Capes: A Fashion Accessory for Fall 2011/Winter 2012

Consider a cape as the only must-have accessory for your fall and winter wardrobe fashion update. It can be worn with a casual outfit, for every day, or cute cover-up for an evening gown and other dressier outfits as well as a cover-up for a short, knee-length or midi dresses and skirts. Some capes come with a matching cap, scarf, and gloves.

A casual knit cape comes in different colors, and it can be worn with leggings, jeggings, skinny jeans, cigarette pants, or short skirts. A wool cape looks more elegant, and it looks better with refined styles and dressy clothes. A cape in a solid color is more practical because it can be worn with more outfits. But for women who have a particular style, they might want a cape with a print, whether plaid, hounds tooth, checkered, polka dots, pinstriped, or animal print.

The secret to pulling off wearing a cape with an outfit is to keep the outfit simple, with clean lines. Don’t over do it with too much pieces or colors as well as don’t wear too much accessories. Wearing a cape with a monochrome outfit of the same color will look sleek, elegant and polished. Don’t wear bulky accessories with a cape.

Just wear a cape as a substitute for a jacket. Whether with a turtleneck and pants or skirt, or with a shirt, tie, and tailor pants or skirt, the look changes from a casual to a tailored style. On warmer days, a casual cape will look cute with a camisole, a mini skirt, and flats or sandals. On cooler days, add a knit or wool cap, scarf, mittens or gloves, boots, and tights or leggings. For a trendy look, wear a cape with hot pants, or thigh-high socks and short skirt. To further dress up an outfit, add a decorative pin to the cape and/or the cap. Or, attach a cute pin to a scarf tied around your neck.