Historically, the cape has always been fashion's most theatrical flourish. A unique piece that's steeped in drama, capes have been around long before fashion houses took them under their wing, dating back as early as the 11th century. Since then, cape coats have been reimagined by designers, from the billowing fuchsia capes created by Schiaparelli in the 1930s to the iterations that followed from Balenciaga and Dior in the 1940s and 50s, the silhouette has become a mainstay in wardrobes for what feels like forever - whether you're choosing to style it with lavish dresses like Balenciaga or on top of tailored suits like Dior.
The evolution of the cape coat is not entirely about aesthetics, either; its appeal has always been linked with the cultural and political zeitgeist. Even in recent seasons, designers have heavily leaned on the rich legacy of the cape. During Bottega Veneta's spring/summer 2024 runway, beige capes embodied a kind of sculptural minimalism, an idea later brought to life by Kendall Jenner, whose street style moment in a chic cape coat was a masterclass in winter dressing. Meanwhile, Chloé resurrected boho, including black leather capes layered over flowing cream dresses, finished with chunky gold jewellery - a look that offers a more romantic interpretation.
For Saint Laurent's autumn/winter 2023 show, the cape was a particular highlight, as it took on a slouchier, deconstructed form, held together with just a chunky gold bangle and styled with aviator sunglasses, pointed stilettos and a pencil skirt. This was clever tailoring, playing with proportion and form to portray a new kind of sensuality which Anthony Vaccarello, creative director at Saint Laurent, always does so well.
Capes aren't just ruling the runway, however. Thanks to her star turn as host of BBC show The Traitors, Claudia Winkleman has (with the help of her stylist Sinead McKeefry) sent searches for cape coats through the roof. The third season of the show has just finished (the finale was on Friday 24th January), but Winkleman's capes are still fuelling many Google searches. In one particularly great ensemble from the most recent season, Winkleman partnered with Luxury Family Affair, a brand known for its decadent tailored capes (again, thanks to Winkleman wearing its designs back in season two). The tweed brown cape in question featured a high neckline which makes it ideal for layering over knits, arm pockets and 'mission' wording on the back.
What makes a cape coat so enticing is purely down to its versatility. Layering will be your best friend when styling said coat, so for those days where the sun is out and it doesn't feel quite as cold, throw the cape over a knit or a white shirt for a polished look with minimal effort. For colder days, consider wearing a cape over a chunky turtleneck or even a fitted blazer - the lack of sleeves makes it perfect for layering without the usual bulk. Or, if you're in the mood for full glam, wear the cape on top of a dress or mini skirt and tights.
While we'd probably all love to invest in a couture or tailor-made cape like Winkleman's, COS has once again come to the rescue by embracing the trend with equal fervour. The Wool-Blend Cape, £125, features structured shoulders, soft tailoring and a sewn-on scarf, so it's perfect for layering and makes winter dressing just that little bit easier - whether you're heading to the office or a lunch date.
Shop: The COS Influencer-Favourite Cape Coat
COS www.cos.com
COS' cape is one that's been firmly embraced by influencers and fashion editors alike. Its version features a sewn-on scarf that can be crossed over the shoulder for an effortless look and arm pockets so they're free underneath the bulk of the coat. Style with wide-leg trousers and chunky loafers for a preppy look.
It's not just COS that has jumped on the trend, there's no shortage of high street and high-end options either. If you're channelling the romanticism of Chloé, the slouched style of Saint Laurent or the your inner icon à la Winkleman, the cape has proven itself to be one of fashion's most enduring pieces. And, with high street brands like COS and Zara offering accessible takes on the cape coat, there's never been a better time to truly embrace the sartorial power of the cape. Shop the best cape coats below.
Shop: The Best Cape Coats
Zara www.zara.com
Zara's version of a cape is an excellent one, and is reasonably priced too. This style comes with a matching navy scarf that's also made of a similar wool blend, and has long sleeves with leather-effect tabs and button.
Mint Velvetmintvelvet.com
Mint Velvet also has its own version of the trending cape coat, and one that's perhaps more wearable too. Rather than having a traditional high-neck cape, or one with a scarf, this one has front patch pockets and silver buttons fastening down the front. Play with the slightly more casual style of this cape and pair with a mini skirt, tights and chunky boots.
M&S www.marksandspencer.com
You don't have to wait until spring to break out the trench coat. This khaki trench has cape-like arms that make it appropriate for any season - and can easily be layered when needed. It also has other details we're sure will come in handy, like the tie-belt waist and deep pockets.
& Other Storieswww.stories.com
The best thing about this & Other Stories cape is that you're basically getting two coats for the price of one. This cape cleverly has a removable scarf that you can detach for a completely different look, and one that's not so heavy as we move into spring.
River Islandwww.riverisland.com
If you're on the hunt for a cape coat, but don't want to compromise on length, River Island has a perfect longline wool-blend coat with cape detailing. The longer length and beige colour makes this coat extremely wearable too, and will look just as chic with jeans and a t-shirt as it will with a slip dress.
H&Mwww2.hm.com
H&M also has a brilliant cape offering and this one is slightly lighter than others on our list so it's probably best to save it until spring starts to show. This cape features gold buttons down the front, open raglan sleeves and ribbing around the neckline. Style with jeans and over the top of a long sleeve tee.
The Koopleswww.thekooples.com
If you've really fallen hard for The Traitors and want to emulate them in a slightly more chic way, The Kooples has just the piece. This cape features a hood (that's also detachable for when you don't feel like channelling a traitor), classic collar and front buttoning. Style it with an oversized graphic tee, fitted trousers and Hunter wellies.
Harvey Nicholswww.harveynichols.com
If you're looking for a more luxurious cape coat, and one that's more of an investment piece, Moncler has a great offering in a versatile camel hue. Plus, it's made from wool felt and has a unique ribbed collar to keep you warm at all times.
Burberry uk.burberry.com
The quintessential symbol of British heritage, Burberry also has its own cape design. Made from cashmere that's woven in Italy, the cape is reversible, with one side plain beige and the other the Burberry check. The design is finished with a hood and side patch pockets.
Gemma Lavers is a fashion commerce writer at Grazia, where she tracks down viral pieces and is as comfortable navigating the M&S new-in page as she is dissecting the latest celebrity look - yes, she can tell you exactly where a specific coat is from. When not writing, shopping or scrolling Instagram (find hers here), Gemma will likely be dreaming up her next holiday (and what she's going to wear).