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Nothing says fall like a cape. But a cape also works for winter, especially layered over a matching blazer . . . or spring, in a cheery shade of pink. I never realized how versatile capes are until I discovered made-to-order Italian atelier, Marta Scarampi. Their chic wool capes adds warmth without constricting sleeves, you can belt them for different looks, and they are stylish go-with-everything pieces to face unexpectedly chilly afternoons. Capes are 100% the classic topper you need this season (and forever) – here’s a review of three core styles and how to wear them.
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About Marta Scarampi
Marta Scarampi specializes in classic capes and blazers made in luxe fabrics, but they also offer jumpsuits, dresses, headbands, and more. I love that the brand is run by a duo of two #bossbabe sisters, Marta and Lucia. Designed with an eye to detail and with the craftsmanship Italian fashion is renowned for, each piece made-to-order in Torino Italy, ensuring there’s never over-production or waste.
Wearing the matching Rachel cape and Twiggy Blazer in Banksy fabric.
The fit
Marta Scarampi’s capes come in one-size-fits most, which they recommend for those up to a size 16. That’s a really wide range – so I’ll be honest, I was a little skeptical, since I am quite petite and usually wear a 0 (for reference I am 5’5”). But I was pleasantly surprised after unwrapping my first cape, the Giulia in pink, and popping it on.
There’s plenty of room under each cape to layer a thick sweater or blazer, depending on how cold it is outside, and it won’t look bulky. But even with just a light turtleneck the capes add a layer of warmth that’s perfect for any day when there’s a slight nip in the air. I love the way the simple and elegant Giulia cape perfectly finishes off a turtleneck or mockneck sweater – so much so that I got it in black as well.
The details
Each Marta Scarampi cape is crafted with precise, flattering seams down the front and back of the shoulders that make the capes look exquisitely tailored. They each hit me at a perfect mid-thigh length that would look just as flattering shorter or longer, depending on your height.
Left – the Giulia cape in black. Right – the Rachel cape in brown.
Each cape has its own unique details, but they do share a clever series of pockets on the inside. These differ slightly between styles, but they all have a series of slots for cards (maybe best for paper ones like a metro or business card), and at least one larger pocket for a pair of sunglasses, packet of tissues, etc. I tend to put my phone in one of the outside pockets since they’re the deepest and of course my iPhone 11 is rather large and heavy! (The Rachel in Gauguin is the only one that doesn’t have external pockets).
Another detail I have to mention is the collar on the Rachel capes, which manages to be both supple and structured, so you can easily wear it down as a trim face-framing collar, open as full lapels, or up as a tall jawline-grazing stand-up collar. I love the versatility and it gives you endless ways to style the capes – buttoned with the collar up, unbuttoned with the collar down, half-buttoned . . . you get the idea!
Styling the capes
The Giulia cape is made from a soft 100% wool fabric that almost feels like a boiled bool, but is more breathable. It’s collarless, and looks perfect with a turtleneck or other high collar underneath for a more polished look. Or pop it over a t-shirt and jeans to spice up a casual look and make it unforgettable! This soft pink can be styled with jewel tones for fall, or soft neutrals for spring.
The same cape in black looks fabulous cinched with a Ferragamo belt and styled with oversized Barton Perreia sunglasses and a petite Elleme bag.
The Rachel cape in Gauguin fabric is a soft and unstructured 100% wool cape. With the ability to wear it with a high collar, it’s a great cape for windier days. I styled it over a black cashmere turtleneck, black faux-leather leggings, and black boots for an effortless and classic look that’s anything but boring.
The Rachel cape in Banksy fabric is a checkered wool-cotton blend that has a more tailored, structured look and heavier hand-feel than the other capes. I have to admit, I passed over this cape too quickly online but once I saw it in person I had to have it – the fabric is so beautiful in person, I felt like I was right off the Paris runway as soon as I put it on.
If you can’t tell, I’m completely hooked on capes now – somehow they’re classic, timeless, and a little traditional . . . while completely making heads turn. I wore my Rachel in Banksy to the post office one day and another woman in line was so taken with it, it was the most flattered I’ve ever been while running an errand!
Shop the looks
Follow me on Instagram @theprimpysheep for more product reviews and style inspiration. If you enjoyed this post, you might also like:
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