The red carpet-approved accessory that’s not just for superheroes

How do I make an entrance?

While wallflowers are happy sticking to the sidelines in a sea of beige and grey marle, many of us live for drama when it comes to dressing. There’s the predictable route of diamonds, excessive décolletage or a gown with more cut-outs than fabric for stealing the spotlight, but we’ve found a more elegant answer. It’s time to refute Edna Mode’s “No capes” edict in animated movie The Incredibles and consider an additional piece of fabric that catches the breeze, and envious glances, as you enter a party.

Superman style has experienced a few stalled take-offs since Gwyneth Paltrow’s white cape dress by Tom Ford at the 2012 Oscars, but it is now in full flight. Catherine, Princess of Wales, is a big fan, pairing her dark-red caped gown by Givenchy’s Sarah Burton with a tiara at a state banquet for the Macrons last month, while Freakier Friday actor Jamie Lee Curtis preferred a shorter hem and sunnies at the film’s premiere in London last month.

Capes are also creeping into day-wear – an alternative to a coat and a more refined take on the poncho – but it’s at night that they really shine. With this dashing item now stealing the focus, stick to solid colours rather than prints. Even for those of us who love a little drama, there’s such a thing as too much. Choose accessories that are equally bold, in luxurious metallics or opulent velvet or suede.

Another advantage of a cape is that it makes an even stronger impression as you leave. Just remember to take the door and not the window.

Got a style conundrum? Email damien.woolnough@nine.com.au

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