Capes, long associated with superheroes and royalty, are making a bold return to fashion in 2025. Once reserved for high drama, capes have transitioned into stylish, practical pieces for everyday wear, especially in colder weather.
In the winter collections, designers introduced capes as functional outerwear. Gabriela Hearst showcased simple denim ponchos, while Max Mara offered cozy, camel-colored scarf coats. However, it was during the Spring 2025 runway shows that the cape truly took center stage. Designers like Khaite, Burberry, Chloé, and Tibi pushed the envelope with dramatic capes that elevated their collections. Khaite’s organza ponchos, Burberry’s circular parkas, and Chloé’s lace mini dresses with cascading ruffles turned heads, while Tibi closed its show with grand cape dresses that floated like balloons.
While some runway looks might be too theatrical for everyday wear—such as Tibi’s large, dramatic designs—the overall trend encourages embracing a bit of flair. Even subtle additions, like a sculptural shawl or a trench coat with a built-in capelet, can add style and movement, creating a lasting impression when the wind catches them.
Celebrities have already embraced the cape trend. Sydney Sweeney was spotted in Chloé’s cropped cape in August, giving it a casual boho twist, while Kendall Jenner wore Bottega Veneta’s caped trench and Phoebe Philo’s sculpted leather bomber jacket last December.
The cape trend has been building for years. Swedish brand Toteme’s viral scarf coats, first introduced in 2021, remain a favorite in fashion circles, and luxury shoppers continue to request them. With spring 2025 on the horizon, Toteme is set to release a new evening cape: a sheer black shawl with delicate floral embroidery, perfect for adding a touch of elegance to any outfit.
For those eager to get ahead of the trend, incorporating a cape into your winter wardrobe now can make you a fashion frontrunner come spring. Whether it’s a cape coat or a more subtle cape accessory, this look is poised to make a major impact.
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