K/R Black cloak/ cape thing? - YouLookFab Forum

I bought this cape from Zara - thoughts? I've been ill this past week which might explain this purchasing decision lol, but please also excuse the cat pyjamas & dirty mirror for this reason. Anyway, how does the cape look on me (photos #1-#7)? Too overwhelming? Keep or return? Be honest, lol!

I've been wanting a sort of loose cape/ cloak style cardigan that I could layer to add some dramatic flair & vertical integrity to outfits (versatile enough to bridge across an artsy, urban, feminine & classic style). If you see photos #8-10, I have a batwing cardigan already that I'd been using for that purpose (dolman sleeves that end in a long cuff almost at my elbow), but it doesn't have enough volume to get the style I'm looking for.

This cape doesn't have any shoulder seams but still seems to drape off my shoulders ok (see photo #2). At the same time though, the hem doesn't end in a slightly rounded shape (like my current cardigan). The whole cape is literally a giant rectangle of material that's been stitched up at the sides (with space for the armholes), so any 'shaping' that's happening is due to my own body underneath it (as opposed to any darts or specific stitch placements). It's a slightly knitted-looking viscose material that has some weight to it.

Anyway, thoughts? Does this look like a Harry Potter robe or a purposeful cape, lol? If it's not the latter, do you have any recommendations for a cape that might work better on a curvy, 5ft3.5 body? (Yes, that extra inch is SUPER important, lol!)

Many thanks in advance

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8 years ago

Anonymous

I am sorry that you are ill and hope you feel better quickly. The cape does not look very warm if you need warmth. I know that capes are very expensive right now ( my sister needs a new one but it must be warm as she is in the Chicago area). This seems more of a poncho than a cape. If this is not really what you want, keep looking. You are in Hong Kong? Would a kimono work? It seems like it would meet your style description but maybe it is too predictable in your city.

Zaeobi

(website)

Veteran

@Joy I don't need to worry about warmth too much in Hong Kong - lol it's currently 20 degrees celsius, even in winter! I have one coat that I brought over from England, & it should be enough to last me for the few weeks of truly cold weather that we do get (still not past freezing point though).

Hmm interesting point about the poncho - so what makes this different to a cape, then? I must admit I'm not too clued up on my fashion terminology, lol!

A kimono sounds like an interesting idea but I always struggle with the lack of shoulder definition or seams in those - especially when the loose, silky material makes it more likely to fall off my shoulders, lol. Plus wearing Japanese clothing may not go down well with the Chinese people here, unless I find one that just has kimono sleeves but doesn't otherwise look too much like a kimono, lol. Food for thought either way, so thanks

jussie

I definitely think it works. It looks purposeful. It could work over so many outfits. Once you have proper shoes on it’ll be good. Yes it’s pretty loose and voluminous but I happen to like that look.
Artsy: this cape will make every outfit look artsy to an extent
Urban: could put it with something really minimalist and monochromatic underneath and a bold lip. Perhaps with some patent oxfords or loafers to go for a “polished intellectual” look.
Feminine: with some large statement jewellery or brooch, over a dress or skirt, or maybe silk wideleg pants.
Classic: I probably think it’s got too much personality to fall under the classic category
Best of luck with it!

Katerina

I agree with Jussie and I like this kind of look too.

It absolutely works on you. I think of it more as a Kimono than cape.

I think it might be a bit too long in the sleeves and hem. Just overall too big.
I could see something like this with athleisure underneath.

Lynn

Overall I think it works for you although I think a kimono sleeve instead of just openings in a rectangle might be more flattering as there would be less volume in the underarm area. If you can't find that in Hong Kong you could ask a seamstress to adapt this. It would be an easy change.

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/53198839331544358/ - if you left the center front edges the same it would look less Japanese kimono like.
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/53198839331577542/ more of rectangle still but some width removed under the arms

If you have some pins try pining out some "sleeves" and see if you like the drape better.

BTW I like the verticals that the center edges create- makes you look at least 5' 4"

Toban

I think it might be too big/overwhelming. It hangs straight down, so it hides your curves and adds visual weight. It may be better in person, though, as sometimes it's about how it moves.

rachylou

I think this cape is really great on you! It’s got lovely drama and shape, and I find it a flattering length. I prefer it over the sweater to be honest, which I find too short in the back and a bit limp in comparison.

Thank you, @Katerina, @jlpp & @rachylou Yes my old cardigan is just OK but nothing special, which is why I'm looking to replace it (plus it has a small hole in the arm now, lol).

@smittie Interesting thought about the athleisure wear - it's not quite the same thing but I was thinking of maybe wearing this as outerwear for my pyjamas/loungewear (like if I need to quickly nip out to get something or feel a little cold whilst watching TV). Do you think it would work like that (technically that's how I'm wearing it in these photos, after all)?

@Toban I agree that it seems quite big when you look at it straight on & static. I put it on for a moment over some outside clothes just to see if more streamlined underlayers make it hang any better - will upload photos if I get the chance.

@Lynn oi lol! I don't need to worry about looking tall too much since I'm on the taller side of average out here - end up bumping into a lot of women by accident because they come up to below my face & I'm not used to anyone being shorter than me back home, haha! Funny thing is that people always seem to think I'm taller than I am back in the UK, so who knows?

Pinning it for alterations seem like an interesting idea, but then I'm stuck on the sleeves - wouldn't that style be very similar to the cardigan I already own (in the last 3 photos)? Do you think that style would still be flattering with a square body? I'm a little wary of the material, since it's a viscose blend that drapes but it's still kind of knitted too. Don't know the knit will work well with stitching?

I'll upload the photos of me wearing it with a proper outfit later, but for now I'm on the fence about maybe keeping it as loungewear instead. Whenever I try to find capes/ ponchos/whatever with some kind of stitching or darts, they usually end up being short like a cape (hip-length), which isn't very flattering on me. Hmm...

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