JOIN THE CAPED CRUSADERS

Tough times call for statement dressing. So this winter, embrace your inner superhero

WINTER fashion has a tendency to veer towards the dramatic. The combination of icy temperatures and darkening days suits clothes with a touch of history. Sweeping coats, military references, velvet and brocade galore — all have a whiff of the Dickensian period drama about them. And the cape is about as ‘costume’ as it gets. It’s the favoured outerwear of superheroes and literary

fashion plates alike. Little Red Riding Hood, Anna Karenina, Zorro, Barbarella … the list goes on.

And then, of course, there are the regal connotations. From Princess Grace of Monaco to 1970s-era Princess Anne, royalty loves a cape — naturally, they don’t need to worry about having to fiddle around underneath to find their purses. I’ve swooned over plenty of maxi capes on the catwalk at Chloe over the years. The French fashion house did the best blanket capes of the 1970s, and every creative director since has paid homage to them with gorgeous new versions.

I long for that free, louche look — but I have never managed to pull it off. Being short and keen on expansive arm movements, I find that capes always slip off or come undone.

But this autumn, the cape is back with bells on. There are so many styles to choose from that I’m determined to crack this trend. If you worry about it staying on, a belted version is a good choice. This half-belted White Company doubleface number (far left) looks sharp while offering a bit of security. The other option is to embrace the loose feel and throw on a blanket style, such as this beautiful checked navy wool one from Hobbs (far right).

My favourite, though, is the Prince of Wales check version by LK Bennett (third from right) — though I may need to add Velcro to the shoulders, just in case.

Cape, £249, The White Company. Top, £85, Me+Em. Culottes, £88, Hobbs. Boots, £190, Dune London

Cape, £495, Madeleine Thompson. Jumper, £160, and dress, £85, French Connection. Loafers, £225, Russell & Bromley. Bag, £395, Aspinal Of London Cape, £149, and trousers, £229, Winser London. Loafers, £195, Russell & Bromley Cape with ties, £79.99, Zara. Wool Bermuda shorts, £99.95, Massimo Dutti. Boots, £239, Kurt Geiger Cape, £300, and blouse, £112.50, LK Bennett. Skirt, £59.95, Massimo Dutti. Boots, £190, Dune London Jewellery throughout: hoops, £85, and rings, £55 each, Staxx Jewellery Cape, £119, and trousers, £151.20, Hobbs. Roll neck, £60, Boden. Jumper, £135, Brora. Loafers, £195, Russell & Bromley 9.95, Joules. k, £60, Boden. 95, Levi’s. 350, Reiss. e, £349, ewellery