The celebrity-approved medieval style trend you’re about to see everywhere
It’s an accessory you’d expect to see on the set of House of the Dragon or The Rings of Power, but capes are fast becoming a fashion statement on red carpets, runways and even the wardrobes of everyday Australians.
A-listers like Anya Taylor-Joy, Sydney Sweeney and Ariana Grande have worn them to awards shows and premieres, and Kendall Jenner took the look from red carpet to casual during Milan Fashion Week earlier this year.
Ariana Grande wore a sheer, embellished full-length cape at the Critics Choice Awards - now we’re seeing them everywhere. Getty
Now capes are all over the runways and draped over the shoulders of the best-dressed attendees at Copenhagen Fashion Week (CPHFW), signalling the trend is only getting bigger.
Personal stylist Tara Pokarier said the trend is part of a larger shift towards romantic, feminine fashion.
“We spent several seasons focused on minimalistic basics, oversized tailoring, and fashion’s just craving a little bit more theatre and movement,” she told nine.com.au.
Kendall Jenner turned a simple wrap into a chic cape accessory at a recent Emporio Armani show. Getty
“Now we’re seeing sheer capes over dresses, lightweight layers over tanks, and cape details integrated into garments rather than worn as separate statement pieces.
“It’s tapping into several trends, like your sheer fabric, your romantic femininity, the modest layering, the statement silhouette.”
Cloaks or capes have been around for centuries and were worn by men and women through the Iron Age, Middle Ages and into the Early Modern Period.
First worn for functional reasons, like keeping warm and dry, the wealthy later turned capes into fashion statements and commissioned fanciful garments of velvet, silk, taffeta and other costly fabrics.
Capes can be opaque with a focus on draping, like this look from Sydney Sweeney, or sheer and full of movement like this gown Anya Taylor-Joy wore to the Oscars. Getty
Eventually they fell out of fashion, and so they remained for about 500 years. Now they’re back – kind of.
Instead of long, heavy, ceremonial capes from the courts of old, fashion girlies are embracing short, sheer, feminine capes made from silk and chiffon.
They emerged on couture runways and red carpets first, then filtered into the wardrobes of style icons like Rosie Huntington-Whitely and Alexandra Leclerc.
Draped capes with plenty of movement were a hit with Italian label Institution and Nordic label Almada at CPHFW this week, while Danish designer Henrik Vibskov went for more of a structured poncho look.
Rosie Huntington-Whitely paired this long, sheer cape over a bralette and skirt for an effortlessly sexy look. @rosiehw
Pokarier called it a major sign that capes will be in all the high street stores soon.
“[CPHFW] is always such a strong indicator of what will filter into mainstream wardrobes, because it sits between runway fashion and real life, wearable street style,” she explained.
“I don’t think everyone will be wearing full-length dramatic capes, but I do think those cape details – detachable capes, scarf capes, the lightweight poncho layers – could become the next wearable iteration of statement dressing.”
How does one make a cape (or poncho, shawl, or another iteration) wearable?
The cape detailing on this white top Alexandra Leclerc wore before her wedding adds femininity and movement. @alexandramalenaleclerc
Pair an asymmetrical cape with a fitted tank and tailored trousers for a structured look, or pop a sheer cape over a bralette or slip dress for something sexier.
A cape detail dress with minimal sandals is effortlessly feminine, but swapping sandals for boots can make it feel more mature and seasonal.
Keep accessories clean, so the movement of the fabric becomes the focus.
“A sheer cape can really transform a simple tank and trousers, or a cape detail on a dress feels directional without being intimidating,” Pokarier said.
“It’s a really good way of adding drama without adding effort.”
Pick capes in neutral and earthy hues like cream, chocolate, black, olive and burgundy to make mixing them into your current wardrobe easier. You can also get the cape look with a scarf, poncho or shawl draped across your shoulders if you’re not ready to buy a whole new piece just yet.
Shop the cape trend:
Nine may receive a commission when you click on or buy from links on our site.
A black or white chiffon cape can elevate an otherwise simple outfit. Forever New/Sheike
Sheike black cape, $69.99
Forever New Aria Asymmetrical Chiffon Cape, $44.99
Cape dresses can be elegant and flowy, or tailored with a sharp silhouette. Meshki/Mossman
Meshki Martinne Chiffon Cape Maxi Dress, $249
Mossman Reign Maxi Dress, $160.30
Most viewed in Fashion & Beauty
Jeans and a nice top to rule the 2027 Met Gala after controversial theme scrapped
How this stylist’s 80/20 wardrobe rule will help you choose clothes you’ll actually wear
Step aside boys, it’s Ladies Day: All the spectacular looks from Oaks Day
Pip Edwards is, yet again, the most talked-about person at Melbourne Cup after grand entrance in controversial trend
