The best capes to buy now because they look so cool

Capes have become one of the coolest cover ups on the catwalk and on the high street

Finding the best capes is, among us fashion folk, a necessity and a joy come autumn. Capes are a chic piece that can do wonders to your wardrobe, transforming a casual look into an altogether more high-fashion outfit in seconds.

It's a great way to wear a coat throughout the winter without ruffling up a newly ironed shirt and because it's so simple to slip into, you can spring into those crisp mornings easily. It's also perfect to add that extra finish to your look. And there's nothing that looks quite as chic, whether you're wearing jeans, a skirt or trousers.

Where to buy capes

So, which brands are doing the best capes this season? We're loving Maje, J. Crew, Zara, ASOS and Mango (among others). There's a huge selection of covetable capes among their collections this season. So, before you go hunting for the best winter coats, why not go cape shopping too.

With designs from all championing the trend, from Temperley and Mulberry, to Chanel and Chloe. So, there's plenty of styling inspiration out there.

Autumn/winter cape trends

If you're going down the ultra-cosy, look for chunky knits and classic tartan designs. We also love minimalist Scandi styles in muted tones of grey and white.

For a trendier take, try embroidered boho versions there really is something to suit every style. Plus, we've made sure we've scoured the shops so that all budgets are catered too. While we love designer pieces, you can find the best capes on the high-street, too.

How to wear capes

Capes are the perfect piece for layering in winter with knitwear, plus they'll work next season too if layered over one of your Christmas party dresses or a breton top and cropped jeans.

For the office, a chic black cropped version will add instant cool points to a classic white shirt and navy trouser combo. Or for a cooler take on the cape, layer a cropped style over a long length shirt - the look for AW16 is about proportion play.

Click through to see our edit of the best capes to buy now...

Grey Ribbed Cuff Tassel Hem Wrap

This cool grey coat is perfect for layering between seasons.

Shop now: Grey Ribbed Cuff Tassel Hem Wrap for £24.99 from New Look

ROKSANDA Tilda cape

We love the ultra feminine bow detail on this otherwise simple cape.

Shop now: ROKSANDA Tilda cape for £1,275 from mytheresa.com

GUCCI Printed wool-felt cape

Make a statement in Gucci’s colourful soft wool felt cable - wallflowers abstain.

Shop now: GUCCI Printed wool-felt cape for £1,850 from Net-A-Porter

SEE BY CHLOÉ Fringed striped canvas cape

This See by Chloé AW17 cape was inspired by the earthy colour palette of nature.

Shop now: SEE BY CHLOÉ Fringed striped canvas cape for £435 from Net-A-Porter

Pure Collection Alaina Wool Cape

This luxe cape will go with everything.

Shop now: Pure Collection Alaina Wool Cape for £209 from John Lewis

Wool Cashmere Military Cape

This cashmere military coat is your new style essential, and who does capes better than Burberry?

Shop now: Wool Cashmere Military Cape for £995 from Burberry

V by Very Sequin & Lurex Detail Wrap

This pretty cape comes with a cool sequin detail.

Shop now: V by Very Sequin & Lurex Detail Wrap for £10 from Very

ALEXANDER MCQUEEN Floral wool wrap

Throw this bold cape over a chunky knit and some black jeans for effortless off-duty style.

Shop now: ALEXANDER MCQUEEN Floral wool wrap for £445 from Matches Fashion

Reiss cape

Every wardrobe needs a blanket wrap, and this Reiss version comes in dreamy autumnal shades. Read more at http://www.marieclaire.co.uk/fashion/shopping/capes-170783#rsFpxtghDKJctpyt.99

Shop now: Reiss cape for £71.24 from Zalando

Embellished Cape with Printed Lining

The chicest way to cover up on a night out.

Shop now: Embellished Cape with Printed Lining for £20.70 from La Redoute