Every fall and spring, I find myself wishing I had another cape. Another, because I already own two.
One is a long charcoal wool number on the fancier side, so it’s not all that wearable day to day. And the other is perhaps what I should think of as my starter cape? Like, the cheap cape you buy when you’re just dipping your toe into the slightly silly fashion waters to see if you know how to swim? That. And figuratively, I can swim (because literally, I cannot), but I’m over this one from Target ten years ago.
They’re pretty easy to get away with in casual settings (good morning, fellow parents at school drop-off!) as long as you keep the outfit underneath simple.
The first is the Trench Cape from J. Crew, on sale and also available in navy. It was the basis for my gouache illustration, and it’s as subtle as a cape can be, really. Then we have the pretty Charlotte Cape, which is also on sale (clearance) and comes in two other colors. I wouldn’t pair red with red, but other than that, any of the shoes work with either cape: the Charlene oxford to tone things down, the Kitty flats if you’re feeling cheeky, or the Sloan plaid d’orsay flats for pretty shoes that aren’t too out there.
Do you have a cape? Do you wear it? Everyday superhero fashion is where it’s at.
Shop the Post
* Now with more shoes!
[show_shopthepost_widget id=”1504835″]
Jolene
March 30, 2016 at 3:36 pmI have the same Target cape as you. It was just passed down to me from a friend, so I am not tired of it just yet. But I do find that the weather has to be just right to get away with it. Not too cold, but you need something….
Sarah
March 30, 2016 at 3:59 pmMy seven year old daughter has been asking for a cape. (She’s much more fashionable than her jeans and t-shirt mother.) Are you aware of any girls’ capes?
Natalie Stone
March 30, 2016 at 4:19 pmI love cape! I’ve got a formal vintage one that I don’t wear often, but I’ve got a black one that I wear on the regular. I find them to be easier to wear (in terms of putting on) than most coats, and they always catch people’s eye. I just might have to spring for one of these you’ve mentioned…
Caitlin Dreger (@kkdreger)
March 30, 2016 at 5:57 pmOh, go with the red one. I was given a red vintage 1960’s cape that I adore. It’s to my midcalf on my 5’2 frame so it makes such a statement when I wear it. It also has done double duty for a little red riding hood costume on Halloween. I love the idea of a shorter one also. Might have to get one of those!
Lianne Raymond (@Lianne_R)
March 30, 2016 at 9:03 pmI don’t know what classifies as a cape, but I have the Hendrix from Free People and I can’t imagine my life without it. (it seems you and I have quite different styles)
missmucho
March 31, 2016 at 12:22 amThese are beautiful I haven’t had much luck with J Crew shoes in the past though, they don’t hold up well. Hopefully these will! So pretty!
Antonella
March 31, 2016 at 6:37 amLove your drawings!
Chelsea T
March 31, 2016 at 11:40 amI love the trench-styled cape! Beyond that, please keep including your illustrations in posts! So sweet, and so original.
Margaret
March 31, 2016 at 3:47 pmThis may be a silly question, but is it hard to sling a purse over your shoulder with a cape (does lack of real sleeves make it slide off)? I love the idea of the trench cape, but do wonder if it would be workable with my bigger work purse.
Jenny
March 31, 2016 at 10:04 pmI had a cape when I was about nine years old. I don’t remember what happened to it, but I’ve been missing it ever since! I think you’re inspiring me to buy one.
Heidi @StatelyKitsch
April 2, 2016 at 8:10 amI’ve been debating a cape for while. You inspired me to order one (the one on the right in blue)! Love the drawing.
raeleneb
April 9, 2016 at 11:22 pmLove that illustration!! In fact, it totally makes me wish I had that whole outfit ready to wear (including the fun red shoes – if, perhaps, sans kitty).
IamDWJ
April 13, 2016 at 11:27 amI am actually knitting myself a cape for spring with this crazy weather. I love the ones you picked and the shoes are fabulous!