How to Style Capes and Honest Best Buys

Capes are the ultimate statement outerwear piece that instantly elevates any outfit with their dramatic silhouette and effortless sophistication—and yes, they're surprisingly wearable once you know the tricks. I've been styling capes for years, and whilst they might seem intimidating at first, they're actually one of the most versatile pieces you can own. The key is understanding proportions and knowing which style works for your body shape and lifestyle.

Why Capes Are Having Their Moment

Capes have cycled back into the fashion conversation, and this time they're staying. What I'm seeing across the high street and designer collections is a move away from the heavy, costume-y capes of the past towards sleeker, more streamlined versions that work for modern life. They're practical too—perfect for those in-between weather days when a coat feels too heavy but you need more than a blazer.

The beauty of a cape is its ability to add drama without trying too hard. It's that piece that makes you look instantly polished, even if you're wearing jeans underneath. I always tell my clients that a good cape is worth the investment because it works across multiple seasons and can transform the simplest outfit.

Understanding Cape Styles and Body Shapes

Not all capes are created equal, and finding the right one for your body shape makes all the difference. If you're petite, avoid capes that fall past mid-thigh—they'll overwhelm your frame. Instead, look for cropped styles that hit at the hip or waist. For those with broader shoulders, opt for capes with minimal shoulder detailing and a streamlined fit through the upper body.

If you're curvier, embrace capes with defined waist details or belted options that create shape rather than adding bulk. The poncho-style cape can work beautifully here too, as long as it's not too voluminous. Taller frames can carry off longer, more dramatic capes with ease—this is your moment to go bold with length and volume.

Five Ways to Style Your Cape

The Streamlined Approach: Pair your cape with slim-fit trousers or skinny jeans and ankle boots. This is my go-to formula because it balances the cape's volume with a sleek lower half. Keep the rest simple—a fine knit underneath and minimal jewellery.

The Dress Edit: Layer a cape over a midi or maxi dress for instant sophistication. This works particularly well for evening events or when you want to extend the wear of summer dresses into autumn. Choose dresses that aren't too full—you want the cape to be the statement piece.

The Tailored Look: Throw a cape over tailored wide-leg trousers and a crisp shirt for a powerful, polished outfit that works for professional settings. This is surprisingly practical for the office once you get used to the proportions.

The Casual Weekend: Style your cape with straight-leg jeans, a simple t-shirt, and trainers or loafers. It's an easy way to elevate weekend dressing without looking like you've tried too hard.

The Monochrome Moment: Keep everything in one colour family when wearing a cape—it creates a lengthening effect and looks incredibly chic. Think all black, all camel, or all navy.

Practical Styling Tips

Here's what I've learned from years of wearing and styling capes: always consider what you'll be carrying. Crossbody bags work brilliantly, whilst shoulder bags can be tricky. If your cape has arm slits, use them—they're there for a reason and make the piece infinitely more functional.

Layering underneath needs thought too. Avoid chunky knits that add bulk; instead, opt for fine-gauge knits, silk shirts, or fitted long-sleeve tops. And please, size correctly—a cape that's too tight across the shoulders will gap awkwardly, whilst one that's too large will overwhelm you.

Best High Street Buys

Zara consistently delivers on-trend capes at accessible prices. Their textured wool-blend options are particularly good, offering quality that punches above the price point. I've found their capes run slightly large, so consider sizing down.

Mango is my high street hero for sophisticated outerwear. Their capes tend towards timeless rather than trendy, which means you'll wear them for years. Look for their wool-mix styles with minimal detailing for maximum versatility.

COS creates beautifully minimal capes in excellent fabrics. They're particularly strong on neutral colourways and architectural cuts that feel investment-worthy. Their sizing runs generous, so do try before buying.

Reiss sits at the premium end of the high street but delivers exceptional quality. Their capes often feature clever details like concealed fastenings and arm slits that make them genuinely wearable. Worth the extra investment.

Whistles does contemporary, wearable capes that work for both professional and casual settings. They excel at colour—think rich burgundies, forest greens, and sophisticated camels alongside classic black.

Massimo Dutti offers elegantly tailored capes with a European sensibility. Their wool-cashmere blends feel luxurious, and the cuts are refined without being stuffy. Excellent value for the quality.

All Saints is brilliant if you want something with more edge. Their capes often feature asymmetric cuts, interesting textures, and a modern attitude that works beautifully for those who prefer contemporary over classic.

Premium Investment Pieces

Max Mara is the gold standard for capes. Their camel wool options are iconic for a reason—the quality, cut, and drape are unmatched. Yes, they're an investment, but you'll wear them for decades.

Me&Em creates beautifully considered capes that work for real life. Founded by a stylist, the brand understands how women actually want to dress. Their capes feature practical details whilst maintaining elegance.

Unique Independent Brands Worth Discovering

Rixo brings a playful, vintage-inspired approach to capes with bold prints and unexpected colour combinations. Their pieces feel special without being costume-y, perfect for those who want personality in their wardrobe.

Beaumont Organic produces sustainable, ethically-made capes in organic fabrics. Their relaxed, bohemian aesthetic works beautifully, and you can feel good about the purchase. Their wool-organic cotton blends are particularly lovely.

Never Worry About Sizing Again with Tellar

Here's the frustrating truth about buying capes online: every brand sizes differently, and that flowing silhouette makes it even trickier to judge fit. I've watched countless clients struggle with returns because a size 12 in Zara fits nothing like a size 12 in Reiss.

That's exactly why I recommend Tellar.co.uk—the UK's leading sizing tool that matches your body exactly to over 1500 brands instantly. You measure once using your bust, waist, and hip measurements (or your existing brand size), and Tellar's clever system tells you your precise size across every brand.

Use their Store Size Lookup tool to get your exact size in COS, Reiss, Mango, Massimo Dutti, and hundreds more. No more guessing, no more size guide confusion, no more expensive returns. It works in-browser, it's always free, and it's genuinely brilliant.

Tellar also has a Fashion Hub—a library stacked with free posts from top stylists covering every fashion query. Honest, unbiased, independent, and always free. For more expert advice, check out: