As the calendar flips, bringing us into the eight hundred and forty-eighth year of this Imperial Era, we are now fully in the icy claws of winter. Do you know what the thin layer of frost covering Doskvol heralds, dears? Why it’s Minx’s Fashion Folio: Winter 848 Edition!
The changing year also brings the conclusion of another twenty-year cycle. Poised on the icy windowsill is a fashion statement ready to sweep back into your wardrobe like the oncoming blizzard. A trend that many (including myself) love with a passion, and the return of which I’m sure some of you were dreading.
That’s right dearhearts! We’re talking about capes!
[Image Caption: a male model dressed in all black with a black cape fluttering behind him]
For those of you fresh, innocent dears who are new to The Discourse, capes are a divisive topic among those of distinguished dress. They were incredibly popular up through the twenties, but suffering a ferocious backlash once falling out of fashion. Nowadays, people tend to love capes with living fervour, while others look down their noses.
Love them or hate them, the weather and the ever-turning gears of this beautiful clock known as fashion have brought about a resurgence in the popularity of capes. Not to be confused with the ever-practical cloak, a cape is a shorter garment. It is sometimes used for shelter from the cold, but is often too short and is instead used to catch the eye. Indeed, it is not unheard of to wear a cape and a cloak at the same time!
In an (utterly futile) effort to appear unbiased, I am going to present a few key points both in favor of and against the noble cape.
First above all, capes make a statement. One does not simply espy someone wearing a cape and think it of the same importance as a simple cloak or top. Regardless of color and style, capes say “I am someone worth noticing!” The off-the-shoulder style (pictured above) carries with the wearer an aloof dignity. Best in black or blue, it is distinguished and composed, while at the same time conveying approachability. It is the look of someone looking to get things done at the event, while not being too restrictive or dour about the affair.
The traditional full-body cape is the stuff of royalty. Deep crimsons, violets, and blues are ideal here. You wear a full cape because you have the power and will to make the evening truly special. Finally there is the often underrated “military-style” or “dueling” cape, which is a scant few inches long and is draped off the shoulder trim. This is the newest style and my personal favorite. These are flashy and playful, while still often coming attached to a prim and distinguished military coat. They facilitate easier movement, and they allow for cute flourishes rather than imperious billowing in the wind. Bright reds, golds, and greens are the ideal colors, but they should match with the color of your trim. If you are to buy into this variety of garment, you will need to be a connoisseur, with a collection many colors deep.
[Image Caption: a young woman in Victorian era dress, covered by a light blue cape with red embroidered detailing.]
Now before the angry letters come in, dears, a few things to come in mind when accentuating your wardrobe with a cape.
In truth, part of why I believe the cape to be so divisive is that its biggest allure is also it’s biggest shortcoming. Capes make a very strong fashion statement. There are no subtle capes. Sometimes it isn’t appropriate to announce oneself so audaciously. I wear them whenever I can because, as you know, I am your lovely and esteemed host, but even I must dress down now and again. Further, notice that I gave special attention to the colors appropriate to each variety. This is because a cape requires significant foreplanning. A cape that does not match its blouse is an eyesore, and the truism of “black goes with everything” does not hold for these colorful pieces!
Still, the cape is here this year in rare form! I suspect that, even should it fall out of fashion again, it will be no crows for this glorious garment!
And here I leave you, sweet dears. May the warmth of your hearths bear you sweetly forward until we meet again in the spring!
-Minx