4 looks for the cape: From sporty to elegant!

The best-known cape is probably the one worn by Little Red Riding Hood. But you don’t need to be in a fairytale to look stylish with a cape around your shoulders. The cape is just as versatile as a coat and jacket, but lends a dashing touch to an outfit. These four looks show you how anything is possible with a cape, ranging from the elegant to the sporty.

1. The cape à la Three Musketeers

Who hasn’t dreamed of having adventures with their best friends, wild fisticuffs in taverns and living life as a free spirit? The cape is just right for an evening at a bar, visiting a Spanish or French restaurant, or a weekend excursion in a gleaming motorcar. The cape comes in shades of brown or beige, with fringes and decorations, and can be made from leather or densely-woven yarn. Skinny leather pants or jeans, wide blouses or shirts and leather ankle boots complement the look perfectly. But it might be a good idea to leave the sword at home!

2. The Cinderella Cape

It’s highly unlikely that Cinderella would have worn a trench coat or parka to the ball. An elegant cape works much better over a ball gown or your other funky party glad rags! The cape should be cut somewhat longer, preferably with an ornate collar and decorative elements. Large bows at the neck or the waist provide an elegant finish.

3. The cowboy cape

Cowboy or Indian? The question has never really changed, neither in the city nor in the present day. Capes are more popular than leather jackets for men. Jeans or chinos are best accompanied by an outfit in darker colors such as black, aubergine, rust or earthy tones. Shirts without collars, pants with tuxedo details and argyle knits are the ideal complement for the loose-fitting cape.

4. The opera cape

Invited to a soirée at the opera or theater, or going to a concert? The gentleman should wear a suit, or at least a jacket, and the lady should be dressed in a beautiful gown, a little black number or a body-hugging overall – and for both of them, of course: the cape! In modest black, it comes into it’s own after 8pm. The look is best finished off with a pair of black shoes.

If you are still seeking inspiration to perfect your look, you can watch the films that turned the cape into a CAPE: Zorro, Superman, The Lord of the Rings companions, Dracula, Harry Potter, Kim Basinger in “L.A. Confidential”, Audrey Hepburn in “Funny Face” and many more!

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