What DO I Wear?!?! The Cape Crusader

“I would wear a full-length cape if I could get away with it – I do love a good swirl in a fog.” ~ Martin Freeman

The Cape

Kimonos, vests, ponchos and capes, are my go to fashion accessories. If it is flowy and offers a semblance of warmth while still being fashionable, I am all in. It is one of the perks of Autumn, and dare I say it, the reason I love it so much.

Who doesn’t want to walk around wrapped in a cozy blanket? When it is stylish and chic? Score! I swear if snuggies were fashionable, I would live in them year round with no shame peeps. No shame!

Alas, thankfully I do not have to resort to walking around in a snuggie thanks to a wide assortment of cozy outer wear, especially that of the cape.

History

You could argue that capes have been around since the beginning of time. There is no concrete date of origin of when they came into being. They have just always been. Though like most fashion trends, it has had its highs and lows with popularity.

While it may have originally been created for warmth, and throughout history has been used as such. It also became a symbol of wealth and status, dating back to Roman times, when capes would be attached to ranking military officials’ uniforms.

In today’s day and age, many militaries around the world have kept the tradition of capes, especially for formal occasions as part of the dress uniform. Many marching bands also will rock the cape.

// Cape: Anthropologie // Sweater: Ann Taylor Loft// Leggings: Lululemon// Boots: American Rag// Necklace: SeaMilliganDesigns// Bag: Louis Vuitton// Cuff: Lighthouse studio designs//  Sunglasses: Tory Burch // 

The cape has gone by other names such as mentel and cloak. Regardless of what it goes by, it has served the same purpose. Capes can be made out of a variety of materials, but most commonly is wool. While it has become more of a fashion piece of late, with many hybrids such as the cape blazer, it is an iconic style.

Heck even super heros rock the capes!

The Cape: Anthropologie Style

I admit to being obsessed with the cape and I own several. They are the perfect accessory to add that pizazz while still keeping me warm. One of my favorites is an open faced black and grey plaid from Anthropologie. The subtle plaid print is incredibly versatile, making it easy to dress up or dress down.

It is made of wool and has a soft fringe at the end. It is shaped in a V creating the perfect drape when I wear it. It is also long enough that I can wrap it around my body several times. It really does feel like I am wrapped in a stylish blanket which I love!

Styling It

Because of its versatility, you can literally style it many different ways. I have no problem admitting that my favorite look is the “Basic Girl” Fall stereotype. A great pair of boots, leggings and a sweater leggings go a long way.

I tend to keep the rest of my accessories simple sticking with my staple pieces. Usually pairing a long necklace, usually one by SeaMilliagn Designs, my LightHouse Studio Designs cuff, and hoops. The cape adds plenty of character that I typically try to let it speak for itself.

It is a look that I can wear to a Broadway show, for some Fall farm fun, or to a nice dinner. Heck I sometimes even channel my inner Marvel superhero fashionista!

What do you think of this look? Do you own a cape? How do you style it?

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