My DD is getting a new dress made. It is satin with the lattice embroidery on the bodice.

She really likes the bow at the base of the back, but would also be happy with the more traditional cape. Her concern with the bow is that it is not age appropriate--maybe a little too young. She is U15. Any opinions and pictures would be great.

I think it would depend on the style of dress. For example, a more structured traditional cape would look nicer on a paneled dress, and a loose-hanging cape might fit better on styles with ruffles, tulle, layers, etc. What style skirt is she having made? And I agree that the bow might be too young for her; I would look into a different style.

Bodice like the royal blue dress. Skirt like the black dress. Thinking of a cape like on the green and white dress.

I do like the cape in that picture. I have seen bows in U15 as the max age but I think the more traditional cape is more mature.

Have you thought about soft two shoulders cape?

I'll have my DD check Michelle Lewis web page. I know she had some pics of the 2 shoulder soft cape. That may be a nice option.

I'd say definitely a soft cape, which is why I picked "other". I regard "traditional" as the stiffer capes, personally.

Personally, I find a bow to be very childish. I have friend who has one on her head band, and I just don't like it. We're in O15.

I agree that the bow seems too "young" for that age group. I think it's a style best reserved for the little ones. I like the swag type cape in the photo you showed (green dress).

I love the green cape and think it would look great with the style of dress you described. I too think that the bow looks best on dresses for younger dancers.

Good luck!

Thanks everyone:):) We will go with the soft cape. So appreciate all your help!

I think that's a good choice. I love the soft capes (and I think I'm getting one for my new dress!)

We are in the process of getting a new dress and will be getting the soft cape. I feel the bows are distracting and for resale it could be a problem having the bow

I agree! Thanks rinceandroll!

I'm 24 and wear a bow for a cape and everybody says they love it you could always get two capes

^That's a good idea! You could get both! They're either snap or velcro so its not like they're stuck

I voted for the soft, draped cape like in the picture you posted. I'm in the Southern Region so probably a little more sensitive about the bows--I think people think SR and Gone With the Wind--LOL. I do like the idea of getting two if you can--it could be fun to mix it up every now and then. BTW--our new dress is Shauna and we loooove it.

i have that style of dress (the skirt style) and here is the cape i have...
A bow cape for U15 would be totally fine. I personally think Bow capes are fine on age as its the style of the dress/embroidery that makes a dress young or old. so long as you dont have bows for embroidery, youre fine.

never thought of getting two bows! Great idea ladies!

I don't think that 15 is too old for a bow. I also don't think that all bows are created equal

If your DD wanted to "grow up" the bow cape, she could opt for one with longer tails to combat the frilly look. Also, I think that if she uses a dark fabric in contrast with a light fabric, it could look very elegant.

It sounds like it would be a really beautiful option with the style of the bodice!

What about a bit of a smaller bow at the top or bottom of a soft cape? That is, where the cape attaches to the dress, rather than just plain pleating or rhinestones, put a bow on the end of the fabric? Keeps it "older" looking, but you still have the bow.

I think the dress will look beautiful from what you described though!