ZARA LONG CAPE WITH POCKETS [ SOLD OUT - STILL AVAILABLE HERE, HERE, HERE ] | AQUA PUNK PLAID SKINNY PANTS [ SOLD OUT - STILL AVAILABLE HERE - NOTE THAT THESE RUN SMALL AND I’M WEARING A M ] | H&M LONG-SLEEVED BLOUSE | ZARA LUGGED SOLE BOOTS [ OLD - SIMILAR HERE AND HERE ] | TOPSHOP BELT WITH GOLD CIRCLE AND CHAIN [ OLD - SIMILAR HERE AND HERE ] | H&M EARRINGS | SEPHORA CREAM LIP STAIN IN “RED DESERT” | AVON GLIMMERSTICKS LIP LINER IN “RED BRICK”

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I’ll never forget my first cape purchase. Like so many women of my generation, Sex and the City inspired me to take fashion risks, curate my personal style, and think outside the box when it came to my wardrobe. When I saw Carrie Bradshaw sporting a vintage nurse’s cape in Season 4, I promptly fell in love. While a college student in Toronto, I found my own vintage nurse’s cape at Exile, a thrift store in Kensington Market, and never looked back, wearing it for many years.

Capes have made a mild comeback in the last few years but in my opinion they still don’t get the sartorial credit they deserve. There’s only one catch to capes: not being able to wear totes or crossbody bags on your shoulder. But if you’re fine with a top handle, belt bag, or wearing your crossbody underneath the cape (as I do), a cape is a fun and foolproof way to jazz up your wardrobe in Fall and Spring temps. Not to be confused with ponchos, they can range from professional (blazer length) to statement-making (thigh-grazing length) to downright dramatic (midi or maxi length). A wool-blend option like mine provides the same warmth of a light coat, and especially with skinny jeans or fitted pants, a ho-hum outfit can be instantly transformed.

Are you a cape person? If so, I’d love to hear how you style yours!

Thanks for stopping by!