Cape Crusader

Cape Crusader

On days like today where it’s tough to get out of bed altogether, I like to keep my outfit as simple and as comfortable as possible – a cozy knit top (I opted for a turtleneck here) and jeans. It’s the equivalent of going out in public in my pajamas for me so don’t judge. To make myself look a tad bit more put together, I throw on a cape for a blanket-like feel and to cover my tush and my trusty over-the-knee boots for added leg warmth. This cape is fantastic! I bought it towards the tail end of the summer and it sat waiting patiently in my closet for cooler temperatures to arrive. I wore it last weekend while running errands on the Upper West Side (you can see it in one of my Instagram posts from last week) and I received tons of compliments while I was out and about.

It’s 50 degrees in NYC today so I’m taking advantage of this break in the weather. Capes are great because they are cover-ups that make your outfit look instantly more chic with very little effort, just like how blazers and long cardigans add extra oomph to jeans and a tshirt. The key to styling a cape and not looking frumpy is since the cape is flowy and wide to wear a skinny or slim cut bottom with them.  If you do want to wear a non-skinny jean or legging, the most flared leg I would do is boot cut. If you want to define your waist a little bit better, belt the cape at your high waistline (think where your pencil skirt or high waisted jeans would end) with either a skinny belt tied with a cool knot or a wide belt.

Cape Accessories

There’s something about these OTK boots that I can’t get enough of! I knew the instant that I decided to wear this cape that I wanted to wear these boots with it. The cape is black and cream but the boots are taupe.  Black boots are perfectly fine in this situation as well but I wanted to break up the black here a little bit. I opted for taupe over chestnut or grey when I purchased these boots because I find taupe to be more versatile with different neutral outfits (black, white, navy, and camel especially).  If you’re still not convinced about OTK boots, read my Fall Fashion in NYC blog post and I think it’ll make you an OTK boot convert.

There’s an interesting story behind this clutch.  I saw it online and purchased it last year and never carried it until last weekend.  Seriously.  Only I would do something like that.  As many times that I’ve worn solid black outfits (casual and formal) since I’ve purchased it and still didn’t carry it?! Really??  Look at the detail! The beading is exquisite and I love the aztec print and the pops of color.  You may also be wondering why I chose to carry this printed clutch with a striped cape.  Print mixing is a great way to make your outfit stand out.  The keys to doing it successfully are a) stick with one color with both prints (both pieces have black and cream in this outfit) and b) one print should be bold while the other print is more subtle.  For example, I’ve worn striped shoes with plaid pants but both prints had black as a base color so it worked.  Also, the plaid was bold (red and black) and the stripes were subtle.

Throw on your capes and handle business! It’s time to grind!  Have a great work week!

xoxo, CCB

Photography: Kristin Tully

Outfit Details: Celine Sunglasses, Forever 21 cape (here), ASOS turtleneck bodysuit (here), Forever 21 leggings (here), New Look clutch (old but I like this one too), Stuart Weitzman “Highland” OTK boots in Taupe Suede (here)