Channel your inner super hero with this Winter’s latest must have: The Cape. Originally hailing from the early Victorian and Edwardian eras, this trend has made many a fashion comeback over the years. This time around however, it’s chicer than ever and has fashionistas looking utterly invincible!

NB: You don’t have to be Solange to wear a cape nor a comic book geek, nor 6 foot tall – it’s a trend suited for everyone and that is why we love it!

Read on for 8 reasons why you need a cape this coming Winter…

P.S You may be invincible, but don’t forget to wear pants. Image: Pinterest

Reason #1 – A cape is 3 styles in 1 (jacket, coat and poncho)

The fashionable alternative to your stock standard winter coat, jacket or poncho – is the cape. It is equal parts elegant, whimsical and effortlessly cool.

Military-style cape left, whilst Giovanna Battaglia goes retro. Images: www.fashionoverreason.com, streetstyle.allwomenstalk.com

Attached to dresses, or re-imagined through blazers, fashion capes cut a striking silhouette. From feminine and tailored to cropped and architectural, there is a style to suit every taste.

Nicole Richie styles an all-white look with sheer floor length cape and Alexa Chung wears a “flutterby” cape-dress. Images: dailymail.co.uk

Reason #2 – It’s a hands free device

The hands-free ability of the cape is an obvious draw card for this trend. Capes swoop in and out of fashion all the time, however this seasons latest offering is more practical than ever, allowing for more freedom and movement than styles gone before. Think Blair in Gossip Girl who was obviously opting for style rather over practicality.

Working mum Miranda juggles toddlers and her role as a fashion icon with ease thanks to her cape! Christine Centenera has her hands free for plenty of street style shooting. Images: Pinterest, thestore.com

And of course, you need a free hand to carry an ultra-luxe Chanel Boy. Image: http://trendsurvivor.com/

Reason # 3 – They look good with everything. Literally.

Fashion capes are so chic they go with just about everything. A cape with skinny jeans and thigh-high boots is a no-brainer, but they look just as good with skirts or a dress this season too. It’s okay for capes to steal the spotlight from your other items of clothing but the number one rule is they should complement whatever you are wearing underneath. Oh, and make sure you carry a tote or clutch as shoulder bags tend to slide off in this instance.

Over printed work-friendly jumpsuits or thrown over skinny jeans, capes elevate your look in one foul swoop. Image; http://ashnfashn.com/, http://www.wavygirlhairstyles.com/

This luxury cocoon-style cape turns a casual outfit into something with wow-factor. Image: popsugar.com.au

Reason # 4 – Layers, layers, layers.

The super stylish cape is the perfect item to have when it comes to layering. The cape doesn’t add too much bulk, however is still practical in that it will keep you just as warm. Layering is key for cape-wearing and the more layers the better we say! Layer over your leather jacket or blazer for maximum results.

Margaret Zhang layers capes and more like a pro. Image: http://shinebythree.com/

Jenna Lyons experiments with a daring denim jacket + cape combo on the streets of Manhattan. Image: flightboutique.wordpress.com

Reason # 5 – Every day is a cape day!

Capes can be worn from office to bar, day to night and Summer to Winter (or on a boat!); it is the most transitional item of clothing you could possibly own. Capes can transform even the simplest of outfits into an effortlessly cool look in seconds and are extremely versatile. Dress up with a pencil skirt and knee high boots or wear casually with a pair of jeans and a knitted jumper, this trend has staying power.

BWA’s Editor Vanessa, wears a Sheike cape for a trip on a boat. Image: BWA’s instagram@break_with_audrey

Reason # 6 – Nothing says “on trend” than a celeb following like this

The cape has slowly been making its way onto the shoulders of all the best dressed fashion forward ladies like Nicole Richie, Olivia Palermo, Sarah Jessica Parker, Blake Lively and Miranda Kerr, even Audrey Hepburn was a huge fan of the cape! During fashion week we saw too many capes to count come down the runways, but our favorites were Ralph Lauren and Burberry.

Rosie’s monogrammed Burberry poncho cape and Blake’s fur-trimmed piece are beyond stylish. Images: glamour.co.uk, dailymail.co.uk

Reason #7 – Warm, comfortable and stylish – what’s not to love?

With its super powers this trend will equip you with the ability to combat the cold this winter. Not only does the cape keep you super warm, but it also keeps you just as comfortable and doesn’t compromise on style. How practical!

Taylor Swift’s plaid Top Shop cape sold out within minutes. Image: http://www.cosmopolitan.co.uk

Model off duty style via an Aztec poncho cape and light shirt dress. Image: http://thefashiontag.com/

Reason # 8 – They give off that 70’s vibe

The cape is proving to be one of the most defining silhouettes of this season. With a strong nod towards retro aesthetics with international runways paying homage to the 70’s era, it makes sense that the cape is the ultimate go-to item this season.

Does it get better than this?! 70’s military style at Chloe. Image: http://www.toovia.com

Luxe materials and 70’s mood at Burberry AW15 left, Image: http://vstyleblog.com/ and effortless style at Ralph Lauren AW15, right. Image: style.com

Published on Breakfast With Audrey 09/04/2015