Capes. Say the word, and images of masked superheros mid-flight are what immediately pops into many people's minds.

But capes and cloaks have existed, in one variety or another, through much of our known human history. From early Medieval mantles, to 16th century decorative shawls; from military officers capes and 1940s fur stoles, to the fringed ponchos of the 1960s. But since the humble poncho had its hippie revival, the cape in its more sophisticated forms has seen nothing of a major comeback on the streets - that is, until now. The cape is back on the agenda as one of the major 2010 fashion trends.

Women's Capes

Styles

In theory there are more varieties of capes than we could possibly go into here; but to keep you up to speed, here's a quick rundown of some of the more common styles.

Capes / Capelets

A cape in the broader sense is pretty much any form of outerwear that opens at the front, and has no sleeves - usually with slits for the arms instead. Capes can be cut in a full circle, or on the straight. Capelets are any type of short cape that covers the shoulders. The Autumn(Fall)/Winter 2010 runways were filled with capes, so this is definitely a trend we foresee for the coming colder seasons.

Cloaks

A cloak is similar to a cape only generally longer - typically mid-calf but often as long as ankle-length. Cloaks tend to be completely sleeveless; rather wraping around as an outerwear garment.

Shawls, Stoles & Wraps

These are usually loosely-worn or wrapped around the shoulders, usually for evening wear. Traditionally they've been made from luxurious fabrics like silk, brocade, or fur. Kenzo, Jaeger, and Luella all had their own takes on the classic fur stole in their Winter 2010 collections, while Ralph Lauren had a number of other evening-wear examples.

Stoles and wraps on the 2010 runways

Ponchos

A poncho is usually a closed square of fabric with a hole for one's head to go through. Marc Jacobs was one of the few who ventured into poncho territory on the Autumn(Fall)/Winter 2010 runways.

How to wear them

Like much of 2010 fashion, the cape best fits into any of the following looks:

Elegant

Taking inspiration from the loose cocoon styles of the 1920s, through to the fur bubble capes and stoles of the 1940s and 50s; nothing says classic elegance like a vintage cape. On the 2010 runways look to DKNY, and Valentino - who's fur-trimmed pieces are the pinnacle of elegance.

Gothic

For rock-chic styling with a gothic edge go for flowing black cloaks or leather capes. Partly rooted in the cyberpunk influences which have risen up in the past few years, yet with more of a Romantic touch. Guy Laroche and Yigal Azrouel were spot-on with their takes.

Elegant, gothic, and quirky capes on the runway Capes on the runway: elegant, Gothic, and quirky styles

Quirky

From flirty, flouncy frills at Chanel; to the French-clown inspired ruffle-necked cape at Erin Fetherston; to the wizardly magic of Tsumori Chisato. For the bold and individual dresser, the cape trend presents an opportunity to dress up and have fun.

Written: 14th July 2009 at 16.32