How to Wear a Cape: It's Not as Complicated as You Think

The question of how to wear a cape appears to come around every autumn. No sleeves seems to equal no idea—but as an outerwear trend that never ceases to return on the runways and the streets, there's plenty of proof that the cape is here to stay and that we just need to get our head (torsos?) around it. 

The first problem that can often come to light when wearing a cape is layering: Just what does one wear underneath? And at what time of the year is it most usable? The answer really depends on what style of cape you're looking at. If it's a lightweight blanket-style scarf, just wrap it over your favourite biker jacket on those days where you aren't quite sure where the weather will take you. If you've opted for a thicker, bulkier cape, best to leave it alone and just add a simple knit underneath. Which leads us onto the other main problem: Capes can either swamp you or make you look far bigger than you are. We've got solutions for that too.

Keep reading to see how to style a cape in the most effective ways—plus shop a few of our favourites in- store now.

#1: Blazer Cape + Jeans

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(Image credit: Getty Images)

Style Notes: Cape-wearing success is often down to how you style it, so if you've got a cape that fits more like a blazer, then pair it with jeans to ensure you're smart but don't feel dramatically overdressed. 

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#2: Knit Poncho + Jumpsuit

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(Image credit: Getty Images)

Style Notes: A jumbo poncho can be swapped in when you don't fancy wearing a coat. To offset the volume, ensure you go for tonal colours or vertical stripes. A simple jumpsuit is an ideal choice to wear underneath.

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#3: Statment Cape + Jeans 

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(Image credit: Getty Images)

Style Notes: If you want to make a swooping, dramatic entrance, then pick a multicoloured cape, and ensure the rest of your outfit is subtle and fitted. And try blending your top with your cape. 

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#4: The Cape Dress

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(Image credit:  Kirstin Sinclair/Getty Images)

Style Notes: If layering isn't your forte, why not tap into the trend with a simpler cape-inspired dress? Keep it short and waist-defining to feel extra confident.

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#5: Single-Shoulder Styling

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(Image credit: Kirstin Sinclair/Getty Images)

Style Notes: This is an entirely new move for us—pin your cape scarf to the waistline of your jeans, and enjoy this asymmetric, casual thrown-on-effect seen on the streets of Paris.

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#6: Long Cape + Long Dress

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(Image credit: Christian Vierig/Getty Images)

Style Notes: As we already mentioned, correlating proportions is the safest bet—that's why this costume-inspired, gothic look from Caroline de Maigret works. It helps to be tall, so this combination is best avoided by petite girls.

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#7: Cape Scarf + Waist Belt

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(Image credit: Christian Vierig/Getty Images)

Style Notes: The fastest way to define your figure and still feel like getting involved in the cape trend is to simply belt up. Choose a medium-thick belt—anything too skinny will get lost and too thick will feel very uncomfortable.

#8: Evening Cape + Jeans

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(Image credit: Kirstin Sinclair/Getty Images)

Style Notes: We're always into a high/low mix, and the idea of a fancy, full-length cape worn with sawn-off jeans is genius. Heels help add to the glamorousness of the idea��but feel free to dress it down further with flats.

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Hannah Almassi
Editor in Chief

Hannah Almassi is the editor in chief of Who What Wear UK. Hannah has been part of the the Who What Wear brand since 2015, when she was headhunted to launch the UK sister site and social channels, implement a localised content strategy and build out the editorial team. She joined following a seven-year tenure at Grazia magazine, where she led front-of-book news, fashion features and shopping specials as fashion news and features editor. With experience in both print and digital across fashion and beauty, Hannah has over 16 years in the field as a journalist, editor, content strategist and brand consultant. Hannah has interviewed industry heavyweights such as designers including Marc Jacobs and Jonathan Anderson through to arbiters of taste including Katie Grand and Anna Dello Russo. A skilled moderator and lecturer specialising in the shift to digital media and e-commerce, Hannah’s opinion and work has been sought by the likes of CNBC, BBC, The Sunday Times Style, The Times, The Telegraph and MatchesFashion.com, among many others. Hannah is often called upon for her take on trends, becoming known as a person with their finger of the pulse of what’s happening in the fashion space for stylish Brits.

Hannah currently resides in Eastbourne with her photographer husband, incredibly busy son and highly Instagrammable cat.