It’s not often that a winter outwear trend comes along to shake things up and upset our wardrobes. Sporty parkas, wool overcoats and puffers of all shapes, sizes and colors have long dominated the cold weather scene as classic coat options, but I’m here to tell you 2025 is ushering in a new silhouette you’ll soon be seeing everywhere you look. Drum roll please: Capes are back en vogue! Here’s everything you need to know about the dramatic new trend.
Capes and Capelettes and Ponchos, Oh My! Looks Like No One Will Be Wearing Sleeves This Winter
Sorry to disappoint, Ms. Edna Mode
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Published Jan 8, 2025
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Abby Hepworth for PureWow
I saw tons of fashion week guests styled with capes, capelettes and ponchos in all the major cities, as well as on the runway for Chloé, Bottega Veneta and Gabriella Hearst. And although runway trends don’t always make their way down to the masses, this is one I feel confident will pick up steam in the next year or two, for two big reasons.
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First, the rise of the cape feels like a natural evolution from the beloved scarf jackets of the past few winters. In fact, many styles I’m seeing look more like an exaggerated scarf draped over the shoulders than a true cape. (This is also an easy way to fake the look without buying anything new—simply pin a pashmina or super-wide scarf over your shoulders to give the illusion of a capelette.) Second is the ever-increasing popularity of Y2K-inspired trends. Fashion is cyclical and the last time capes were considered a must-have item was in the early 2000s into the 2010s. In fact, if you (like me) are something of a clothing hoarder, now is definitely the time to dig out your old favorite cape from 2011 for another go-round in your regular rotation.
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That said, I don’t suggest styling your cape, old or new, as a full Y2K throwback. For 2025, swap those dated skinny jeans and wedge ankle boots for a full midi or maxi skirt, barrel-leg pants or wide-leg trousers instead. And if you’re worried about the lack of sleeves not being all that practical (you’re not wrong), look for a capelette that drapes over your shoulders and upper arms that you can layer over another coat or jacket.
Read on for 11 chic cape coats you won’t regret adding to your winter outerwear collection.
Eaves
This gorgeous tan cape can be draped over anything—a wool overcoat, a cozy knit, a sweaterdress—to carry this trend through from fall all the way through to spring. The sizes correspond to the shoulder width and neck opening, so use that measurement when deciding which size to add to your shopping cart.
FAST FACTS
- Size Range: XXS to XL
- Materials: 50 percent wool, 50 percent polyester
ASOS
This ASOS topper gives you the best of both worlds with a cape layer secured over a classic sleeved coat. The high neck is also incredibly cool, and the front closes with a series of snaps. Just note, this coat does not have pockets so don’t forget to grab a pair of gloves before you head out the door.
FAST FACTS
- Size Range: XS to L
- Materials: 100 percent polyester
Chloe
As seen on the runway, this Chloé beauty has a plaid lining that peeks out as you walk. The collar can also be flipped up and secured with a hidden button to better protect your neck and chin from the cold. But don’t let that extra layer of fabric fool you into sizing down—this coat reportedly fits true to size, and the material has little to no stretch, so stick with your usual size when adding to your cart.
FAST FACTS
- Size Range: FR 34 to 44
- Materials: 100 percent cotton with 100 percent leather trim
4. Banana Republic Oversized Double-Faced Cape Coat
Banana Republic
I’m totally smitten with this Banana Republic stunner, which combines the cape trend with one of 2025’s hottest hues. Of course, it also comes in khaki and black for those who prefer a more neutral color option. The cape layer can be removed and worn as a classic scarf, or buttoned into place to drape oh-so elegantly over your shoulders in a myriad of ways. Reviewers do note that while the fabric is incredibly soft and lovely to the touch, it isn’t lined, meaning this coat may not be the best option for truly frigid locales.
FAST FACTS
- Size Range: XXS to XXL, also Petite
- Materials: 50 percent recycled wool, 40 percent polyester, 10 percent other
Mango
For more of a poncho look, I highly recommend this black-trimmed cape from Mango. It has an open front, making it easy to layer over everything, and has an attached scarf you can leave open or wrap around your neck for bonus warmth. The deep green hue is a fabulous spin on a neutral that stands out but will also pair well with just about anything in your wardrobe.
FAST FACTS
- Size Range: one size
- Materials: 54 percent viscose, 26 percent polyester, 20 percent polyamide
Helsa
I love the capelette effect of this wool-blend coat, which comes with a coordinating wide belt to secure it in place. It comes in black or the camel hue pictured above, both of which have deep side pockets to keep your hands toasty warm.
FAST FACTS
- Size Range: XXS to XL
- Materials: 47 percent wool, 44 percent polyester, 5 percent acrylic, 3 percent nylon, 1 percent viscose
7. Tuckernuck Fletcher Wax Poncho
Tucernuck
For those milder winters, this water-resistant poncho from Tuckernuck is a great way to embrace the trend without overheating in a thick wool topper. The hood is adjustable and lined with a cute checkered fabric. And the cut is super roomy to allow for maximal layering underneath should temperatures really start to drop.
FAST FACTS
- Size Range: one size
- Materials: 100 percent cotton
8. Belle & Bloom On My Mind Wool-Blend Cape
Belle & Bloom
This pale beauty harkens back to the more classic early-aughts capes, in all the best ways. It has slits for your arms to pop through and can be layered over sweaters or even another coat if you like. And while there are sizes available (mostly differentiated by the shoulder measurements), all are incredibly roomy.
FAST FACTS
- Size Range: AU XS/S to M/L
- Materials: not listed
This wool-blend cape is fantastic for draping over a coordinating black jacket and has buttons on the ends to secure it in place under your arms and prevent slipping. It’s also reportedly surprisingly warm and has a nice heft to it—all for under $200.
FAST FACTS
- Size Range: one size
- Materials: 60 percent wool, 40 percent lyocell
ASOS
For the gal who likes her outerwear to really pop, try this high-shine jacket from ASOS. The capelette detailing is right on trend, as is the burgundy color, but the other trench coat-inspired details give this jacket a timeless enough appeal that it won’t feel dated in just a year or two. It comes with an adjustable, removable matching belt, and the material is water resistant, though I wouldn’t break this beauty out in a torrential rain pour.
FAST FACTS
- Size Range: XS to L
- Materials: 100 percent polyurethane
11. Weekend Max Mara Nico Layered Cape Coat
Weekend Max Mara
Get the Chloé look for (slightly) less with this stunning Weekend Max Mara number that closes in front with equestrian-inspired toggles. It has hidden sleeves and pockets to ensure you stay nice and cozy under that graceful cape, which can also be wrapped up and over your shoulders.
FAST FACTS
- Size Range: US 2 to 14
- Materials: 90 percent wool, 10 percent polyamide
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