Cape Jackets Are Taking Over: Why You Should Consider This Trendy Outerwear 옵션
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A new trend has emerged in outerwear design, with the once-simple coat being transformed into a more intricate garment. The evolution began in late 2021 when Toteme introduced its Scarf Jacket, a stylish wool coat featuring a built-in scarf and contrasting embroidery. The design quickly captured the attention of fashion enthusiasts and streets alike, sparking a wave of innovation across the industry.
During the recent Fall/Winter 2025 shows at New York Fashion Week, the prominence of cape coats, affectionately dubbed “capoats,” was evident. Various designers showcased their versions, blending traditional jacket styles with cape silhouettes and capelet sleeves.
At Ulla Johnson’s show, notable figures such as actors Beanie Feldstein and Rebecca Hall observed as models presented a dark emerald denim jacket and a khaki chore-style coat with distinctive capelet sleeves. Altuzarra’s opening look featured a striking ankle-length black cape-adorned coat. Meanwhile, at Calvin Klein, models paraded hybrid styles, with garments designed to flutter gracefully as they walked.
Prominent designer Maria McManus, who counts celebrities like Sarah Paulson and Christy Turlington among her fans, offered a heather gray coat that embodies comfort and protective style. “I’m focused on creating pieces that ensure the wearer feels cocooned and protected,” she explained, reflecting a desire to address contemporary anxieties through fashion.
Capoats made a significant impact at Carolina Herrera, as designer Wes Gordon presented a ladylike gray opera cloak adorned with golden flowers. Similarly, LaPointe introduced oversized elements on a teal trench and shiny brown utility jacket, while Marina Moscone provided a chic cape-like twist on the traditional tuxedo blazer.
Khaite’s Catherine Holstein showcased a modern, cool-weather option resembling a fur shrug crossing into jacket territory. Australian label Scanlan Theodore also contributed with a luxurious black faux fur and leather cape attachment, while Kallmeyer featured a sophisticated neutral ensemble complemented by a large cashmere shawl.
Innovative styling was also apparent, proving that one need not acquire entirely new outerwear to embrace the trend. Tory Burch’s stylist Brian Molloy crafted a unique look by asymmetrically pinning a sleeve across the chest of dresses and cardigans, demonstrating a simple yet effective way to elevate existing pieces. Jorden Bickham of TWP creatively transformed a crewneck sweater into a semi-cape-style shrug, suggesting fresh possibilities for personal style.
As the fashion landscape shifts and embraces such inventive designs, the burgeoning popularity of capoats indicates a significant transformation in outerwear, blending practicality with creativity.
