How to Wear a Cape

Snow day prancing in my vintage plaid Pendleton cape!

Snowy Day Bae

These photos make it look like this was a lovely snowy afternoon, but make no mistake, it was cold af. The weather in New York has finally hit miserable on the scale of tolerable to frigid. It may appear to be a winter wonderland, but trust me, it’s not. I’m mentally preparing myself for a month of weekend hibernation, where my only social interaction is with the delivery guy. Don’t judge me.

This post it about one of my favorite, albeit finicky, articles of clothing: the cape. Capes always look super chic. So chic even, it’s become popular in the last few years to drape a plain ole jacket over your shoulders, like a cape. See Vogue’s slideshow titled “The Chicest Way to Wear a Coat is to Not.” How profound, Vogue.

Anyways, jackets are not capes, but capes are capes, so let’s get back to it. My best advice for wearing a cape is to carefully consider the weather. Capes are drafty suckers, so if it’s freezing cold, a cape is probably not ideal. But if you’re dead set on wearing one when the temperature drops, like I was on this day, make sure to layer appropriately. Because your arms will be exposed, I recommend long sleeves in cashmere or wool. A cardigan is great because it keeps your arms warm, while letting a graphic tee, embellished top, or statement necklace peek through the opening of your cape. The cape I’m wearing here is vintage Pendleton that I found on Etsy, but I found you this one that’s even better! Someone better snatch this baby up before I do.

Other things to keep in mind: you cannot wear a backpack or a large shoulder bag with a cape. I recommend a small handbag with a handle/strap that you can tuck in the crook of your elbow. Other than that, no restrictions. Cape on my queens!

Scroll down to shop some of my fave capes of the season.

Snow day prancing in my vintage plaid Pendleton cape! [metaslider id=1808]