If being stuck at home for a year has taught us anything, it’s that comfortable clothes are important. Fashion trends for this fall and winter have followed suit with loose fits, soft fabrics, and a wildly versatile alternative to the stuffy winter coat: the cape. Capes offer greater mobility (say goodbye to wrestling hair and purse straps out of your coat zippers) without sacrificing the insulation needed in winter wear. Capes have been around for centuries, making their silhouette a unique and timeless addition to every wardrobe.
Looking for free-flowing, cozy outerwear can land you in a sea of ponchos, capes, ruanas, wraps, and cloaks. So what exactly makes a cape, a cape? The cut and single-stitch sleeves. Capes can be enclosed or open in the front (open-right capes typically come with toggle or button closures) and are hemmed to hit a single-stitch that keeps your cape in place without constricting arm movement. Longer (mid-calf to floor-length) capes are typically called cloaks. Many outerwear capes and cloaks come with some form of an attached hood.
We’ve compiled twelve killer capes you can add to your cold-weather collection this fall ranging in cut, print, and price.
Honorable Houndstooth Cape
Channel your inner Sherlock with this sharp and sleek houndstooth cape. Made from a wool-tweed blend, this cape can be dressed up or down as necessary. Hidden pockets and a half-button front closure make this cape as functional as it is fashionable.
Waterproof and Windproof Hooded Cape
For the cape and nature lover, this made-to-order waterproof and windproof cape is able to withstand the elements without sacrificing any style or comfort. A Teflon outside coating and soft fleece lining combine to create a sturdy, durable, and oh, so cozy cape to wear on your next autumn hike.
Tatreez Embroidered Cape
Made-to-order and covered in ornate Palestinian tatreez embroidery, this cape is a definite showstopper. Wear over a formal dress or black jeans and sweater combo — either way, everyone will be asking you where you got this gorgeous cape.
Berber Fleece Cape with Hood
This berber fleece cape offers a high weight-to-warmth ratio and moisture-wicking technology that keeps you cozy and comfortable all day long. With an attached hood, two-button closure, and multiple design options, this is a classic, simple fall staple.
Faux Fur Collar Cape
There’s something adorably chic and vintage about a fur-collared piece of outerwear. This darling cape features a humane faux-fur collar, classic toggle front closure, and the sleek versatility only an all-black, well-structured piece of outerwear can provide.
Cleverhood Sweatshirt Cape
The only way this cape could get more comfortable is if you wore it in bed. This sweatshirt cape features the cozy aesthetic of your favorite hoodie with the mobility and style of a cape. It also features a handy inside pocket with a second, smaller pocket for your phone. Win, win, win.
Blackwatch Plaid Stella Cape
Despite their flowy appearance, capes can be excellently tailored for a flattering fit on all body shapes, and this Blackwatch plaid number is no exception. With structured shoulders, pleated back, and medium-weight wool blend, this cape compliments the figure without losing any of its coziness. Did we mention it can be monogrammed?
Soft and Lightweight Fleece Cuddle Cape
As the name would imply, this lightweight ‘cuddle cape‘ is as wonderfully soft as it is stylish. This cape features gorgeous eyelet trim and roomy pockets. Machine-washable and affordably priced, you’ll want to buy one of these capes for yourself, your mom, and your best friend.
Open Front Cape Coat
What’s better than a sleek, well-structured, and stylish new addition to your coat collection? An affordable addition to your coat collection. Luckily, this fierce open front cape coat checks off all our boxes. Available in multiple colors and reasonably priced, this cape is going to make you feel like a thousand bucks (without having to spend it).
Pure Irish Wool Country Walking Cape
If any fabric is going to withstand rain, snow, and chilly weather, it’s Irish pure new wool. This isn’t the cheapest cape on the list, but this cape isn’t just an impulse buy — it’s an investment. Hourihan of Dublin is world-renowned for its luxurious and long-lasting outerwear, and each piece is made to last years of chilly weather wear. This wool cape features a buttoned front, two deep front pockets, and an attached scarf that doubles as a hood.
Simone Sherpa Cape
Sherpa has gained popularity in the form of half-zips, sweaters, and pullovers. This sherpa cape combines the best of both worlds: a snuggly, ultra-warm sherpa fleece lining and hood with the free-flowing fit of a cape. Blustery winds stand no match against this draped, plush cape.
Soft Wool Hooded Cape with Tie Belt
Italian wool and cashmere are spun together to create an ultra-luxe and insulated cape perfect for casual and formal outfits alike. A tie belt wraps under the back panel and over the front for added drama and a waist-cinching effect, and a high-low hem with open sides makes for greater ease of movement over heavy layers. This company also works to ensure responsible social, environmental, and other labor and production practices.
