When I was a little girl, I loved playing dress up. One of my favorite items was a long, hooded, white, faux fur cape that had belonged to my Grandma. It made the perfect snow queen costume.

Capes have always resonated with me, and this last weekend I caught My Fair Lady on Turner Classic Movies. There is a scene where Audrey Hepburn wears this dress to a ball. On her way there, she layers a long, red velvet cape over it. The look is iconic. I wanted to share a photo with you, but couldn’t find one. I think this one gives you a good idea of the dress if you’ve never seen it before.

Pictures & Photos from My Fair Lady – IMDb (clipped to polyvore.com)

If you’re looking to make an entrance, you’ll be happy to hear the cape is back for fall. Personally, my inner five-year old is thrilled. Old fashioned and glamorous, capes provide a certain drama to any outfit. A cape works as well with fancy dresses for holiday parties as it does for meeting friends for brunch. 

Whether you decide to go ladylike or rock and roll with your cape, be sure to consider proportion. Think slim styles like pencil skirts, leggings and sheaths to balance out the volume of cape. Trouser jeans with a slight bell would work as well. Then, be prepared to turn heads.