If you wish to incorporate your modern hooded cloak into your everyday wardrobe, here are some suggestions on how to style it to look contemporary and not like a costume!
You’ve probably already realized you can’t pair it with items that are too casual. Instead, select garments from the more formal side of your wardrobe.
We’ve done many photoshoots with the cloaks now. Here is what we found works, but don’t feel limited by these ideas. Feel free to experiment on your own.
Boots or Dramatic Shoe
The length of the cloak emphasizes the footwear. Also, because the cloak has a large presence, boots balance it better. We’re tried lace up boots, suede boots, Doc Marten’s, calf height boots, etc. I believe most any boot will work, with some exceptions, like perhaps cowboy boots. Heels, loafers, or wingtips work well too, especially if they are stylish.
Raven Fox Women’s Hooded Cloak with POCKETS in Noir Black
Contrasting Mono-Chromatic Outfit
The cloak is a lot of fabric and will dominate the outfit. Thus, we choose bold, bright contrasting colors.
Bold Pattern Works Well
This bright plaid works well too. I think one reason it works well is the bright color and the graphic pattern. In selecting a pattern, choose a big, bold pattern as seen here.
Subtle Contrasting Colors
We also used some subtle contrast that is typical of men’s wear. Like this heathered red shirt with a brown cloak. And a black shirt with the red and green cloaks. Also, we found dark jeans work too.
Add a bold accessory like a shawl, necklace, belt, or hat on top of the cloak.
Personally, I wouldn’t add more than one accessory, because I find a lot of accessories cancel each other out! Moreover a lot of accessories make it look like you are wearing a costume. However, how much is the right amount depends on your style.
Take the Louis Vuitton cape outfit in the photo below. The cape is monochromatic white with black trim, a black dress, white shoes and an elegant red and black belt. All the garments are simple and elegant, except for the more complex belt.
I hope we’ve given you some ideas for how to style your cloak for a day or evening adventure.
Feel free to sent us a photo for Facebook or Instagram, assuming you are wearing one of our cloaks! Email us at info@ravenfoxcapes.com
The 2020 – 2021 Everyday Cloak Trend
One distinct pleasure of my 2020 was discovering the s/TheCapeRevolution The subreddit is devoted to sharing capes and cloaks people have made, bought, or admired.
Everyday Cape seen at Louis Vuitton, Paris, December 2020
What’s an Everyday Cape Anyway?
One of the central discussions on the subreddit is about how “different” an everyday cape is from other everyday outerwear. Enthusiasts seem concerned about the cape being too different to wear everyday. Most of the capes people are trying out seem subtle like the one in the photos above and below. Neither seems likely to invite a lot of stares while providing a touch of the drama, mystery and romance to an outfit.
Who is Brave Enough to Wear an Everyday Cape?
Even a cape that masquerades as a more traditional item of clothing can draw attention. Not everyone is happy with drawing attention, positive or negative, and even if no one around them notices their cape, they can still feel uncomfortable wearing something they consider risky. The subreddit collects a large group of people who want to lead a revolution in fashion that removes the feeling that wearing a cape is risky – the Cape Revolution!
Meanwhile there are those that like the idea of drawing attention as a different, bold dresser. It comes down to personal choice and personality. More power to them! These are the folks that have the best chance of starting the revolution.
Paige Walsh @abbycomics on Instagram from October 2019.
Billy Porter Does Bold Beautifully
I look for opportunities to bring up celebrity actor Bill Porter. He might be a once-in-a-century bold dresser!! I also give him credit for contributing to the current cape and cloak trend.
Billy mixes traditionally women’s high fashion with men’s suiting. This combo looks different, but also elegant and stylish on him. See how he styled the outside of the cloak to match the color of the embroidered suit. Also, take note of how his shirt, shoulders, pocket and shoes are the embellished items, while the surfaces are monochromatic. He pulls it off – and turns heads.
Unlike the average person, Billy Porter has access to first rate designers and tailors. For example, it took 6 months to create this embroidered ensemble for the 2019 Golden Globe Awards.
Billy Porter in original outfit for 2019 Golden Globe Awards
Get Out of Your Comfort Zone
Like so much in life, we advance when we push ourselves past where we’re comfortable. If you want to dress boldly but are afraid, try it out in small amounts – “slow and steady” and all that. Enlist a friend to go with you to a costuming event, hold a costume party, or just go out with you in everyday capes.
Take it on in baby steps like other new endeavors. You may be fine making a bold statement by breaking out in your new fashion. Or maybe you’ll be more comfortable making small changes that become more bold over time. However it works for you, there is no reason for you not to be happy with your personal style.
Want a cape or cloak? Start making it or save for it. Look for hats you like. Keep building that dream wardrobe gradually so you have what you like when the opportunity comes along.
Be Bold If You Want To
We only go through this life once – so if you want to be bold, now’s the time: BE BOLD.
The secret to life success is getting out of your comfort zone! Trying new things, noting what works for you, and trying again. Improvement or change is often incremental and based on a mix of successes and failures.
Xo, Karen
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