It's a wrap

CEBU, Philippines - Super heroes are rarely anyone’s fashion inspiration. I mean, take Superman for xample. 

Sure the primary color palette of his superhero threads may be tolerable. But seriously, trunks over leggings? That may be pushing the innerwear-as-outerwear trend a wee bit too far.

However, despite the clash of colors, the too-tight cat suits, and the neon eighties-inspired makeup and rocker ‘dos, here’s one superhero-inspired trends that’ll help you pile up on class as you battle it out with this season’s stormy bad-guy weather—capes.

Yep, you got that right. Capes, capelets, anything just to help us cover up with class and ward off the chilly gusts of wind as we brave it to work and school despite the devilish downpour. Capes aren’t exactly new in the fashion scene. It’s been around for the last how many centuries, going way back from the times of knights and damsels in distress, making its way on the backs of military officers trudging through tundra, and as valued fur stoles by some of high society’s fashion mavens.

The cape trend is an offshoot of the hippie poncho trend that took off a few years after the start of this decade. Compared to the poncho, the cape ditches the bohemian vibe and instead channels a more mysterious and sophisticated air—perfectly complementing the downcast weather and the flurry of grim shadows on a dreary day.

     Before you set out on a quest for the perfect cape, here’s the ditty on the various shapes and disguises that our up and coming outerwear of choice may come in.

Capes and capelets. The cape is not a jacket. So if you are looking for the generic cape, it will absolutely have zero sleeves. A cape, according to fahsionising.com, is any cover-up that opens at the front and has slits of for the arms instead. The cape can have a full-circle cut, or it can lean more on the straight cuts ala Justice League. Capes usually graze towards the hips. Go any further and you might risk looking like Count Dracula. Capelets or small capes, simply cover the shoulders to keep the chill at bay.

Rock the cape with a gothic look by going for black rocker chic drapes which, according to fashioniser, Tania Braukamper, are deeply rooted in the cyberpunk trend. Soften the rockista feel by spiking it with a more romantic touch ala Guy Laroche and Yigal Azrouel.

Shawls, stoles, and wraps. This variety of outerwear is usually reserved for the elegance of balls and evening garden parties since these generally come in silk, brocade, or fur. Shawls, stoles, and wraps are best worn loosely so you can bank on the softness of the drapery. 

Gather inspiration from the raging 20s with their loose cocoons, and the bubble capes of the glamorous 40s. Take it from Valentino for a more vintage, nostalgic take on the shawl.

Ponchos. Ponchos are best for beach trips or casual Saturday strolls. Ponchos are generally square pieces of cloth with a hole to put the head through. It’s best to pair ponchos with shorts and flats to give off a very laidback and relaxed vibe. Ponchos are generally for the playful owing to its quibble for quirk.