The Mommy Stylist
A cape is the only wardrobe essential a mom needs to look stylish all winterlong
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Calvin Klein cape, $125, available at Macy's[https://www1.macys.com/shop/product/calvin-klein-coat-houndstooth-check-cape?ID=711167].Phot courtesy of Macy's -
The Gap fur military cape[https://www.gap.com/products/fur-military-cape-P349868.jsp], $109.Photo courtesy of Gap -
Ann Taylor cape[https://www.anntaylor.com/ann/product/AT-Accessories/AT-View-All/Tie-Wool-Cape/287389?prodId=&defaultColor=6600&CID=aff_2687457],$148. Also in camel.Photo courtesy of Ann Taylor -
Hooded knit cape, $178, available at Dillard's[https://www.dillards.com/product/Pendleton-Hooded-Knit-Cape_301_-1_301_503460673?df=03848582_zi_red_rock].Photo courtesy of Dillard's -
Spiewak Beaumont cape, $198, available at Amazon[https://www.amazon.com/Spiewak-Womens-Beaumont-Cape-Jacket/dp/B008HAWZ7Q].Photo courtesy of Zappos -
Ribbed wool cape with buttons, $99, available at Last Call by Neiman Marcus[https://www.lastcall.com/p/Neiman-Marcus-Button-Ribbed-Wool-Cashmere-Cape-Camel/prod13050007/?eVar4=You%20May%20Also%20Like%20RR].Also in black and grey.Photo courtesy of Last Call by Neiman Marcus
Editor’s Note: Kristin Hull, our newest CultureMap contributor, is the founder of The Mommy Stylist, a website born out of her love for helping friends with kids figure out what to wear. For CultureMap, she will do what she does best: recommend affordable fashion essentials for moms who don’t want to sacrifice style for their busy lifestyle.
Thank goodness capes are in style again, because they may just be a mom's best friend. Throw one on over almost anything, and your look is instantly transformed from average to awesome.
Even the most casual capes are sophisticated and stylish. Need to drop off the kids at school? Don't change out of that pajama top and those drawstring pants; simply slip on a pair of cute sneakers (I love the ones here by Converse) with a cape, and you'll be the most put-together mom in the parking lot. But what about your hair? Hats, hats, hats. Don't be afraid of them. They'll save you time after time, I promise.
If you dressed down for work thinking you'd be in the office all day and suddenly get called out to a client meeting, have no fear. Keep a basic cape like this one in the office, and wear it to the meeting. You will always look sleek and professional.
I've scoured the stores and found several capes that meet The Mommy Stylist criteria: functional, versatile, affordable and fashionable. They're not too dressy or too casual (so they can be worn to a basketball game or school holiday concert); they're neutral in color (so they'll work with multiple outfits); they're reasonably priced (so you won't feel guilty spending the money); and, of course, they're stylish (because wearing age-appropriate trends makes you look and feel younger).
Browse the photo gallery to see some of my favorites. Then do yourself a favor and snap one up. A cape will be your new bestie.

Blue Hills brings a cool mix of fashion, accessories, and brands, including first-timer Sézane, to the Round Top shopping scene.Photo Courtesy of Blue Hills
The Compound offers an elevated mix of new, vintage, and upcycled fashion for stylish Round Top shoppers.Photo courtesy of The Compound
Marburger Farm combines its famous antique show with plenty of opportunities to shop for vintage fashion, boots, and accessories.Photo courtesy of Marburger Farm Antique Show
Zapp Hall has it all. From an indoor/outdoor setting to the antique atmosphere only a 1903 dance hall can provide.Photo courtesy of Zapp Hall