How to Wear a White Cape Dress: 6 Celebrity Outfit Ideas

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The white cape dress made a groundbreaking appearance in 2012 on the svelte body of the stunning Gwyneth Paltrow, and it has been resurfacing both on an off of the red carpet ever since.

Solange Knowles even went with one of the unique cape designs for her wedding dress last year, a decision that showered her in compliments for her creativity and fashion risk-taking.

Even before Gwyneth Paltrow brought the trend to the red carpet, the perpetually-stylish Victoria Beckham was spotted wearing a short white cape dress for an event back in 2009.

It seems that despite the unique and bold design, the white cape dress is a trend that’s sticking around. While celebrities often find a way to look sleek and elegant in this style of dress, there have also been an unfortunate few circumstances where the style did nothing but disappoint.

We’ve rounded up various white cape dress wearers from the past few years to ask you this question: who wore it better?

1. Gwyneth Paltrow in Tom Ford

Touted as one of her best red carpet looks, the 42-year-old’s caped outfit at the Oscars in 2012 is forever etched in every fashion critic’s memory.

Gwyneth Paltrow wearing a white cape dress by Tom FordGwyneth Paltrow wearing a white cape dress by Tom Ford

She looked timeless and classic in this piece with a detachable cape, and her hair and makeup were just as laudable.

Gwyneth Paltrow at the 84th Annual Academy Awards (Oscars) held at the Kodak Theatre in Los Angeles, California on February 26, 2012Gwyneth Paltrow at the 84th Annual Academy Awards (Oscars) held at the Kodak Theatre in Los Angeles, California on February 26, 2012

2. Nicole Richie in H&M and Tadashi Shoji

The 33-year-old petite mom mixed street style with high fashion for this look. Her H&M dress hugged her figure well and the Tadashi Shoji cape added sophisticated edge.

Nicole Richie wearing an H&M dress with a Tadashi Shoji capeNicole Richie wearing an H&M dress with a Tadashi Shoji cape

Nicole also showed off her anklet design foot tattoo with a cross in Christian Louboutin shoes.

Nicole Richie and Joel Madden at the Baby2Baby GalaNicole Richie and Joel Madden at the Baby2Baby Gala presented by Tiffany & Co. in Los Angeles, California on November 8, 2014

3. Sienna Miller Pulled a Gwyneth Paltrow

When the ‘G.I. Joe’ actress showed up at the event wearing this caped dress, everyone compared her to Gwyneth Paltrow, who wore a similar look earlier that year.

Sienna Miller copied Gwyneth Paltrow with her cape gownSienna Miller copied Gwyneth Paltrow with her cape gown

Unfortunately, we think Gwyneth has her beat here, as Sienna looked a tad frumpy and washed out in this dress.

Actress Sienna Miller attends the Chairman's Reception Honoring Richard Gere, Ann Roth & James Schamus during the 20th Hamptons International Film Festival at the Suna Residence on October 6, 2012 in East Hampton, New YorkActress Sienna Miller attends the Chairman’s Reception Honoring Richard Gere, Ann Roth & James Schamus during the 20th Hamptons International Film Festival at the Suna Residence on October 6, 2012, in East Hampton, New York

4. Kim Kardashian in White Caped Fitted Dress

Swollen feet aside, we think the reality star and ShoeDazzle founder looked great in this look.

For starters, there aren’t many people who can successfully pull off wearing a body con dress during their last trimester of pregnancy. And adding a cape to the mix? Risky and well-played, Kim.

A pregnant Kim Kardashian arrives with visibly swollen feet at Naimie’s Beauty Centre for cosmetics in Los Angeles, California on May 16, 2013A pregnant Kim Kardashian arrives with visibly swollen feet at Naimie’s Beauty Centre for cosmetics in Los Angeles, California on May 16, 2013

5. Laura Whitmore Dressed Up in Rare London Frock

The TV presenter was pristine in this white dress with a flowy cape from Rare London.

Laura Whitmore in a white dress with a flowy capeLaura Whitmore in a white dress with a flowy cape

She kept the color palette understated in nude DVF Bethany patent leather pumps.

Laura Whitmore flaunted her legs at the U.K. premiere of ‘What If’ held at the Odeon West End in London on August 12, 2014Laura Whitmore flaunted her legs at the U.K. premiere of ‘What If’ held at the Odeon West End in London on August 12, 2014

6. Kate Hudson in Shiny Atelier Versace Gown

The actress showed some serious curves in this cleavage-baring gown. We think the swooping cape added a classic touch to her elegant and shimmery ensemble.

Kate Hudson at the 86th Annual OscarsKate Hudson at the 86th Annual Oscars held at Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, California on March 2, 2014

What do you think? Which of these ladies looked best in her white cape dress?

If you want to join in on the caped dress bandwagon but don’t care much for white, here are some fun, non-white options:

1. re:named Woven Cape Dress, $60.00

re:named Woven Cape Dress

2. Osman Crepe Dress, $1,509.15

Osman Crepe Dress

3. Valentino Multicolor Foulard Print Crepe de Chine Half Cape Dress, $4,490.00

Valentino Multicolor Foulard Print Crepe de Chine Half Cape Dress

Credit: WENN/ Adriana M. Barraza/ FayesVision/ Rob Rich/
Credit: Michael Carpenter/ Future Image/ Lexie Appleby/ Lia Toby