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Shawl cape over shoulders. Capes for evening dresses. How to choose a cape for a dress

A cape, or cape as it is also called, will keep you warm in bad weather and serve as the perfect finishing touch to a fashionable look.


Most women love to dress up in dresses. By themselves, they look very feminine, stylish and seductive. But often we want to make the outfit more interesting, to add some original detail to the dress. In this case, various capes will be an excellent addition to dresses.

Alla Verber: “A fashionable cape can replace both a coat and a jacket”

Cover-ups for dresses

Every girl sometimes wants to wear a chic dress with open shoulders and a deep neckline. It’s just not always possible to foresee the vagaries of the weather or the temperature in an air-conditioned room. In this case, you just need to put a cape on your dress, which will warm your shoulders and emphasize your grace. And if you get hot, the cape can be easily and quickly removed.

Dress capes are an incredibly stylish and at the same time practical addition to a dress. They make your look more sophisticated, elegant, stylish and original, and also perfectly warm your shoulders and arms in cool weather.

Today there are many different capes for dresses. Recently, the bolero has become increasingly popular - it is a cape over the shoulders with sleeves, but without a fastener. Externally, the bolero resembles a very short jacket that reaches the chest or slightly below. Such a cape on a dress looks very impressive and serves as a wonderful decoration for both elegant adults and young bright girls. The bolero can be made of fur, lace, cotton, cashmere, wool, silk, taffeta, etc.

Current models

A lace bolero cape is the best way to add a romantic touch to your look. Fur boleros are often chosen by brides whose wedding is scheduled for the cool season. And warm woolen capes are perfect for work and everyday wear.

Another popular type of cover-up for dresses is boas. A boa is a fur scarf made of animal fur or feathers that is draped over the shoulders or wrapped around the neck.

True, the boa performs more of an aesthetic function, being an excellent decoration for the dress. But it can only warm your shoulders and neck. Typically, boas are tied with a silk or velvet bow and serve as a collar. Today it is very fashionable to wear a boa draped over one shoulder over a dress.

A manto is a fur cape on a dress that resembles a miniature fur coat. This elegant cape has an A-line silhouette, widened sleeves or no sleeves like a poncho. It is usually fastened or tied at the neck. A manto is the warmest type of cape, so it is often chosen by brides for winter weddings.

Dress capes in the form of shawls, stoles and scarves are also very popular. Stoles made of silk, satin, taffeta, organza or chiffon will be a wonderful addition to an evening dress. They will add solemnity and elegance to the image. And warm shawls and scarves are perfect for more modest and casual dresses.

How to choose a cape for a dress

When choosing the shade of the cape, focus on the color of the dress. Capes of a contrasting or similar shade look very beautiful. For especially special events, it is better to choose capes that match the color of the dress.

Please note that there are everyday models and those designed for special occasions. If you decide to give preference to a universal cape, choose a plain product of beige, dark, gray color with a minimum number of decorative elements. A cape with a collar, belt or hood can be an excellent solution. Based on such models, you can easily create original harmonious ensembles.

Capes. Current colors

Red is recognized as the fashionable color shade of the season. Designers recommend experimenting with all its shades: scarlet, coral, raspberry, brick, strawberry.

Shades of green and blue remain trendy, so you can choose a cape in sapphire, purple, marsh and malachite colors. And, of course, where would we be without the classics - there are always black and white capes for dresses!

How to wear a cape correctly?

  • Stylists do not recommend that short girls wear a full skirt and a full cape. Only long-legged beauties can take such a step.
  • Products made of fur or boas will not add slimness. They will suit slim ladies. An exception, perhaps, may be mink. This cape will suit all girls without exception.
  • Models with a discreet cut are worn with a sheath dress. They can be straight, rectangular and even oval.

Capes for dresses - photo

A cape will be a great addition to your look. It can emphasize individuality and warm you up if it gets cold. Moreover, in an evening dress, each element should be thought out and selected in accordance with etiquette and trends. How to tastefully choose capes for an evening dress? This will be discussed in this article.

Types of capes

Any detail can transform an evening look. Accessories add only a slight zest; the cape, in turn, will definitely not go unnoticed at the event. There are several most common styles, each of which has its own characteristics.

  • Bolero is a Spanish invention. Convenient to use, emphasizes the silhouette, thanks to the shortened configuration. Can be made from various fabrics, for all occasions.

  • Boa. In essence, this is a scarf consisting of feathers, fur and other materials, and has a purely decorative function.

  • A fur boa is a narrow scarf, a cape over the shoulders or neck. May consist of fur or feathers. Pairs best with evening looks in the Art Nouveau style.

  • The stole has remained an invariable element of fashionistas' wardrobe for many centuries. In this element, the imagination of fashion designers knows no bounds. Various configurations of fabrics, styles and draperies allow you to choose such a cape for any occasion.

  • A cape is a light, airy cape made of any fabric. A special feature is the emphasis on the waist, which allows you to emphasize its thinness and balance the ratio of hips and shoulders.

  • The jacket is an elegant solution. It could be a classic jacket, or something with elements and additions. In any case, such a detail is always relevant.

The detailed view of each cape can be seen in the photo above.

How to choose the right cape

First you need to decide on an evening dress. This will significantly help in choosing and minimize the likelihood of buying the wrong item. You need to understand what kind of cape is needed and will suit the dress. The first stage of the purchase is to determine exactly what is required in a particular case.

Relevance to weather conditions. A light cape in winter will look ridiculous and it won’t take long to catch a cold. It is important to pay attention to the nature of the event - where it is taking place, whether it is a celebration or an official reception, an entertainment program with friends or a corporate event with colleagues. Taking into account the rules of etiquette is also an important aspect.


The combination of ratio and style between the dress and the cape must be respected 100%. The cape is designed to emphasize and complement, and not become the main element in the image.

Price is fundamental to choosing a cape. If your financial situation allows you to purchase a fur cape made of mink or sable, such a thing will last a long time and can be used repeatedly in different looks. With moderate possibilities, you can pay attention to products made from faux fur and noble fabrics. The availability of information in the modern world allows you to make a cape even with your own hands! Spending a minimum of money.

Features of dress and cape combinations

A bolero cape will go well with a fluffy or fitted dress. The element should match the style or shade of the dress, or even better, be made of the same material. However, modern fashion does not dictate clear canons, so you can diversify the image from a romantic one, choosing a bolero with lace, to light and airy - fluff, fur.

The boa looks great with almost any style of dress. Tied around the neck or draped over the shoulders, it will warm and add mystery to the look. As for fur solutions, a manteau is suitable. For plus-size ladies, a trapezoidal silhouette will help hide imperfections and create an elegant look.

Stoles, scarves, and shawls made from all kinds of fabrics will add elegance. They will allow you to cover your shoulders, if necessary, and add lightness to the bow.

A lace cape will help hide imperfections and highlight imperfections. A three-quarter sleeve will correct long or full arms, a short version will emphasize the waist and visually reduce the hips.

Trying it on with the dress will help you choose the right cape. This will allow you to avoid mistakes and choose the optimal length and style. For lovers of the classic - a cape to match the outfit, a special event or an official reception - only one part of the body should be open.

An extravagant cape that differs in color and texture will help to emphasize your individuality and stand out. A variety of fasteners, zippers, buttons and other accessories on the product will add zest and act as a fastener.


Any cape can transform even the simplest dress in a matter of seconds! This is especially true if an important event was taken by surprise and there was no time to prepare. Makeup, hair styling, a simple black dress + cape - and the evening look is ready. Personalized, full and complete, all thanks to the cape.

Why does a person often and quickly get tired even during rest and passive pastime? According to research, it has become known that many people do not know how to properly distribute stress on the joints and the main load falls on the shoulder and cervical region. You can solve the problem in a simple way - seek help from a massage therapist and a doctor, but not always and not everyone has the opportunity to sacrifice their time and finances for such procedures.

There is the right solution, which is offered by manufacturers of medical equipment - massage capes for the neck and shoulders for home use or car owners. These devices can be powered by batteries, built-in batteries, 220V power supply and 12V cigarette lighter.

Advantages and effectiveness of massage capes for shoulders and back

Among the huge assortment of this type of product, every person has the right to choose. It all depends on the situation, the complexity of the problem, the place of use and the frequency of sessions. There are several options to choose from:

  • Massage capes are universal, can be used anywhere, have a soft surface and are easily attached with elastic bands to an armchair, bed, chair and couch. Such massagers, as a rule, have standard functions with a roller mechanism and are adjusted only by the intensity of the impact and time;
  • Covers for car owners are created specifically for cars and operate from a cigarette lighter or 12V battery. They can be equipped with heating, a fan and a range of functionality - from choosing a massage area to the type of procedures;
  • Locally acting massage mechanisms are offered in the form of mats, capes and scarves specifically for the shoulders and neck. Such devices are also easy to use and can be configured by the consumer himself in the desired environment. Most designs have a remote control or simply speed switch buttons, as well as batteries and adapters for any electrical outlet.

The effectiveness of any type of massager for the back, neck and shoulders has been proven by many users:

  • the risk of thrombosis is reduced;
  • muscle tension is relieved;
  • pain, fatigue and cramps go away;
  • metabolic processes and blood flow in the lymph are activated;
  • the functioning of the nervous system is restored, which is especially important for a person’s overall well-being.

Varieties of one of the most democratic types of women's clothing - “capes”. Names and distinctive features.

CAPE - "sleeveless outerwear." This is how Wikipedia and other dictionaries define this type of clothing. If you delve into the essence of the word “cape” itself, then it is most likely not even clothing, but a stole worn on top, a wide scarf, which can be with or without a fastener, with a hood, with pockets, with slits for arms instead of sleeves. And, of course, this is only women's or children's, particularly for girls, clothing. Let's figure out what types of capes there are.

  • KNITTED CAPE – a classic version of the cape, which involves a circularly knitted product of any pattern and seasonality, without side seams, without fasteners, without sleeves, with a round neck shape or with a small stand-up collar and without any additional details. Serves both for warmth and decoration.

Warm capes. For insulation, wear as short outerwear. They resemble a poncho, but with a tight-fitting silhouette. May have a high golf gate.

Warm capes can have a hood

Openwork, lace capes (decorative) for decoration. Worn on top of clothing (dress, tank top, etc.)

Beach cover-ups. The name speaks for itself - designed for sun protection.

  • CAPE WITH ZIP - the same shape of the cape, but with a fastening in the center of the front with buttons or snaps; a collar of any shape is possible. It is also a fitted, sleeveless design.

It is actually a form of stole (wide scarf) draped across the shoulders widthwise and with buttoned edges that fasten.

Such capes can also have a hood

  • SCARF-CAPE – the same type as a cape with a clasp, only there is no clasp as such, the edges of the scarf are folded over or crossed in a certain way to maintain the “closed” state of the cape

This cape covers the upper back, shoulders, and at the front it looks like a decorative scarf.

  • SHRAG — These are sleeves as a separate type of clothing. This type of cape is also used to decorate an image, for example, an openwork or lace shrug, and also as a lightweight outerwear on cool days.


By its nature, in a shrug the edges should not touch, i.e. in fact, it is a cape that covers the shoulders, back and sleeves, leaving the neck, throat and chest uncovered.

  • BOLERO - " a piece of outerwear: a short, above the waist, narrow, open-front jacket without a fastener, with semicircular sides and sleeves of varying lengths. It may have a collar, including one that turns into apache lapels, as well as a clasp with hooks or one or two buttons” (Wikipedia).

Classic bolero

Regarding the topic of our post, this is a knitted cape-jacket, light and short, with a rounded bottom, with sleeves and a minimal fastener. Typically used as a decorative top for evening wear, but can also be used in everyday life on tops and dresses.

You can often see the names “shrag-bolero”. A bolero differs from a shrug in that the edges of the shelves are connected and can even be fastened with 1-2 buttons (or tied with ribbons, hooks, buttons) at the top of the product



For a knitted bolero, thin cotton, silk, wool, and “fur” threads (for example, grass yarn) are used.

Perhaps the bolero is one of the most democratic and popular models of the outer cape; you can find it everywhere and in any season))

  • CAPE - " a cape over the shoulders, usually not reaching the waist a little, as well as the upper part of a coat, dress in the form of such a cape” (Explanatory Dictionary of the Russian Language). A cape is an obsolete name for a "cape" and is now rarely used. The cape is no different from the classic version of the “cape”.


  • NISHKA — literally the word is interpreted as "A bib, usually of white cloth, sewn or fastened to a man's chemise, and also a breastplate or patch inserted into a woman's dress." However, in a modern interpretation and in relation to the topic of the post, “a knitted shirtfront is a round high collar that fits the throat and lower part of the neck.”

The shirt front is more widely used among children as a substitute for a scarf in cool weather, because it is convenient to put on and take off directly over the head (as a rule, it does not have fasteners), and it provides additional protection from cold and wind. But not only for children - both adult women and men wear bibs: after all, this accessory is very comfortable and very unpretentious and has undeniable qualities - it is easy to use and retains warmth. Well, decorating a shirtfront to suit your taste is an unlimited fantasy even for beginner knitting and crocheting craftsmen))

The simplest option


These are openwork models, with a clasp, with a pattern



Men's bibs


In fact, a shirtfront is a scarf-collar, comfortable and cozy))

  • CAPE - warm cape of a loose fit with defined shoulders, sleeveless, but with slits for the arms. A convenient alternative to your favorite poncho)) The cape can be with any type of collar or neckline, with or without a hood, length up to or below the knee, any color and fabric pattern. Practical!

Compared with, this cape is more convenient, because:

firstly, the cape has a fastener in the front,

secondly, in a poncho, the hands are “hidden” inside the clothes and, accordingly, for each movement you will need to raise the edges of the poncho, but for a cape this little “inconvenience” is absent - there are special slots for the hands, into which you can put your hands when needed, or “hide” inside warm clothes if it’s cold,

thirdly, a cape, unlike a poncho, has side seams, which is also very nice when the wind blows or it’s just cool.

In general, a cape is comfortable, warm, modern and stylish!

A classic knitted cape looks like this

Knitted capes with or without fasteners, with a hood, with pockets - any))

Have fun knitting different capes - warm and openwork, shrugs, shirtfronts, boleros and capes!

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