We often share tips on how to style a particular scarf or wrap. Today, however, we’re switching it up. Instead of showing you how to wear something, we will do the opposite — how not to wear something.
This time, we’re focusing on the cape and how you should avoid wearing it. But first, let’s delve into the details of the cape.
Understanding the Key Differences Between a Cape and a Coat
A cape is an outerwear alternative to a coat. It’s similar to a wrap but thicker, heavier, and often more structured. Like a scarf or a kimono, wearing a cape quickly elevates your look from ordinary to extraordinary.
While they are both types of outerwear, a coat (R) is a long, full-length garment that is worn over other clothing to provide warmth and protection from the elements, while a cape is a loose, sleeveless garment that is worn over the shoulders and fastens at the neck
Unlike the coat, a cape is a swingy piece and follows the silhouette of a trapeze. What is even more unique about the cape is how it is constructed.
Unlike the typical coat, which comes with its own set of sleeves, a cape only features slits where your arms can go through (well, at least most capes do). Capes are generally mid-length — they end at the hip or just below the crotch.
Iggy Azalea wears a black snakeskin leather sheath dress with a leopard print cape and black ankle boots (Credit: Judy Eddy / DJDM / WENN)
Common Cape Styling Mistakes to Avoid
Capes are great, and we love a girl who can wear her cape well. But like any other piece of clothing, you also need to understand that there are things you should never wear with this stylish topper. Here’s a great example of how you should never wear your cape, courtesy of Aussie rapper Iggy Azalea.
First, you should remember that capes are mid-length (some, even longer), so never wear your cape with a knee-length, tea-length, or ankle-length skirt. Doing so will make you look frumpy and short.
Iggy Azalea attends an event at Tao nightclub in The Venetian Resort Hotel Casino in Las Vegas, on April 5, 2014 (Credit: Judy Eddy / DJDM / WENN)
If, for some reason, you dare defy the rules of balance and proportion by rocking a midi with your long cape (like Iggy here), please do not do more damage by capping off the outfit with just your ankle boots. Doing so will only make you look even shorter. Try pairing the boots with matching tights (black-on-black).
As you can see in the pictures above, while Iggy’s animal-print cape shows a lot of promise (it’s a statement piece), how she styled it with a below-the-knee dress and some ankle boots was utterly wrong and unflattering. Just imagine how different (and fabulous) she would have looked had the dress been short (thigh-level); even better had she worn black tights with those boots.
The best pieces to pair with a cape are typically jeans, leggings, shorts, and mini skirts. If you prefer to wear a cape with a long skirt, make sure the skirt’s hemline reaches the floor and opt for a shorter cape to maintain a balanced look.
Best Cape Choices for Spring
Here are a few capes from Zappos you can snag this spring. These are light in weight, so they’re great for layering. Wear them during those cold spring nights or simply whenever you fancy:
Lauren Ralph Lauren Classic Trench Cape, $150
Lisa Taranto Dani Cape, $163