Cape Coats Are Back

By Ebony C. Charles

Maison Martin Margiela

Cape coats have made a huge comeback for the fall/winter season of 2011-2012. Invented in the19th century the cape coat has made its way in and out of fashion. Fun, fashionable, versatile, and practical the cape coat is a wonderful addition if you are looking for a style investment to perk up your wardrobe for the fall. Worn the right way, cape coats can help create a classic and romantic look that also have a subtle playful touch to it. These coats are definitely a good way to break out of a routine and create a different outfit while also being a practical and comfortable choice for the cool season.

Helene Berman, norsdstrom.com

The right cut and colors are key to looking your best however you must take into account your body shape, this will allow you to create interesting outfits. For example pear shaped women who are eager to create the right structure for their body type should look for a cape coat with a belt which gives the illusion of an hourglass shape. For those who want to de-emphasize a large bust the best choice is to choose a fitted cape instead of one that flows which can add a lot of unnecessary bulkiness. Short women should be careful about not making choices that will cut them in half and make them look shorter. That's why I recommend pairing a cape coat with a short skirt or shorts with tights. If you are thinking about purchasing a cape coat you should make sure that you are comfortable with adding volume to the upper part of the body. I suggest balancing out the lower part by wearing tight fitting pants, narrow skirts, leggings or skinny jeans.

Via Spiga, nordstrom.com

While runway looks can be a wonderful inspiration when it comes to how various trends can be adapted to your everyday life, many of us become a little confused as to what the best choices are for flattering and cute outfits. For a casual look pairing the coat with a cute top, skinny jeans and knee high boots can be a good choice. If you generally appreciate classic elegance and prefer a conservative yet stylish look you might find that a cape coat can serve you well and make you stand out in a positive way. The cape coat has been seen in collections from Target to Chloe, pay close attention to the structure and the fabric from which the coat is made in doing so you will be able to choose a stylish and versatile coat that will exude sexiness and grand style on a daily basis