Sometimes you don’t want your clothing to be crushed under a heavy coat. A structured overlayer can get restrictive and burdensome. And so repetitive! While I don’t live in a place that frequently requires hefty coats, wind chills will dip the temperature during the colder months. Capes are the perfect top-off option. Movement, drama, and all the warmth that you need when it’s not absolutely freezing. Put a little swing in your step, and sling a modernized cape casually over a cocktail dress for a fresh alternative to the fur coat or bring unusual intrigue to your ordinary daywear. Variety is the spice of life. It’s time to start a caped crusade of your own.
1) J.Crew Knitted Wool Cape: For just $200, this is the best bargain for a casual-chic look. A cropped length makes it lighthearted, and black-on-camel is a timeless combination. On Net-a-Porter for $200.
2) DKNY Two-Tone Wool Cape: Take the idea of borrowing your man’s jacket and draping it over your shoulders when you’re cold, and make it your own. A great fit, and two-tone navy and black makes for youthful edge. On Net-a-Porter for $495.
3) Joie Tyra Melton Wool Cape: Blame it on a childhood on the East Coast, but I have a thing for toggle coats! Joie’s leather trimmed variation is a throwback to the wool ones we all had growing up, but leather trim makes for a new take. And the hoodie is a bonus to keep your hair from being windblown. On ShopBop for $548.
4) McQ Cape Zip Coat: Technically this isn’t really a cape, but I love this streamlined silhouette. Triplet zippers make for some funkiness, and the perky capelet overlay is an adorable touch. On ShopBop for $795.
5) Yves Saint Laurent Chain-Neck Cape: The mother of all drama-inducing capes. I would twirl every time I make my entrance in this! A hook-and-eye closure at the top and a major flourish of billowing black knit. At Bergdorf Goodman for $1,990.
Photo: FAME
