Fashion
15 Cape Dresses That'll Make It Acceptable To Dress Like A Superhero For Your Holiday Parties
Cape dresses have been making a splash lately, thanks to the celebrities who have been embracing this chic trend in the past few years. Gwyneth Paltrow stunned at the 2012 Oscars in a white Tom Ford cape dress; Lupita Nyong'o managed to make an off-the-shoulder cape dress an actual thing when she wore this red Ralph Lauren dress at the 2014 Golden Globes; Solange Knowles wore three caped ensembles for her wedding last month; and Angelina Jolie wore a demure white Ralph and Russo cape dress to the November 25 premiere of Unbroken and another, more relaxed black cape dress on Tuesday.
This regal style isn't just for celebrities (or superheroes). Since capes have been gaining in popularity, it's now possible to find a caped dress for almost every budget. If you've been looking for the perfect dress to make you stand out at all of your holiday soirees this winter, look no further than this slideshow. The first six dresses are under $100, and the rest are all under $500 — except for one very special dress at the end. Click on through.
Simple Black Cape
Katie Cape Dress, $26, Boohoo
Wear this minimal dress with delicate gold bangles, a nude lip, and platform ankle boots. Also available in hot pink.
Cobalt Cape
Adele Cape Dress, $30, Boohoo
This dress is a great plus-size option. It would look great with an elegant chignon and an oversized vintage locket. Also available in black.
One-Of-A-Kind Cape
Saldana Vintage ’70s Two-Piece Cape Mini Dress, $48, Etsy
Consider looking for vintage and handmade cape dresses on Etsy. This particular two-piece dress from the 1970s is a great choice if you’re a size small. If you get too warm once you’re inside the party, you can just take the cape off.
Cape For The Night
Halston Heritage Caped With Envy Dress, $65 to Rent, Rent The Runway
Rent the Runway is another great option for finding the perfect cape dress. The site allows you to rent expensive designer dresses for a fraction of the price, which is ideal for super trendy pieces — like a cape. This dress would normally cost $395 but you can rent it for your special event for $65.
Subtle Cape
Batwing Pleated Cape Dress, $61, Asos
This dress would look great with a plunging statement necklace and metallic strappy heels.
Classic Black Cape
Fly High Cape Dress, $78, Nasty Gal
Nasty Gal always has the most fierce party dresses. This one is practically crying out for some spiky jewelry and threatening ankle boots (luckily Nasty Gal has plenty of those too).
Striking Red Cape
Adrianna Papell Structured Cape Sheath Dress, $169, Zappos
A red cape to fulfill all of your childhood superhero dreams. Pair it with a set of matching metallic wrist cuffs, Wonder Woman-style.
Canary Cape
Leon Max Stretch Silk Georgette Cape Dress, $198, Max Studio
This yellow dress also has serious superhero vibes, and will be sure to make you stand out against the dreary black of everyone else’s winter outfits. Be even bolder and pair it with a red lip.
Embellished Cape
Xscape Embellished Crepe Cape Dress, $198, Nordstrom
You won’t even need jewelry with this embellished dress. The delicate crepe cape will float gracefully behind you all night. Wear it with equally dainty heels.
White Lace Cape
Lacie Lace-Blocked Cape Dress, $99, BCBG
Is there anything more romantic than white lace in the winter? This would make an unexpected statement as a winter wedding dress, a la Solange.
The Office Party Cape
Genevieve Lace-Paneled Cape Trench Dress, $358, Saks Fifth Avenue
This dress is a mix between a cape dress and a trench coat dress. It’s also a dress that you never knew you needed until now. Wear it to your office holiday party with a structured bag and sleek boots. .
Wool Cape
Leon Max Heather Stretch Wool Belted Capelet Dress, $398, Max Studio
This dress looks sophisticated and, most importantly, warm. It would look great with a dark burgundy lip and a wide-brimmed hat for some glamorous spy vibes.
Red Lace Cape
Brynna Lace Cape Dress, $171, BCBG
This dress is simply gorgeous (and the red is holiday-appropriate).
Jazz Age Cape
Forever Unique Embellished Pencil Dress with Cape, $183, A sos
Another dress that needs no further bling. Pull your hair back so as to better show off the neckline, and wear it with T-strap heels to further enhance the vintage look.
The Ultimate Luxury Cape
Valentino Silk Cape Gown, $6,990, Neiman Marcus
This dress is extravagant, and so is the price. It would be worth it if only for the grand entrance that no one would ever forget.
