How to Wear It: The Sweater Cape

 

We're living in an era of mom clothes: slouchy pants, baggy knits, and comfy, flat-soled shoes. And when I say mom clothes, I mean it with the greatest of compliments. My mom has been rocking the oversized look for as long as I can remember, and increasingly it's my sole sartorial to emulate her. I knew I was on the right track last year when she gave two enthusiastic thumbs up to this grey sweater cape that I bought on sale, but I've rarely worn it since then. Seeing as it's been long overdue for some next-level styling, I asked myself , 'What would mom do?'

First of all, mom would keep it simple but classy—and is there anything that fits that descriptor better than navy and white stripes? The answer is no, there is not, so I paired the sweater with a nautical midi skirt from Heidi Merrick. The skirt's longer length aligns with the sweater's  (anything too short would seem like a disconnect) yet the piece is slim enough to hint at my shape beneath the drapey top. 

Next it was time to channel mom through accessories. Since I couldn't jet off to Toronto to raid the impressive and covetable Tammy Sage Shoe Collection (think Marni and Lanvin), a pair of weathered brogues from my own closet had to do. Still, though, I like the way they throw an unexpected menswear twist at this distinctly ladylike combo, and their timeworn suede patina plays nicely with the heathered grey of the sweater. 

The final touch was all me (though I did text mom a pic of this outfit for her approval prior to shooting it). An oversized clutch made of plaid wool picks up the skirt's blue hue, as well as its zipper detail, while adding a touch of extra color and pattern too. The final look feels chic, put-together, and eminently wearable: exactly what mom-inspired style should be! 

P.S. More ideas for how to wear oversized sweaters. Outfit Details: Midi Skirt, Heidi Merrick. Sweater, Diane von Furstenberg (old, here's a similar sweater cape). Wool Clutch, Schoolhouse Electric Co. Shoes, NDC (old, here are similar wingtip oxfords). Image Credits: Thank you to Mercie Ghimire Photography for shooting these photos!