FashBlog.com

As I glance past my computer screen, there are thousands of snowflakes dancing around; it’s not too much fun to drive in them, but rather nice to watch from inside. I smile because it’s that time of year that I can finally drag out one of my favorite articles of clothing-a long, wool, gray cape. It’s old, ridiculously heavy, and prone to becoming unbuttoned, but I still love it…for many reasons.

The first is the sheer novelty of wearing it, at most, 5 times a year. This cape has seen several such years. But one thing about capes, coming from someone who does not buy a new wardrobe every season, is that they pretty much always look the same. And, that’s if one even sees them at all. Furthermore, this isn’t something a person can get much wear out of until January or February, or at least until it’s cold enough to wear boots. (I’ve always thought the cape “needs” boots to balance out its weightiness.) Plus, even if it may be cold enough for a cape in April, there’s a little incongruence between wearing it and knowing that pastel spring blooms are right around the corner. Maybe those are the first two reasons why I love my cape; it’s different without being totally outrageous. And due to its inherent qualities, the rarity of when it can be worn makes it even more special.

Now, wearing a cape, especially this one, has definite limitations. For one thing, it’s not too comfortable if driving for any length of time since it’s somewhat bulky. (I am 5’7” and it almost reaches my ankles, so its length and heaviness become noticeably uncomfortable on my shoulders the longer it’s worn. Therefore, it’s not the coat to wear if one will out and about for most of the day.) And, because the wearer’s arms are exposed, she must either wear a heavy sweater underneath, or keep her arms inside, which isn’t easy when carrying a large handbag or packages.

So, why even purchase one when the stores are full of down-filled jackets of every type?

Well, I bought mine at a time when it struck me as unique. To be quite honest, I don’t know if I’d purchase one at this point in my life because it isn’t the most flexible or practical of garments. But it has given me many happy memories.
The first time I wore it was during a January trip in New York. Not only did it keep me warm on those windy, wide avenues, I could wear it everywhere. I wore it to dance class, Broadway shows, and nice restaurants-and felt good about it. I would shove everything into a lightweight tote, and wear it over my shoulder, under the cape. Then I’d cross my arms under the cape, pulling the sides together. Even though I was visiting during one of the city’s worst snowstorms in history, that coat did me a fine service. In fact, one night on the news I caught some midtown scenes, and saw a grey, caped figure walking on 60th street near Central Park. Since I was there earlier, I think it was me. A cape is hard to miss! So the next reason a cape can make a woman feel special is that it really is memorable and recognizable.

And finally there is that quality that is hard to define, but is attempted with the terms “elegance”, “sophistication” or “romance.” Wearing a cape, at certain moments, made me feel that I was from another time, an era where fancy dressing was the norm and not just for special occasions. As I would leave a warm and cozy place, I’d put my hood up and snuggle my arms under my cape, knowing that I was protected against the elements. I could easily imagine when grand ladies wore such attire, and were helped by gentlemen into their horse-drawn carriages awaiting them. I don’t know what it is about capes that bring such a feeling of femininity, but a parka or “car coat” just isn’t the same.

Just the other day I wore my cape for the first time this year and still received compliments on it. Guess what-I’m really not surprised.