In researching the history behind the "cape," I realized that the modern version all over the stores this season, is not necessarily a "cape." Classically, this type of garment is fastened at the neck and only covers the back of the wearer, a la the superhero variety. So I dug deeper and came upon the specific genre of the "Inverness cape." Think Sherlock Holmes, wearing a waist length tweed or plaid number over a three piece suit. His use of the Inverness cape was undoubtedly to protect his dandy suit from the rain in dreary Londontown; however, the reason for the lack of sleeves in this type of cape is in order to access the sporran, or pouch that performs the same function as pockets on the pocketless Scottish kilt, without unbuttoning and opening up the cape. My reason for wearing a cape? The incredible silhouette it provides as well as the built in draft that you sometimes need when working up a sweat while shopping.
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| N& & Co cape, Gap hat, H&M kimono, Target tee, J.Crew jeans via Crossroads, Steve Madden boots, and Coach Purse |
