While the looks that strut down Fashion Month’s runways are always fabulous, the sidewalks often tell more about the look du jour. It’s like doing trend spotting in a fashion barrel! Last week we zeroed in on Parisian chic. This week, we’re featuring a new outfit option that quickly rose to the surface on the sidewalks…

The Cape-Coat.

Now, lest we forget, capes were in a few seasons back, but the latest versions have been updated to feel more like a coat hybrid. They now come with longer, slimmer  silhouettes and with larger slits that actually provide a full range of motion. Hallelujah. {If you don’t have a traditional cape in your closet, I can attest, limited arm movement was the old downside. You’d feel like you were cut off at the elbows!}. I’m excited about this coat alternative for spring. It feels light, it feels fun and it’s a great way to fend off a spring chill, but still enjoy afternoon sun on your arms! I think Gabriella Wilde, attending Burberry’s show in London, wore the trend best. A deep navy hue popped against her crisp white shirt and the open toed shoes made the look feel totally now.

Alas, Burberry’s version of the cape-coat above will set you back a cool $1,600. Thankfully, a new line from Leslie Tessler gives us a plethora of options for a fraction of the cost.

 

 

 

 

I’m particularly smitten with her swingy Turquoise Pluma Cape. It feels like the perfect punch of color that will refresh the old stand-bys in your wardrobe. Now that they days are longer {but I still want my hour back dammit!} and we can finally shrug off those heavy puffer coats, why not try this option on for size?

 

I’m in. You?

 

Here’s to trying something new this week!


photography by atlantic pacific, image 2 via, image 3 via, image 4 via. lookbook images courtesy of Leslie Tessler

What do you think?

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14 Comments

  1. I just love that capes are still “in”. I think they can be so lady like and their dramatic silhouette spices up any boring outfit.

  2. Agreed, the structure makes this a dramatic piece you can actually wear. Kate, the wagon’s waiting–we’ll make a believer out of you!

  3. Love the outfits on these pictures. The new cape coat gives you more flexibility and you can actually move your hands and shoulders when traveling on the tube in a rush hours 🙂 x

  4. Oh I want! Super cute. They could easily make a simple outfit of skinny jeans and a white blouse pop. Sigh…

  5. Just not sure how I feel about this one. I have a sweater that’s very similar in styling and I find it incredibly annoying to wear even though it looks gorgeous. 😉

    xoxo,

    Jules of Canines & Couture
    http://www.caninesandcouture.com

  6. Beeautiful!! I got a cape coat a few years back from Kate Spade and I never tire of it. I know I’ll wear it for years to come.

  7. I think that from the waist up, Gabriella Wilde in her navy cape and white buttoned up shirt blouse, looks exactly like she is wearing a nurse’s uniform from the 1950s!