I love jackets and coats. They are my second favourite wardrobe items (handbags come first). Fortunately I can put a large assortment of toppers across a range of thicknesses and silhouettes to good use in my climate, so my wants are somewhat rationalized by my needs. This brings me to the tale of two capes. 

Capes aren’t as insulating as regular wool coats. They can be fussy, uncomfortable, unflattering, dowdy and impractical. That said, capes do have their advantages:

• They are a slam-dunk silhouette to layer over chunky knitwear, voluminous dresses, and tops or pullovers with exuberant and voluminous sleeves.
• They layer well over denim jackets, motos, and light-weight coats.
• They work well as maternity toppers.
• They camouflage the natural contour of the body when that’s how you feel like dressing.
• They look dramatic, theatrical, fun, unique and interesting.
• They work well in mild Winter climates

I adore capes because of their Modern Retro integrity. They look elegant, dressy and move in a way that’s fun and festive (much like the swoosh of a flared midi skirt). I know they aren’t terribly warm or have wardrobe workhorse potential, but that doesn’t matter. I don’t need every item in my moderately sized wardrobe to be a workhorse because that would take the fun out of fashion for me. Some items become special when you don’t wear them frequently, which earns them a place in your wardrobe.

I added my first cape to my outerwear capsule three years ago. It’s an earthy micro check with a faux fur collar and Sherlock Holmes vibe. I wore it about five times in the first few months of purchase, and never wore it again. After several road tests, I discovered that it’s too long to sit and drive in, not very insulating, not as versatile as a solid, not that fab over dresses, and looks odd worn as an indoor topper. That said, it’s a fun item that continues to spark joy, and it has a high longevity factor. So I’m keeping it.

Unexpectedly, while shopping with a client last month, I bumped into a cape at Zara. It was love at first sight because of the light colours that match my hair, the practical shorter length, and high faux fur neckline that covers my long neck. I didn’t get it right away because I was working with a client, and didn’t want another cape that I seldom wore. But I went back for the cape because I kept on thinking about it. I tried it on and was completely smitten. It followed me home and has become an instant wardrobe workhorse.

I love this new cape. It’s much more wearable than the first one because of the shorter length, solid colour, and structured sleeves. The shorter length makes it work with most of my jeans, flared midi skirts and dresses, cropped trousers, and full-length bell-bottoms. The solid light neutral works with much more of my wardrobe. The structured sleeves are practical and insulating. I can drive in this cape and move around more freely. It also doesn’t look off when worn indoors at a restaurant or shopping mall. I’m reaching for the new cape like it’s an essential blazer, which is surprising to me.

If I’d said “no more capes” because the first one was infrequently worn I’d have missed out on this workhorse that makes me feel like a million bucks. It’s news to me that a cape could be so versatile for Fall, and I’m thrilled that it found me at Zara.

A new outfit from Paulien Riemis of Polienne, whom we introduced to YLF in April 2014.

Paulien is mixing several F/W 2018 trends in this eclectic contemporary take on Western style. She’s tucked a white blouse with tie closure into high-waisted cropped jeans with fringed hem that echoes the detailing on the top. Her ornate belt is another clever nod to rodeo and Western styling. As are the striking snakeskin ankle boots in zippy red and black. The eye-catching elongating coat in black and white gingham picks up the colours in our blogger’s outfit, and adds strong geometric interest. As the finishing touch, Paulien chose a transparent bag with on-trend round handle in a burgundy tortoise shell that works brilliantly with her red boots.

2018 Fall collections are in full swing, and it’s another fabulous season. Silhouettes are quite simple despite the strong Maximal trend. The freedom and power lies with the wearer to create their own maximal mash-up by combining a myriad of colours, textures, patterns, layers, silhouettes, accessories and irregular juxtapositions. 

1. Hispanitas Guinivere Bootie

Hispanitas footwear is is a family-owned company with a factory in Spain. The quality of the brand is amazing, and these fun booties are no exception. The ornamental bug is darling, the cracked patent unique, the pointy toe dressy, and the comfort level sublime. The angled block heel brings back ‘90s flashbacks. They fit a range of foot shapes.

2. Hispanitas Calani Pump

These dainty and girly pumps look better on the foot than in the photo. The asymmetrical bow is interesting and rather luxe. Extremely comfortable, and a trendier take on a classic with the substantial block heel. They are well made and work on a variety of foot shapes.

3. Hispanitas Lanita, Larkin and Larissa Shoes

These Hispanitas share the same mixed-media heel across three styles. Hard-edged, interesting, professional, and casually dressy. They have practical non-slip rubber soles. Extremely comfy, well made, and works on both lower and higher volume feet. If you like black heeled footwear and want a change of pace, try these.

4. Karen Millen Oversized Check Cape

Every Karen Millen item I’ve owned has been excellent quality. Some are in their ninth year and still going strong. I haven’t seen this cape in person, but I stand by the brand’s commitment to create a quality piece. It’s uniquely belted at the waist and comes in a pattern that is easy to remix with other patterns. A good silhouette to wear over bell-sleeved tops. Works both as an outerwear and an indoor jacket. Best on those who like to define their waists.

5. Topshop Rib Sweater

Fitted ribbed pullovers remind me of the ‘90s, and are on trend. These pullovers are chunkier than they look, so consider yourself warned. Fitted, and fabulous over high-waisted bottoms. Soft and comfortable. The vertical rib effect is streamlining. The chunky knit is moderately forgiving of muffin top. The knit is slightly marled and looks defective at first, but is uniform and deliberate. The sleeves are long but can be easily cuffed. The neckline works best on a longer neck. Runs a size small. I have the tomato red, and look forward to wearing it with multiple pairs of high-waisted jeans.

6. Marc Fisher Charly Western Bootie

Well made, a trendy classic and dramatic on the foot. Quite comfortable if you can manage the heel height. They look amazing under bootcuts, dramatic flares, and have a high longevity factor. Read the rave reviews.

7. Jeffrey Campbell Luminate Bright Heel Bootie

These are moderately well made and quite comfortable, although a little harder than I’d like. Suited to a narrow and low-volume foot, so pass if your feet are in any way high volume. The patterns and luminate heel are fun and unexpected, adding punch to your outfit. The patterns are versatile pattern mixers too.

8. Boden Party Shoes

I haven’t seen the styles in person yet, but generally Boden footwear is great quality and reasonably comfortable to very comfortable. Their party shoes this season look like designer styles at a fraction of the price. I especially appreciate the non-black options like navy, burgundy, gold, mustard, forest green, red and animal print. Fun to see festive flats too. They don’t come in wide widths, but tend to fit low to regular volume feet. Some styles run slightly wider.

9. Topshop Popper Crew Sweater

An excellent and affordable body-con pullover that’s fabulous with flared skirts, culottes, or tucked into roomier high-rise bottoms like paper-bag waists. Super soft fabric, and alluring forearm detailing that is easy to layer under a jacket or coat. It’s TIGHT, so you have to be okay with showcasing the contour of your figure. It runs two sizes small. The US4 fits like a US0. I got this in black to combine with a flared midi skirt. It’s laundered quite well too.

10. Zara Cape Coat With Scarf

A gorgeous cape for Team Earth Tones with height and/or broad shoulders. Not good on shorter arms unless you have the sleeves hemmed. The attached scarf is dramatic and excellent on a longer neck, but can be removed to work on a shorter neck. Fabulous over chunky knitwear or tops with exuberant and voluminous sleeves. You must maintain a roomy fit to create an architectural vibe. Fabulous in motion.

Most of my clients wear long cardigans with a lot of enthusiasm. They enjoy the comfort, ease, relaxed vibe, and forgiving fit over the shoulders, bust and midsection. Long cardigans are especially good for a work-at-home lifestyle, or as a topper to keep at the office for when it’s chilly. 

The maxi cardigan is extra long and dramatic, and that’s the showpiece for this outfit formula. If it’s a little too long for your taste, substitute the maxi for a shorter version that is just above the knee.

Here are four easy outfit ideas that look fresh. Choose any colour palette and feel free to throw in patterns.

1. Draped & Booted

Combine a pair of slim-fit jeans or pants with a draped knit or woven top that’s worn over the jeans. Top it off with a maxi cardi and scrunch the sleeves for structure. Finish off the outfit with booties, pumps, oxfords or loafers.

2. ‘90s Fabness

I’m not a ‘90s gal, but I do like the subtle allure of this combination, and that the boots are flat. Combine a soft and flowy midi dress with a maxi cardi. Scrunch the sleeves for structure. Finish off the look with a pair of tailored and high-shaft tough boots. This is a fab way to insulate a dress, and dress down a dress. Add hosiery for warmth.

3. Wide Crops & Waisted

Combine a fluid or fitted top with a pair of wide crops (culottes will do just fine). Tuck or semi-tuck the top for structure. Wear a shorter top if tucking is not your thing. Top it off with a maxi cardigan and a pair of shoes that work with the outfit. The white sneakers here effectively pick up the white of the tee and bookend the model’s blonde hair.

4. Bootcuts Your Way

Combine a pair of bootcuts or wider flares with a fitted or fluid top. Wear the top your way — tucked or untucked — and create a high or low contrast with the bootcuts. Wear flats or heels but make sure the length of the flares are perfect (as you see here). Top the lot off with a maxi cardigan. Finish off the look with jewellery, eyewear and watch as desired.

I will sit this one out because I’m not a cardigan gal, and especially not a long cardi gal. They make my narrow shoulders look even narrower, and further lengthen my very long neck. As a result I don’t feel fab in a cardigan, unless you take me back to the ‘80s when I wore long cardigans with gigantic shoulder pads and loved it. I will enjoy this look on YOU.