LaPointe Cape Tops: The Cape Tee, Caftan and Cape Dress

The cape tee is the quiet hero of LaPointe. It is not the piece that gets photographed on a runway, but it is the piece the house cuts in the most fabrics and colours, and the one that turns up in nearly every LaPointe outfit. It is a simple idea: a top with an extra layer of fabric falling from the shoulders like a short cape, so it covers the upper arm and moves as you walk. This guide covers the LaPointe cape tops, caftan tops and cape dresses, and how to wear them.

What is a cape top?

A cape top is a top with a draped panel falling from the shoulders over the arms, in place of a sleeve. It covers the upper arm without the closeness of a sleeve, and it gives a top movement. LaPointe cuts it as a tee: a round neck, a straight body, and a cape that falls to about the elbow.

The caftan top is a close relative: wider, with a deep, loose sleeve cut in one with the body. Both shapes cover the arm and flatter almost everyone, which is why they suit so many occasions.

The satin cape tee

The one to buy. The Satin Cape Tee in Black is the house cape tee in the same heavy satin as the trousers, so the two pair as a set. It comes in more colours than anything else LaPointe makes, including Cream, Dark Brown, Marine, Oat, Cinder, Dark Olive and Mulberry.

Wear it with the matching satin trouser for a tonal column, with denim for a smart casual outfit, and tucked into a satin maxi skirt for evening.

The georgette cape tee

Lighter and softer. The Georgette Oversized Cape Tee in Cream is cut oversized in a fluid georgette that drapes rather than holds its shape. The Lightweight Georgette Oversized Cape Tee in Cinder is the lightest of all; it is the summer cape tee. For a longer line, the Georgette High Low Scarf Cape Top in Cream adds a longer back and a scarf drape at the neck.

The sequin cape tee

The evening version. The Net Mesh Sequin Cape Tee in Silver is the cape tee shape in sequin on a net mesh, which keeps it light. It also comes in Pale Gold. The Net Mesh Sequin Oversized Cape Tee in Cloud is cut fuller. A sequin cape tee with a black satin trouser is one of the simplest party outfits there is; see our holiday party guide.

The jersey cape tee

The everyday version. The Jersey Cape Tee in Black is the cape shape in a soft jersey, priced as the entry point to the range. It works under a blazer and with jeans. It also comes in Cream.

The caftan top

For a looser line, the Satin Caftan Top in Black has deep sleeves cut in one with the body. It is the most comfortable dressed top in the range. The Lightweight Satin Caftan Top With Feathers in Mulberry adds feathers at the sleeve edge, and the Satin Caftan Top in Emerald pairs with the matching satin wrap maxi skirt for a full length evening look.

The cape dress

The shape at full length. The Satin Cape Dress With Feathers in Black is a long satin dress with a cape falling from the shoulder and feathers at the edge. It is the answer for a formal event when you want your arms covered without a jacket. It also comes in Cream, which suits a bride for a civil ceremony and a reception look. See our LaPointe bridal guide.

Who suits a cape top?

Almost everyone. The cape covers the upper arm, which many women prefer, and the straight body skims the waist. If you have narrow shoulders, the cape adds width and balances a wider hip. If you have broad shoulders, choose the georgette version: it drapes and does not add volume.

How do LaPointe cape tops fit?

The cape tees are cut loose by design. Take your usual size; size down only if you want a closer fit through the body. The oversized versions are meant to be roomy. LaPointe sizes tops from XS; Luxury Handbags shows the UK equivalent on every product, and the sizing guide has the details.

Frequently asked questions

What is a LaPointe cape tee?

It is a top with a draped panel falling from the shoulders over the upper arm, like a short cape, cut as a round neck tee. LaPointe makes it in satin, georgette, sequin and jersey, in a wide range of colours.

What do you wear with a cape top?

Wear a satin cape tee with the matching satin trouser for a tonal set, with straight jeans for smart casual, and tucked into a satin maxi skirt for evening.

Does a cape top cover the arms?

Yes. The cape falls over the upper arm to about the elbow, so it covers the arm without the fit of a sleeve. Caftan tops and the cape dress give similar coverage.

What is the difference between a cape top and a caftan top?

A cape top has a separate draped panel falling from the shoulders, while a caftan top has deep, loose sleeves cut in one piece with the body. Both cover the arm and are loose in shape.

Do LaPointe cape tees run large?

They are cut loose by design, so they look roomy while measuring true to size. Take your usual size, and choose the oversized versions for a deliberately fuller shape.

Can a cape dress be worn to a wedding?

Yes. The Satin Cape Dress With Feathers in Black suits a formal evening wedding when black is welcome, and the Cream version suits a bride for a civil ceremony and a reception.

Read next

• LaPointe satin pants
• LaPointe matching sets
• LaPointe bridal

Written by Gemma Deeks, Fashion Editor at Luxury Shoes .