It’s been years since we’ve seen a cape on the runway—perhaps due to the iconic, “No Capes!” mantra of The Incredibles’ most fashion-forward, super-suit designing character. Well I must apologize, Edna Mode, because the cape has recently emerged as one of the biggest runway trends in outerwear, with one popping up in almost every fall 2015 and pre-fall 2016 collection, and it appears to be here to stay.
This caped look is inspired by the simple elegance of the Carolina Herrera pre-fall 2016 collection. The collection’s tailored black separates and glamorous occasion-wear are made undoubtedly joyful by the unexpected mix of color and print as cobalt blue, emerald and coral add youth to an otherwise mature group of designs. One of the most striking pieces is a voluminous high-neck black cape paired simply with tailored black trousers.
My own outfit features an open-drape wool cape I created as a personal sewing project, worn over a versatile pair of high-waisted black skinny jeans. As a strong proponent of pattern, I rarely step out without a print, so to add much-needed color and quirk, I slipped on a treasured mesh burn-out top with a blue and white floral and deer pattern. I kept the jewelry simple: thin silver bracelets balanced on each wrist, a delicate ear cuff and safety-pin-inspired earrings for a quick ’90s grunge punk throw-back. The black leather ankle boots have become a fall staple, and I was able to thrift them for less money than it cost for the large cup of coffee I needed to write this article.
Edna Mode may still disagree, but capes have certainly made a comeback in the fashion world. They offer elegance, style and endless layering options, as well as the practicality of warmth. So as we catapult into the colder months, I urge you to embrace the cape as your outerwear of choice.
Get My Look: 1. A cape. 2. A printed top. 3. High-waisted skinny jeans.
