of the stuff you need in a little, hand held clutch. Your little clutch will look chic and it won't distort your beautiful cape. Plus, clutches tend to look more dressed up than larger bags.
Balance Your Cape with Statement Shoes
Capes go great with either boots or very high, platform heels. A cape is going to make your top look heavy unless you balance it with some eye-catching footwear. You should look for something with a little bit of chunk, like See By Chloe's lace up, high-heeled boots. This type of boot goes best with military inspired capes, while more ladylike capes match better with platform pumps.
Opt for Neutrals
Capes are already very dramatic. Unless you are very talented at styling yourself, you should probably opt for one in a neutral color, either in a solid color or a very subtle pattern. If you are afraid that you might be too shy to even try the cape trend, to start, try wearing a neutral cape as a part of a monochromatic outfit, all black or all shades of camel for instance.
