The Cape Trend Is Here... This Is How You Style It

Capes: the ultimate in warmth and versatility, and a dream if you love layers (who doesn’t, at this time of year?). They’re trending big time for autumn 2014, and there’s a style to suit every need.

Pull on a blanket cape at the weekend, and be ready for the great outdoors in jeans or dungarees and a slouchy hat. Chloé does them in stripes, and others have followed. Check out Cara Delevingne on the runway, or Rosie Huntington-Whiteley and Olivia Palermo out and about, all wearing Burberry’s 2014/15 Fall/Winter collection.

Cosy up in the knit variety, rendered extra smart with ribs or a bound edging, and pair with leopard-spot pants. Try the classic trench style with something daring, such as black patent or animal print, or add a touch of class with a leather trim. Burberry’s Prorsum Gabardine in cotton is beyond stylish!

Opt for a below-the-knee cape for dramatic effect, but team with simple clothes such as skinnies and heels. Move up rather than down with a crop, coupled with denim, or use blocks of colour to make a bold statement. Go bo-ho, verging on poncho, with a fringed version over ripped jeans. Zip up or hide under a hood to keep out autumn chills, or snuggle into an outsize faux-fur collar.

Match a more tailored style with a mini, fedora and over-knee boots, or slip into a smooth cape blazer, stunning in white (or any other colour, actually). Naturally, playtime is our favourite time of day, so for evening, slink into a sleek black tuxe-style. Turn heads by adding embossed or leather pants, and maybe a hat – that’s it, you’re ready for anything!

See your cape as a blank canvas, and look for plaid, check, stripes, blocks and textures. Vivienne Westwood went with grids, while Gucci produced animal prints, and Saint Laurent diversified. Valentino flew butterflies across his long creation, and Fendi referenced Little Red Riding Hood. Dolce & Gabbana flirted with forest creatures, furry hoods, and deep reds.

Wear with leggings and sunnies, or pull on a beanie and a leather mini. Accessorise with boots and clutch bags, just right if you’ve plumped for arm slits. As kids from two to a hundred-and-two know, capes are donned by super-heroes to save the world. So give your outfit a touch of magic, and you’re sure to fly!

The featured photo is of Jacey Duprie wearing a black crew neck cape from DKNY

Arielle Nachami stuns us in this all white outfit, consisting of skinny jeans, a gorgeous cream cape, stilettos and matching white accessories. This is a definite look this fall; we absolutely recommend you give it a try! Cape: Goodnight Macaroon, Jeans: Shopbop.

Cape: Goodnight Macaroon, Jeans: Shopbop.

Leonie Sophie is rocking the cape trend, pairing a classic style cape with thigh high boots and a miniature leather bag. This look is classy and unique, we love it! Blouse/Cape/Skirt: Comma, Bag: Chloe, Boots: Zara.

Leonie Sophie is rocking the cape trend, pairing a classic style cape with thigh high boots and a miniature leather bag. This look is classy and unique, we love it!

Blouse/Cape/Skirt: Comma, Bag: Chloe, Boots: Zara.

Pam Hetlinger is wearing a cape coat with thigh high boots and leather gloves, creating an overall stylish and glamorous look. Sunglasses are also a must have if the weather is good! Cape: Mango, Jeans: Topshop, Boots: Delamn, Bag: Gucci.

Pam Hetlinger is wearing a cape coat with thigh high boots and leather gloves, creating an overall stylish and glamorous look. Sunglasses are also a must have if the weather is good!

Cape: Mango, Jeans: Topshop, Boots: Delamn, Bag: Gucci.

Johanna Olsson looks sensational in this short and sleek black cape jacket, worn over a simple cable knit sweater with black cigarette trousers. Finish the look off with some classic black stilettos to recreate this style! Shoes: Christian Louboutin, Trousers: L’agance, Sweater: Club Monaco, Cape: Pearl and Rubies.

Shoes: Christian Louboutin, Trousers: L’agance, Sweater: Club Monaco, Cape: Pearl and Rubies.

This gorgeous striped cape coat looks great worn with plain black jeans and boots. Try wearing a statement cape of your own with standard or block colour jeans to recreate this look. Via Kat Tanita.

Cape: Ily Couture, Jeans: Paige Denim, Boots: Stuart Weitzman.