You’ve probably already got a wardrobe full of coats from previous years. Your wool coat – yes, it’s beautiful but it’s getting a bit bobbly now, your parka – it keeps you warm but lets face it, it’s old news, and finally your trench coat – yes, it makes you look pretty fancy, but you’re still going to freeze your tata’s off in it. So, imagine our excitement when the 2014 autumn winter catwalks were FILLED with capes. Ralph Lauren and Elie Saab were just some of the designers who brought a mixture of sumptuous cashmere and show-stopping capes to the catwalks this year – and we couldn’t be happier about it.
It’s no secret that capes have been in the fashion game for a while, originally used as an elegant cover-up that could be worn over evening gowns – but now, after years of fighting for the go-to coat limelight, the cape has finally hit first place. Fun fact for you: the cape is the only truly new-season coat update around this winter, impressive.
The cape will quite literally be the superhero of your winter wardrobe, as it works relentlessly around the clock to save a dull daytime outfit, jazz up a cocktails-with-the-girls ensemble and even helps you achieve that effortlessly chic I woke up like this look on your way home, the morning after aforementioned cocktails with the girls. So, of course, any garment that hits the three C’s – classic, chic and comfortable – is a winner in our books – so here’s a few of our top tips on how to wear the cape:
GO BIG OR GO HOME:
You’re already going to be wearing a whole load of floaty dramatic goodness in the form of a cape, so why stop there? Add a floppy hat (like this one from Primark) and a big chunky bag to go with it. Your upper-half should be made up of items that add volume to your outfit, but make sure you avoid going big on the bottom too, which leads us to our next point…
KEEP IT FITTED DOWN BELOW:
Let the cape do the talking and make sure to keep your lower-half toned down and fitted. This could either mean adding a pair of dark skinny jeans to the mix or wearing a pair of opaque tights with some comfy knee high boots, like these from ASOS or get these heeled ones if you’re feeling brave (and are one of those magician’s who can actually walk in heels all day).
NEUTRAL COLOURS ARE FAIL-SAFE
A classic black cape like this one from Zara is the best way to ween yourself into the cape trend and let’s face it, black goes with everything! Other neutral colours such as grey (like this knitted one from ASOS) and brown, such as this one from Romwe, will also make great additions to any Winter wardrobe, as well as going well with colour-of-the-moment, Oxblood.
BUT DON’T BE AFRAID OF PATTERNS
Even though neutral colours are the best colours to go for when first delving into the world of capes: we are quite partial to a good patterned one – and you should be too! This houndstooth cape from Zara is a great show-stopper and would look great with a black body-con dress and yellow clutch bag on a night out, or even dressed down with a black roll neck and boots. However, if you’re looking for something a bit more snug during the Winter months, check out this fab green tartan cape that is lined with faux fur (for ultimate-cosiness), also from Zara.
Whichever way you choose to wear it, make sure the cape is your wardrobe staple this winter. We promise you won’t regret it.
