10 cape coats for changing outerwear

By Theresa C. Day Last updated Sep 13, 2022

12 September 2022 – 15:14 BST

Orin Carlin

Upgrade your outerwear with our selection of cape coats – from Saint Laurent to Max Mara

When it comes to coat classics, a cape coat is not always the first garment that comes to mind. Trench coats, pea coats and a cheeky faux fur number practically sell out – but a cape? Unless you’re part of the Avengers, this is definitely the less obvious choice.

MORE: 8 Designer Fall Coats to Refresh Your Outerwear

However, this season the cape coat is stepping into the big leagues and vying for your attention on the catwalks. The atmosphere is less Little Red Riding Hood and more little did you know that the cape deserves a place in your wardrobe this season.

Maison Dior is surely the most convincing advocate of this – its annual Resort show earlier this year was directly inspired by Andalusian heritage.

With romantic silhouettes and botanical embroidery in a range of royal purples and dusty reds, it was the tailored cape that stole the show. Highly structured pieces that gave off a sexy and distinctly gothic feel, worked in tandem with exquisite millinery. Alongside feminized versions of traditional, masculine flamenco attire, jet black riding accessories gave the show an unmistakably flirtatious edge. Think Jilly Cooper Polohot.

Carolina-Herrera-Cape-Coat

However, the beauty of a cape is in its versatility. At Carolina Herrera, the focus has been on rigid structures in favor of fluid drape in understated eggshell and electrified purple hues. Again, the presence of leather served a similar function – forming superb waders that possessed a distinct equestrian quality. If you can handle it, there’s something effortlessly cool about a cape layered over a micro dress with just a hint of thigh-high – we highly recommend pairing the coat style with a no-frills tall boot.

Good morning! Fashion shares the most stylish cape coats to give your outerwear an overhaul: