Jessica Halabi shows she’s a capable designer
Hot new trend a versatile item indoors and out
It’s not a bird or a plane. It’s the style that superheroes, gothic fiction, and Harry Potter helped make popular: the cape.
Don’t worry, though; this winter’s hottest trend won’t turn you into a caped crusader or require you to wave any magic wands. Capes are a versatile approach to winter style, affording weather-resistant coverage while also being light and breezy enough to wear indoors.
Modern capes come in all shapes and sizes. Casual capes are made from heavy-duty cotton or wool and can be worn on an everyday basis. Silk and fur capes add glamour to a formal outfit. Thinner cotton capes can double as a blazer for a chic office look.
For many, though, the idea of wearing a cape can be downright terrifying. How do we wear it? What do we wear it with? To ease you into the cape trend, here’s some expert advice from local designer Jessica Halabi and J2J Image Consulting owners, Jamie Paterson and Jocelyn Holmes.
“They look super cute with leggings, high boots, and a nice scarf,” says Halabi. “Then you have your winter-chic kind of look.”
Halabi, 27, designs her own sweater capes for her company, Jessica Halabi Fashion. Her version utilizes the flowing lines of the traditional cape, but with long sleeves for added protection from the elements.
Her advice on wearing capes is to be conscious of the silhouette you’re creating and to just have fun with it. “Wear it with confidence,” says Halabi.
“I will always recommend a tighter bottom when you’re wearing a cape — a jegging, legging, or skinny jean — because if you wear a heavy top, you wouldn’t want to match it with a heavy bottom.”
Paterson and Holmes agree. Paterson, 23, says that a cape can be quite boxy, so “you have to pair it with something skinny and fitted on the bottom. Otherwise, it’s going to be one straight silhouette and that’s not very flattering.”
For new cape-wearers, Holmes, 24, recommends utilitarian and military-themed capes. “You can dress those ones up or you can dress them down with your everyday shopping look,” says Holmes.
Of course, outerwear-style capes must keep the wearer warm enough during an Edmonton winter. “You’re probably going to want to go with a thicker fabric, something like tweed and wool,” says Paterson. “The heavier the fabric, the better.”
For those who aren’t shy, bold and brightly printed capes paired with vintage jewelry are a great way to make a fashion statement. Keep accessories simple, though, to avoid drowning out the cape’s bold print.
As Halabi suggests, “Let the piece speak for itself.”
Here are some final tips from this trio of fashionistas on how to keep the style flattering and comfortable: Add a belt to almost any cape to create an hourglass silhouette. For capes with no sleeves, pair with long leather gloves for a glamorous edge. Pair a formal dress with a fur, velvet, or silk cape — it won’t ruin your outfit by being too tight or causing it to bunch. Be wary of length: taller women can wear longer capes, whereas shorter women should gravitate toward shorter, cropped styles. Top your cape with a ’20s-style hat for an ultimate vintage look.