In the world of fashion, no season is more fashionable, chic, trendy, edgy, or fabulous as the fall/winter seasons. During New York Fashion Week for fall 2009, the fashion industry’s top designers have trickled the runways with so many bold colors and shapes, it makes it difficult to only pick out a few seasonal trends. For fashionistas who find their wardrobes limited in the cooler months of fall, there is no longer any need to sacrifice great style to colder weather. Fabulous little garments called capes and cloaks keep the cooler months stylish.
The Cape
One of the most notorious capes in fashion is the long lived (and now very dead) poncho. Capes are sleeveless outer garments that were originally popular every day wear in medieval Europe. The garments usually open from the front and have slits for the arms as there are no sleeves. Big shiny and stylish buttons usually decorate the front of the cape, with some capes toting fashionable zippers to add a modern twist to the historical outer garment. Capes can come in a variety of styles and looks, while most present a more sophisticated look perfect for day and evening wear.
New York & Company City Style Tweed cape
The Cloak
Cloaks are very similar to capes. The only difference between the two outerwear garments is length. Cloaks tend to be much longer than capes. Most cloaks will stop around the mid-calf area, but the longer pieces are notoriously known for stopping at the ankles. These longer cloaks will be an extremely hot fashion trend in the winter months to come, as many fashion lovers will opt to replace their coats with longer cloaks. It is not unlikely to find a beautiful tweed ankle length cloak, with an attached hood. Hoods are one of the most distinctive features of the cloak. The fashion forward crowd will rock hooded cloaks this winter, and easily be among the most stylish.
Grey Snow Leopard cloak by Lindsey Thornburg Cloaks
How to Rock the Cape
Similar to the once very popular ponchos, capes look great with your best pair of skinny jeans. If you want to dress up your cape, a nice pair of slacks will add the twist that you are looking for. Skirts also look great with capes that come with jeweled brooches and will work well for workplace wear. Expect to see the tights addicts to pair trendy tights with edgier gothic style capes. It might sound like fashion suicide, but it can be a very hot look with the right combination.
How to Rock the Cloak
You cannot go wrong with pairing your favorite pair of skinny jeans with a stylish cloak. Just like the capes, cloaks also look great with skirts. For those seeking a more professional look, skirts and slacks will be the best option. Boots are perfect for longer cloaks, with thigh high boots ranking in as the best way to add a little sophisticated sexy to just about any cloak.
Now that you know that capes and cloaks will be amongst the hottest trends of the fall, you probably want to know where you can find them cheap. Popular stores such as Forever 21, Wetseal, Charlotte Rouse, Express, and New York & Company should be at the top of your list for finding the new addition to your fall must haves without breaking bank. Major department stores such as Belk, Macy’s, and Dillard’s should also have cloaks from very accomplished and well known designers.
Rather you like the gothic look of leather cloaks, the sophisticated look of brooched capes, or just want to be amongst the most fashionable and trendy this season; do not let this season slip away without adding a cape, cloak, or both to your closet. Stay fashionable!
Make a statement with this Crystal Vintage Necklace. This necklace would look great with your favorite dress or dressy blouse.
Stay cute and casual with this pink Sweater tote. On a casual day, this is the perfect bag to carry all of your necessities in. Use your imagine and pair it with your favorite pair of skinnies.