Coat season is nearly here (or it’s already here for some of you) and I am living for it! To me, coats are to fall and winter as dresses are to spring and summer. I just can’t get enough! And I have an outerwear collection that I’ve been building for nearly a decade that just might rival Kate Middleton’s haha (although I did just do a massive clean out)! 😉 There’s just something so magical about a beautiful coat and a good one is always worth the investment because it’s usually the first thing people see when they meet you.
One of the most underrated and under-appreciated pieces of outerwear is the cape and honestly, I think that’s partly because people don’t really know how to style them. But don’t be fooled. They are much easier to wear than you might think! And they have such a lovely vintage charm about them. Read on for 4 easy ways to style a cape for fall!
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4 Easy Ways to Style a Cape for Fall
Outfit Details
Chi Chi London Cape c/o (similar here and here) | Halogen Top (similar here) | Halogen Skirt (identical here) | Alexandre de Paris Headband c/o (similar here) | Kate Spade Handbag (old – similar here and here) | Pink Bow Heels (old – similar here)
4 Easy Ways to Style a Cape for Fall
Go Monochrome
The easiest way to up the chic factor for ANY outfit is to dress head-to-toe in the same color (or variations of the same color) and this is definitely true when wearing any outerwear, including a cape. It works great for any color although I think it looks best with neutrals, pastels and deeper colors/jewel tones. For example, if I were to style my burgundy cape in this way, I might pair it with a similar colored suit set or sweater dress (view an example in this post). Monochrome outfits also tend to look more expensive, even if it’s not 😉
Wear with Jeans
Go casual with a light sweater or blouse and jeans! Capes are so easy to just throw on and go. Think of it like a portable blanket 😉 They’re super cozy, non-constricting and easy to wear. You can dress up a casual outfit with a more structured design like the one I’m wearing or stick to the casual vibe with a knit poncho style. You honestly can’t go wrong with this combo!
Wear with a Mini
This might be favorite way to wear them! I just love the look of a structured cape draped over a romantic blouse and mini skirt combo. I find that this type of outfit looks best when there is some sort of matching going on. For example, a plaid cape paired with an identical plaid mini skirt or mini dress always looks stylish. You can also pair a solid colored one like mine with a plaid or tweed skirt/dress or switch up up and pair a printed cape with a solid-colored skirt/dress.
I do think that you have to be careful with proportions on this one though. If you’re wearing a shorter cape like mine, I personally would make sure the skirt or dress paired with it falls at least an inch or two below the cape otherwise you’ll risk looking like you’re not wearing pants (unless that’s the look you’re going for and if so, no judgement because… fashion hehe!). I also think a longer maxi length cape would look incredible with a mini skirt or dress.
Wear with a Maxi/Midi
This one is bold and might be the hardest to pull off but I think it looks super stylish! This is the look I’m wearing above and my skirt is between a midi and a maxi. For this one, I would stick with neutrals or similar tones (if you’re really feeling bold, try complimentary or supplementary colors!).
I think that proportions are important here as well. The length needs to compliment the cape without overwhelming it and the volume of the skirt needs to be just right. The pleated skirt I’m wearing has the slightest hint of volume and the length and texture compliment the cape beautifully! I also think something like a tulle midi skirt would look amazing!! It’s definitely a more dressed up approach to wearing a cape so I think the structured versions (both short and long) would be perfect.
More Cape Options:
How would you style a cape for fall? Would you give any of these looks a try?
Let me know below!
xo
