Cape Gowns: How to Wear a Cape Gown, and 6 Designer Styles

The short answer: a cape gown is a gown with a cape at the shoulders. Some capes are sewn in, the best ones lift off, and a removable cape gives you two looks in one night. Our pick is the Yorkshire Cape Gown by Rebecca Vallance, a blossom pink column gown with floral applique and a cape that lifts off. For a separate cape over a gown you already own, the Cambridge Cape in Gold and Cambridge Cape in Blue Topaz are sequin capes with shoulder pads. See all evening gowns, and the wider cape dresses edit.

The cape is the most elegant way to add coverage to a gown. It covers the shoulders and upper arms without the stiffness of a jacket, it moves when you walk, and it gives a simple column a sculptural line from the back. It is also practical. At a wedding the cape stays on for the ceremony and comes off for the reception, which is why cape gowns have become a favourite for mothers of the bride and for modest dressing.

Attached cape versus removable cape

Our picks

1. Yorkshire Cape Gown

New this month. A blossom pink crepe column with a crew neckline, a fitted bodice, shoulder pads and a back split, finished with hand stitched laser cut floral applique and a removable cape. The brand lists it under its Mother of the Bride, Modest and Wedding Guest edits.

2. Cambridge Cape in Gold

A separate sequin cape in gold with a crew neckline and shoulder pads. Wear it over the Cambridge Long Sleeve Gown for one tone, and over a black slip for contrast.

3. Cambridge Cape in Blue Topaz

The same cape in blue topaz. Designed to sit over the Cambridge Column Gown.

4. Cambridge Column Gown

A sequin column gown with a plunging halter. With the blue topaz cape on top, it becomes a cape gown with full coverage at the shoulder.

5. Windsor Maxi Dress

A black silk slip with lace applique. Add the gold Cambridge cape and it reads as an evening cape gown.

6. Noire Long Sleeve Gown

Not a cape gown, but the alternative if you want sleeves rather than a cape: a bias cut black gown with a cowl neckline.

How to wear a cape gown

Jewellery: earrings only. A cape covers the neckline and a necklace gets lost.

Bag: a small clutch held in the hand. A shoulder strap crushes the cape.

Hair: up, so the cape line is clear.

Seating: lift the cape slightly when you sit so it does not crease. Our guide on how to wear a sequin cape covers this in more detail.

Frequently asked questions

What is a cape gown?

A full length gown with a cape at the shoulders. Some capes are sewn in and some detach.

Is a cape gown good for a mother of the bride?

Yes. It gives coverage at the shoulders and arms for the ceremony and looks formal in photographs. Rebecca Vallance lists the Yorkshire Cape Gown in its Mother of the Bride edit.

Can you wear a cape gown to a black tie event?

Yes. A floor length cape gown is fully black tie appropriate.

What is the difference between a cape dress and a cape gown?

A cape dress can be any length. A cape gown is floor length and formal.

Read next: Rebecca Vallance mother of the bride dresses, modest evening gowns and Rebecca Vallance gowns.