I first fell in love with capes from countless fairy tales read and watched in my young childhood. There was something mysteriously beautiful about the vision of a stately cape draping softly over the head and flowing softly off the shoulders. One of my favorite games was to imagine that I was a princess in disguise, hiding my identity from the world under the discretion of a hooded cloak. (Somewhere, there is a photo of 6-year old me tightly clutching a light yellow, green, and white crocheted baby blanket around my widely-grinning face.)
This has been the season of the cape, with a multitude of styles hitting the fashion runways and the retail racks. I’ve been on the hunt for the perfect cape for at least the past five months. My criteria: warm and heavy (to counter the persistent wind of San Francisco), pocketed (because my hands are always getting cold), light-colored (I already have too much black in my winter wardrobe), and flattering drape (depending on the cut and fit, a cape can add undesirable bulk). I bought several online, but none fit my standards, and all were returned. I had my eye on one from Nordstrom; as soon as it went on sale, I snapped it up. And guess what? I finally found my cape happily-ever-after!
Top: Soia & Kyo hooded cape (on sale), suede peplum top (from a HK boutique)
Bottom: BCBG A-line skirt, light grey hosiery, Vera Wang heels
Other: Kate Spade Cedar Street Monday clutch, Club Monaco angora fingerless gloves (similar), Saks Fifth Ave headband
Do you live in black tights in the winter? It’s the easy go-to option, but I’d like to recommend light grey hosiery; it’s refreshingly distinct and elegant.
I made a palette entirely of light neutrals: grey, white, and dusty rose/pale pink. The flare of a peplum top (an unexpected find in a Hong Kong boutique) mirrors that of the A-line skirt; the two are a natural duo. Fingerless angora gloves in pale pink add a soft, feminine touch to the outfit and keep exposed arms comfortably cozy.
Sparkles of shine from the softly-iridescent heels, the rhinestone-studded suede belt, the accented hairband, and the silver saffiano leather clutch make this into a truly special outfit. Wearing this and with the city softly glowing in the background, I certainly feel like a modern-day princess. <3
Would you try a similar color scheme of complementary neutrals? Are you a fan of the cape trend?
xoxo,
Shop The Look
[…] Cape-style jackets: I would avoid buying maternity-specific jackets, if possible. They have an excess mid-section material to accommodate a full-term bump which means that up until that point, it looks like you’re drowning in a style adding unnecessary mid-section mass. An A-line cape naturally has a flattering bell shape that hides your bump and gives you lots of room to move around in. Look for one with a neck closure (you can fasten it at the neck, and let it drape freely from there, if desired) and that hits at the upper thigh. Here’s one of my favorite capes. […]
Love your jacket Laurie! Wish that exact color you have on was still available =p
Ohh you are so beautiful and everything is absolutely gorgeous! Touchy and elegance at the same time!
Great cape! I can see why you fell in love with it. I’m also loving the clutch purse. Goes great with the cape.
Wow, that is absolutely gorgeous! That’s a show-stopper outfit, for sure. Those little handcuffs add a dash of cute to your classy outfit and these photos turned out beautifully. Great review (it makes me want a cape lol)
I love this cape – truly has a class of its own – very elegant and you have pulled it off!
I love the dress!! The color combination is great and I love the city background in your pictures!
I’ve always wondered do people ever ask you why you are taking all those pictures? I aways feel I need to explain when I take pictures of my food.
Wow you look absolutely gorgeous! I love the style of it and the hooded cape really tops it off! I love peplum anything too!, its just so cute!
I love the whole look of this outfit. My favorite part though is that cape. I’ve been wanting one but haven’t been able to find one, I’ll have to look into this one.
I’m glad you found a cape you loved. It looks really great on you! <3 I def haven't found my cape happily ever after.
What a great outfit…casual with a touch of elegance! And I just love those colours…especially during the winter months!
That’s a really pretty look. I’ve never seen the gloves like that, those are better than practical because they’re pretty too. 🙂
Oh my gosh I LOVE this look. The top is super pretty and I LOVE that coat so much!
Love love love it. I just look the look of that cape, the design, the colour its all just perfect and you look amazing.
Omg I want that whole outfit!!!! So fabulous!!! So chic :):)
Such a cute, sassy look for a night out! I love the cape and have been in love with them since I was a child as well after reading the fairy tales. I love this look!
Such a gorgeous outfit, I love the grey, it’s one of my favourite colours. That coat is so stunning, looks so cosy and warm too for the winter.
I love gray. It reminds me of Olivia Pope and she is so cool. I totally want to dress like Olivia Pope. The cape looks awesome. I think I’ll search for something similar. It looks so warm and whimsical to wear.