Cape Coats Fashion Trend

Our Guide To The Best Cape Coats – AW12

A designer label that women really want to wear, at the helm of Chloe’s AW12 collection, designer Clare Waight Keller focussed on capes instead of coats this season.

Teamed with modern safari style trousers and colour pop shoes the styling showed the way to breathe life into your cold weather wardrobe.

Follow suit and team your cape coat with unexpected pieces – think spring bright shades and winter whites – to nod to the catwalk collection.

Every woman’s wardrobe needs a classic black coat and with its floaty cut and leather trim, Windsmoor’s classic cape will substitute a traditional winter jacket.

Offset the capacious shape by sticking to cigarette pants or leggings and add chunky heeled ankle boots; the extra inches will lengthen your legs and offset the volume.

With the pared-down, clean lines we’ve grown to love from the brand, Banana Republic’s wool blend cape makes a chic alternative to a winter coat.

Classic enough to be worn to the office with tailored trousers and a white shirt; it’ll work for the school run or weekend with skinny jeans too.

If you find yourself reaching for your black coat time and time again, why not turn to the catwalk and try out a camel cape instead?

A perennially chic shade, it’ll work with all of your winter outfits and given even casual pieces like skinny jeans and loose shirts a polished edge.

Make room in your wardrobe this season for Sessun’s St Georges cape. Crafted from berry fabric and emblazoned with buttons it’s anything but a traditional winter coat.

Team with neutrals – think a classic white tee and dark skinny jeans – or play a fashion ace and try out colour blocking this season with jewel toned separates.

Proving that coats aren’t the only way to beat winter’s chill, showcasing a classic cape with a twist (the belted waist and cropped sleeves gives polished appeal) Italian fashion house Marni stuck true to its style roots pairing the piece with white tights and a structured red bag.

Take note and look out for detailing on your cover-up – a belt, bold buckles and punchy colour are all clever ways to add interest to your look.

An affordable way to tap into the trend, crafted from heritage tweed, New Look’s go-with-anything cape will work with all of your seasonal staples.

As the funnel neck and buckle style buttons add interest, keep the rest of your outfit simple. Try skinny jeans and chunky black ankle boots for easy weekend wear.

Although a wishlist buy, sister label to Day Birger Et Mikkelsen, 2nd Day’s covetable Benne Cape Coat is sure to be a winter wardrobe staple for years.

With its leather trim and asymmetric detailing it’ll add a fashionable finish to any look. Try slipping it over cropped trousers, white shirts and spiky high heels for a neat office outfit.

The perfect winter warmer, with its faux fur collar, steel buttons and leather look trim; Dorothy Perkins’ cream cape will add a shot of glamour to your wardrobe basics.

A great figure fixer, the voluminous shape will work best with streamlined trousers - opt for skinny jeans or leggings to offset its boxy shape.

Crafted from textured wool, Phase Eight’s Paige cape has a boxy shape making it a wise choice if you like to layer classic t-shirts and cashmere jumpers to beat the chill.

Even if you lean towards wearing top-to-toe black in the winter, the boucle finish will add an on-trend texture mix finish to your look. Wear it with black patent riding boots to nod to the modern military trend.

If you like the look of these cape coats, why not check out our favourite winter jackets? Or for more style solutions, take a look at our What To Wear pages.