A model wearing a plus-size cape dress in olive green and

Cape Dresses Are the Elegant Must-Have You Didn’t Know Your Closet Was Missing

There are what seems to be an endless number of dress styles in the world—everything from mini off-the-shoulder dresses to babydoll midis and long-sleeve maxis. If there’s some specific detail or silhouette you want in a dress, odds are you can find it. Case and point: plus-size cape dresses. I honestly don’t know who first decided to design a dress that included a built-in cape, but I can’t say that I’m mad about it.

Cape dresses are the perfect combination of a coat and a dress—with a little bit of royal (or superhero, TBH) flare added in, too. At their core, this style of dress creates a sleeve effect with with layers of fabric you can push behind you a bit (just like a cape). Imagine a seriously gorgeous wrap coat or poncho that—surprise!—is actually a dress. They’re elegant, chic, and definitely worth adding to your wardrobe.

And, of course, you can treat plus-size cape dresses like any other frock in your closet. They’re available in all different lengths, colors, and fabrics, so you can choose your go-to style and get the look effortlessly. For a formal event, simply add a pair of your favorite heels and some statement earrings. Or, if you’re opting for something a bit more casual, try knee-high boots and a pair of bold sunglasses. However you style these dresses, they’re sure to be a hit.

From a red hot pleated number to classic black cape dresses, there’s a little something for everyone. So go ahead and treat yourself to this dress trend you didn’t know you needed—until now.

Here at Unruly, we’re committed to featuring plus-size pieces we genuinely love and want to share with you. We’re connected to an affiliate revenue program, which means we might make a small commission when you buy products through our shopping guides. This in no way affects the pieces we choose to feature, and it never will. (Confused? We’d love to answer any questions you have about this. Email us at beunrulyinfo@gmail. com!)

1. Buxom Couture Pleated Cape Dress

A model wearing a plus-size cape dress in olive green.

shop the look — $80 from CoEdition


2. Cape Midi Dress With Slits

A model wearing a plus-size cape dress in black.

shop the look — $49.99 from ELOQUII


3. Plus-Size Pleated Romantic Cape Dress

A model wearing a plus-size cape dress in red.

shop the look — $39.89 from Asoph


4. Lavish Alice Blazer Cape Sleeve Corset Cocktail Dress

A model wearing a plus-size cape dress in navy.

shop the look — $175 from Nordstrom


5. Sharp Shouldered Cape Dress

A model wearing a plus-size cape dress in yellow.

shop the look — $24.99 from ELOQUII


6. On Payroll Blazer Cape Dress

A model wearing a plus-size cape dress in black.

shop the look — $24.98 from Fashion Nova


7. Lavish Alice Half Cape Mini Dress

A model wearing a plus-size cape dress in emerald green.

shop the look — $105 from Nordstrom


8. Buxom Couture Pleated Cape Dress

A model wearing a plus-size cape dress in black.

shop the look — $80 from CoEdition


9. Cape Midi Dress With Slit

A model wearing a plus-size cape dress in red.

shop the look — $49.99 from ELOQUII


10. Curvy Sense Angela Plunge Cape Dress

A model wearing a plus-size cape dress in white.

shop the look — $52 from CoEdition


11. Sharp Shouldered Cape Dress

A model wearing a plus-size cape dress in black.

shop the look — $24.99 from ELOQUII