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 and off the red carpet ever since.
Solange Knowles even chose one of these unique cape designs for her wedding dress last year, a decision that received praise 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 at an event back in 2009.
Despite its unique and bold design, the white cape dress is a trend that is staying around. While celebrities often find a way to look sleek and elegant in this style of dress, there have also been a few unfortunate 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’s white cape dress featured a sleek, floor-length design with a dramatic draped cape (Credit: WENN)
She looked timeless and classic in this piece with a detachable cape, and her hair and makeup were just as laudable.
Gwyneth Paltrow styled her white cape dress with sleek, side-parted hair and minimal makeup, highlighting her natural beauty at the Oscars at the Kodak Theatre in Los Angeles, California on February 26, 2012 (Credit: WENN)
2. Nicole Richie in H&M and Tadashi Shoji
For this look, the 33-year-old petite mom mixed street style with high fashion. Her H&M dress hugged her figure well, and the Tadashi Shoji cape added a sophisticated edge.
Nicole Richie styled her white cape dress with a high neckline and intricate lace detailing (Credit: WENN)
Nicole also showed off her anklet design foot tattoo with a cross in white Christian Louboutin shoes.
Nicole Richie and Joel Madden at the Baby2Baby Gala presented by Tiffany & Co. in Los Angeles, California on November 8, 2014 (Credit: WENN)
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’s white cape dress featured a sleek, floor-length design with dramatic cape sleeves (Credit: WENN)
Unfortunately, we think Gwyneth has her beat here, as Sienna looked a tad frumpy and washed out in this dress.
Sienna Miller styled her white cape dress with loose, center-parted hair and natural makeup at 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 (Credit: WENN)
4. Kim Kardashian in a White Caped Fitted Dress
Swollen feet aside, we think the reality star and ShoeDazzle founder looked great in this look. For starters, few people can successfully wear a body-con dress during their last pregnancy trimester and add a cape to the mix. It’s risky and well-played, Kim.
Kim Kardashian styled her white cape dress with sleek, long hair, neutral-toned sandals, and a black clutch, showcasing her maternity chic while confidently embracing the cape trend in Los Angeles, California, on May 16, 2013 (Credit: WENN)
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’s white cape dress featured a flowing cape detail, complemented by simple, elegant accessories and nude pumps, creating a striking and ethereal look on the red carpet (Credit: WENN)
She kept the color palette understated in nude DVF Bethany patent leather pumps.
Laura Whitmore styled her white cape dress with loose, wavy hair, minimal jewelry, and nude pumps at the U.K. premiere of ‘What If’ held at the Odeon West End in London on August 12, 2014 (Credit: WENN)
6. Kate Hudson in Shiny Atelier Versace Gown
The actress showed some serious curves in this cleavage-baring gown. The swooping cape added a classic touch to her elegant and shimmery ensemble.
Kate Hudson styled her white cape dress with glamorous side-swept waves, statement earrings, and a confident pose at the 86th Annual Oscars held at Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, California, on March 2, 2014 (Credit: WENN)
What do you think? Which of these ladies looked best in her white cape dress?