Lakeysha Marie

How to Wear the Stylish Cape Trend



Posted: Saturday, November 20, 2010

by Lakeysha Marie
BeautyBodyStyle

There is something powerful about a beautiful, well cut cape. Perhaps its leftover nostalgia from that pivotal childhood moment when my blanket became a cloak of super-girl invincibility, or maybe a simple admiration of how a well constructed cape can flatter just about any body-type. Either way, this versatile cover-up has become the ultimate toss on and go item for fall/winter 2010-11.

The capes at Rag & Bone had an urban edge that was perfectly paired with tall boots and tights, while Missoni treated onlookers to patterned shawl styles that were full of movement and drape. Admittedly the capes at Ports 1961 were a bit too "Sherlock Holmes" for most, but we love the drama of the full length capes seen at Hussein Chalayan.

Thankfully there are enough cape styles to suit every style personality, and better still it's a trend with maximum wear-ability that can be paired with both jeans and LBDs alike.

Voluminous Style. Wearing volume on both the upper and lower body can unfavorably add width to your silhouette. Keep this trend in proportion by wearing your cape with a fitted bottom such a pencil skirt, slim cut trousers & denims, or legging on the your lower body.

If you decide to wear a fuller leg pant or skirt, opt for a belted cape. The belt will bring the cape in at the waist creating an hourglass silhouette that will ensure your shape is not lost in the folds of the fabric.

Short & Sweet. Shorter capes, known to the style masses as "capelets" are a sweet way to top off this season's cocktail dresses and holiday looks while fighting off the chill of cooler nights. The cropped cut of a capelet will also work to visually elongate the torso for a leaner silhouette. Faux fur capes are also popular in this cut and add an elegant finish to pretty LBDs. It's a cozy alternative to the shrug that looks great over strapless and sleeveless styles.

A Cut Above. When shopping for your stellar cape, you'll want to choose a style that suits your personality in a cut that flatters your body-line. Cape styles with drape will visually add shape and curves to a straight silhouette. If you carry most of your weight along the upper body, avoid the "tent effect" with darts and seaming that will allow the fabric to fall over your curves in a flattering cut.

-Note to Petites: Avoid the longer, cloak style capes, as this will detract from your visual height.

Short on inspiration? Here are top cape looks for fall:

-Utility style capes look great with skinny denims and tall flat heeled boots. Look for military details such as metal buttons and epaulette details.

-Structured wool capes over a fitted knit and fluid trousers lends to a commanding day look. Expect to see this style in camel, grey and navy.

-A fall cape worn over a blouse, skirt, opaque tights and ankle booties. Whether paired with a structured cape or a draped shawl this is a cute autumn look.

As the temperature continues to drop, be sure to shield yourself from the cold with the super-human style of a deftly cut cape. And while it won't give you super human strength, or grant you invisibility when arriving late to work, this cozy cover up will cloak you with invincibility against the frightening perils of fall fashion faux pas. Superwomen unite.
Lakeysha-Marie is a published fashion columnist and stylist with a passion for helping women to look and feel their personal best. She also loves dogs and chocolate. For a wealth of free beauty and style advice, visit http://www.beautybodystyle.com or follow Lakeysha-Marie on Twitter: @beautybodystyle

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