Jul 15, 2010 Gill Hart

If a woman wants 1 on-trend piece to invest in for Fall Winter 2010 then she should look no further than the cape. Fun and quirky, fairytale and princess-like, the cape enables an element of fun and individuality.

Embodying a touch of romantic Little Red Riding Hood and the superpowers of masked comic strip heros, the cape is the fall winter season’s biggest story. Coming in tens of permutations in everything from short to ankle-sweeping — from capes to caplets to cape jackets and '60s-style ponchos.

Cape Coats for Fall Winter 2010

Stores will be awash with reworked designer-inspired pieces that are tiered, cinched and hooded. Whether it’s channeling a Russian Czarina vibe, Military General, Snow Princess or Preppy Sport, the cape represents one of the most definitive looks for those cold days and nights.

Having made a subtle entrance on the runways in 2009, designers have embraced the cape as one of Fall 2010's fundamental looks. Marc Jacobs, Zac Posen, Alexander McQueen, Phillip Lim, Peter Som and Salvatore Ferragamo were just a few of the high-end designers to take on the trend in a big way.

This season sees everything from fitted capes that are short and sweet to oversized, floor-sweeping and flowing.Texture plays a big part with capes in a variety of weights and fabrics from silk and wool to velvet and fur.

Cape-sleeves shirts and cardigans take a front seat in fashion whilst short capelets, shawls and stoles are perfect for partywear. In a throwback to the fringed favorites of the '60s the humble poncho enjoys a hippy revival courtesy of one of America's most respected fashion designers, Marc Jacobs.

A noticeable addition to the cape cuts of 2010 are flirty frills, ruffles and fur detailing. Oversized collars and bold colors also give a fun vibe. Black floor-length wizards cloaks beckon for the more gothic vibe whilst moody hooded numbers in billowing silk give a touch of fairytale Red Riding Hood romance.

How to Wear a Cape

• For a fashionable and flattering silhouette wear a cape with skinny pants, pencil skirt, fitted dress or long skirt. The contrast balances out a woman's silhouette and gives it the right proportions.
• Select in a cape that reflects a woman's own fashion personality makes a great style statement. This can be anything from quirky to hippy to rock chic, to flirty and feminine to country girl to timeless elegance.
• Be careful to choose a cut that flatters the body and with the choice available this season it is easy for women of all shapes and sizes to take on the trend. A thigh-length lightweight cape in a neutral color such as gray or camel will always provide a slimming silhouette.
• Petite figures suit fitted jacket capes whilst boyish athletic shapes can wear almost any cape with flair. Pear shapes need short styles with structure (e.g. a belt), and top-heavy women should avoid flowing styles which have swathes of fabric falling from the bustline.

The cape looks set to be one of the biggest trends of the fall winter season. Whether its Snow Princes, Red Riding Hood, Masked Superhero, Russian Czarina, Hippy or Rock Chic, in a fashionable cape coat a woman can be anything she chooses to be.