On The Surface

by Jacqueline Davis Moranti

As much as I love shoes, I also love myself some great outerwear pieces! This year one of the biggest trends for outerwear has been the capes and ponchos. They are so much fun to wear, extremely comfortable because you're not feeling encased in a coat and still surprisingly warm! Why not wear something that reflects your fashion savvy on the surface, since no one will see your full outfit until you get indoors?!

Outerwear from:
Forever21
American Apparel
Club Monaco
Urban Outfitters

The top left cape looks great with so many pieces but my favorite way to wear this one is with a sleek, dark maxi skirt or dress. It really ups the anty to any elegant look.

Top middle cape, I absolutely adore! Rather than feeling like "Little Red Riding Hood," why not go for  a kelly green cape?! It's less expected and looks great paired with neutrals, so they don't distract the brightness of the cape! Belting your cape is a great way to show your waist and add some femininity to your outerwear.

Top right cape looks great worn with an all black outfit, black skinny jeans, black leather gloves, and tall black boots. Katniss Everdeen approved!

The bottom left image is a little bit hard to tell of it's poncho capabilities. This awesome piece of outerwear can be worn two ways, as a regular coat and a poncho when you unzip the sides! It's unconventional but fashion forward and looks great paired with wide legged denim jeans.

The last poncho, bottom right, is super comfortable and casual. I love bold prints on outerwear pieces, it adds some fun to the dullness of winter! 

I feel that capes get a bad rep because so many people think they look silly, as if it's more appropriate on a superhero or a comic book character. Capes and ponchos are so easy to style and they can be as subtle as a change of lipstick or as loud as Gene Simmons in concert! 

Since capes and ponchos are a seemingly sartorial piece in our wardrobe, they're a great investment! Rather than reaching for that old faithful trench or the ever popular leather jacket, try a cape. You will stand out as a fashionable individual. 

                                                                                                 Xoxo,

                                                                                                        Jacqui