Every December it is the same story. Three or four parties land in the same fortnight and the wardrobe panic sets in. This is the guide I wish someone had handed me: keep the dress simple and let one beaded piece do the work.
The festive season asks a lot of one wardrobe. There is the office party, the friends' dinner, the family lunch and then New Year's Eve, often within three weeks. Buying a new dress for each is expensive. A better plan is one statement piece that changes the look of everything you already own. A beaded fringe cape does exactly that.
Start with something simple underneath
The cape is the star, so the base should be quiet. These all work well:
- A black slip dress. The classic. Add a black or gunmetal cape for evening, or gold for something warmer.
- A fitted black jumpsuit. Sharp, easy to dance in and very flattering under a cape that falls open at the front.
- Tailored trousers and a corset or bodysuit. Modern and a little unexpected. Works brilliantly with silver beading.
- A saree or lehenga blouse. Capes have become a favourite over festive Indian wear too, worn in place of a dupatta for parties.
Avoid busy prints and heavy textures underneath. Let the beadwork do the work.
Party season picks
Picking a colour for the season
- Gold is the most festive choice and looks wonderful under warm Christmas lights. See our gold beaded capes.
- Silver and gunmetal feel cooler and more modern, ideal for New Year's Eve. Browse silver beaded capes.
- Black is the safest for a black tie or corporate event and pairs with anything. See black beaded capes.
Three outfits, one cape
The work Christmas party
Black midi dress, low block heels, a short black beaded capelet and small earrings. Polished enough for the office, festive enough for the bar afterwards.
Christmas Day lunch
Wide leg trousers, a silk camisole and a gold cape thrown on just before photos. Take it off for the meal, put it back on for the group shot.
New Year's Eve
Go all in. A fitted dress or jumpsuit, a long fringe cape in silver or gold, statement earrings and something you can dance in. Fringe was made for midnight.
Accessorising without overdoing it
With beading across the shoulders, skip the big necklace. Choose earrings, a slim bracelet and a small clutch in a plain finish. Hair worn up or swept to one side keeps the collar and fringe visible.
A gift that gets worn
If you are shopping for someone else, a beaded cape is one of the few gifts that is ready to wear the same week. They are free size, so there is no guessing a dress size, and every order ships free worldwide from Melbourne.
Not sure which one suits your outfit? Send a photo of your dress through our contact page and I will give you an honest suggestion.
Anita
Beaded Capes, Melbourne