Trend of the week: Comely cover ups

Rescinding sleeves may appear questionable in cooler months but when there’s a cape in the offing, doubt all but disappears.

INSPIRATION

The triumph of transseasonal dressing, capes bridge the inconstancy of autumn and provide a sense of occasion to even the simplest dressing dilemmas.

Whether a polo-necked poncho over jeans or a velvet mantle for eveningwear elegance, the permutations of these wardrobe heroes continue to abound. Which one will you choose?

STYLE HACKS

VIVIENNE TAM: No-frills gal? Add a simple black cape to a pleated skirt, knee boots and soft sweater combo.

MULBERRY: A military cape adds structure to off duty staples like frayed hem jeans and ankle boots.

CHRISTIAN DIOR: Master smartcasual with a knitted capelet over a long sleeve shift dress. Just add opaque tights and loafers.

HELEN MCALINDEN: Pair a tiger pint capelet with a polo neck wide leg trousers for a dapper desk-to-dinner dash.