2 days ago
This Dated Top Trend Is Taking Over Instagram – Be Prepared To Want To Buy A Sheer Cape Top
@Getty/ Instagram @bellahadid
It's pretty rare for a 'nice top' outfit not to work for an upcoming plan in the diary. Off to dinner? Wear a cami top and jeans. Looking for a last minute holiday outfit? Try a boho blousewith jorts. The styling potential is quite literally endless. And while I'll always be a fan of a humble white T-shirt or a trusty tank top, I'm on the lookout for new tops to rotate that'll add interest. I'm quite taken by thestriped rugby style tops that were doing the rounds at CPHFW, but I've spotted a certain style making a comeback that's taken me by surprise. Cape tops are everywhere right now, but they were once seen as the poncho style tops from 2002 – the likes of Hilary Duff wore – that quickly dated. And I remember my local Norwich market couldn't get enough of them when I was a teenager. Now, though, they've had a chic upgrade. Less poncho and more cape, it's sheer iterations I'm most interested in, and it appears I'm not the only one.
Turns out, it's the only thing Bella Hadidand I have in common, as the supermodel was spotted on Instagram wearing a knitted version this week.
While I appreciate the draped top style, for me, I'm more interested in the floaty peek-a-boo look that so many fashion insiders have been wearing. Take a look at Nina Sandbech(below) for example, here, she's wearing New Arrivals berry shade flared trousers with a floor-sweeping cape over a bralette. So. Damn. Chic. 1.
New Arrivals Vivi Cape
You can pre-order Nina's exact top from New Arrivals, and no doubt you'll want the matching top and trousers for the full look while you're there!
The general consensus with the 2025 version of cape tops is that sheer is key, the floatier the better and dramatic voluminous styles get a firm yes. Claudia (left) is also seen wearing the New Arrivals style, but it's not just designers who have tapped into the trend. Enna (right) can be seen styling a Mango iteration with a mini skirt and flip flops. Of course the easy holiday hero sold out quickly, but I've found so many other cape tops from the likes of Free People and Jigsaw that'll fill the void.
While these tops are of course a summery style that you'll want to throw on over a bikini on holiday, or even as an alternative wedding guest outfit (it's not just abouta dress, you know), they'll also work for the season ahead.
If you're not into the sheer look – it can be trickier to style – then the likes of Cos and Zara have already dropped pre-fall styles in thicker materials that you'll want to take through to autumn. Trust me, these cape tops are about to be everywhere! 2.
Jaded London Infinity Multiway Cape
In black, gold or silver, you can style this cape so many ways so it'll be the best £40 you spend this summer. I love how it looks across one shoulder with jeans and heels for a night out. 3.
Free People Carly Cape Top
Did someone say boho? With lace and ruffles being seen on everything from dresses and skirts to tops, I couldn't not include this Free People version. I'm seeing it worn with jeans and a big suede tote bag for the full Chloé-esque package. 4.
Zara Studded Scarf Cape
This one is slightly thicker than the sheer styles we're seeing a lot of, but I love it. The studs, the scarf neckline – try it out with some balloon trousers and flip flops for one of those in-between weather days. 5.
Cos Asymmetric Double Knit Wool Cape
If you're already fully focused on your new season wardrobe, luckily most brands have already started dropping pre-fall collections so you can get ahead. This cape is fresh in from Cos, and I'll be styling it with tailored wide-leg trousers – as seen above. 6.
Jigsaw Sheer Linen Blend Poncho
Jigsaw has called this top a 'sheer poncho', but whatever you choose to call it, we like how it'll look over a bikini top or bralette with wide-leg trousers or Bermuda shorts. And it also comes in cream, FYI. 7.
Zimmermann Cropped Cape Denim Blouse
Ticking off the Western trend a lot of us have been keen to achieve, this cape top wouldn't look out of place with jorts or jeans for a double denim hit. Add cowboy boots or clogs if you're dedicated to the cause. 8.
Wolflamb Gabriela Cape
Barcelona-based brand Wolflamb has created cape tops to match its wedding-ready dresses. And it comes in not one, not two but ten different colours – including white for any brides to be. 9.
Arakii Flowy Silk Cape
It's a thing of beauty, right? This zebra print cape top – by Stockholm brand Arakii – is one you'll want to wear as your new 'nice top' with jeans. But also with shorts, mini skirts, swimwear and practically anything else just so you can wear it on repeat.
