FEMAIL tries out High Street capes to find out if it's possible to look elegant

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The cape has been updated and refined as we enter the party season
In 2015 they've been reinvented as 'cape coats', which are smart and warm
Alice Smellie tries out the best the High Street has to offer

Published: 19:53 EST, 22 November 2015 | Updated: 02:55 EST, 23 November 2015

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Once the preserve of dowdy Highland women, the cape has been updated and redefined as we enter the party season.

While in years gone by, they were blanket-like wraps or ponchos, for 2015 this most comfortable and versatile winter garment comes in the form of the ‘cape coat’: smart, warm and, say the fashion crowd, suitable for any age, style or price. But which to buy when there are so many options, and do all of them look elegant? Alice Smellie tries on some of the best from the High Street to help you decide.

YEE-HA! I'M A COWGIRL

Suede fringed cape, £89.99, mango.com Green top, £120, reiss.com Faux leather pencil skirt, £29.99, zara.com Patent courts, £250, lkbennett.com

I’ve never been convinced by the whole cowboy look, and this is a bit too Dolly Parton for me - it’s so elaborate, with every possible inch of material heavily fringed.

However, I am aware that Seventies chic is very in this season, and once on, the cape feels incredibly light and flattering. There is something seductive about the swaying fringes as I move.

Surprisingly elegant, this would jazz up any simple outfit. As it doesn’t cover my arms at all, it’s probably not an item for deep winter, but I’m surprised to find I’m totally enamoured.

TERRIFIC TWEED

Heritage check cape, £85, topshop.com Midi dress, £49.99, zara.com Over-the-knee suede boots, £595, russellandbromley.co.uk

There’s something so restrained and yet utterly sexy about tweed, and this flowing cape is no exception. It is beautifully lined and swings around my hips. I love the length and shape, as well as the wide lapels.

WOOLLY THINKING

Wool cape, £159, orange trousers, £59, boden.co.uk V-neck cashmere jumper, £159, purecollection.com Patent courts, £225, russelland bromley.co.uk

A pretty soft cape, which is cosy, like a comfortable blanket, but as your only protection against the rigours of winter, I’m less convinced.

It is unlined and feels a little flimsy and the armholes are about as wide as an average jacket, so you couldn’t fit warm layers underneath.

PURE LUXURY

Embellished cape, £199, tedbaker.com Black dress, £180, reiss.com Heeled sandals, £295, russellandbromley.co.uk

This black cape with fake jewels at the collar is effortlessly versatile. The wool and cashmere feels luxurious and expensive and it would look amazing with a polo neck and jeans.

For evening it is just the thing to convert any dress into a party piece.

FORTIES FAVOURITE

Collarless cape, £54, lavishalice.com Blouse with piping, £29.99, zara.com Plaid pleat skirt, £326, rebeccataylor.com Strappy courts, £70, office.co.uk

A neat cape, which is cut almost like a jacket, so the front drapes down neatly. Some gathering at the shoulders gives the ‘sleeves’ a feminine puffiness and stops it being too plain. However, it’s not quite the right length for me, but with a pleated skirt and natty blouse it takes on a Forties’ feel.

Styling: Amy Kester, hair & Make-up: Oonagh Connor using Bobbi Brown, fashion assistant: Emily Monckton