Thanks To Claudia Winkleman, Searches For This Coat Are Skyrocketing — Here Are The Best Styles From COS, To Zara

Historically, the cape has always carried a certain sense of gravitas - it's the type of item you'd associated with a) a superhero, b) a royal or c) Claudia Winkleman on the set of the The Traitors. Yet, the cape has had a contemporary revival that makes it less superhero and more super-chic. Designers have embraced the dramatic silhouette on runways like Saint Laurent, paired with tailored black trousers and sleek stilettos. Meanwhile Chloé brought all the boho drama you'd expect, by styling a black leather cape with a floaty dress and chunky gold jewellery - proving the cape is just as at home in a country retreat as it is in the city.

Aside from designers, there's also Claudia Winkleman, the woman who has (with the help of stylist Sinead McKeefry) sent searches for cape coats through the roof. The third season of The Traitors might have just finished, but Winkleman's iconic cape looks are not something we'll be forgetting about that easily.

What makes a cape coat so enticing is purely down to its versatility. Layering will be your best friend when styling said coat, so for those days where the sun is out and it doesn't feel quite as cold, throw the cape over a knit or a white shirt for a polished look with minimal effort. For colder days, consider wearing a cape over a chunky turtleneck or even a fitted blazer - the lack of sleeves makes it perfect for layering without the usual bulk. Or, if you're in the mood for full glam, wear the cape on top of a dress or mini skirt and tights.

COS' cape is one that's been firmly embraced by influencers and fashion editors alike. Its version features a sewn-on scarf that can be crossed over the shoulder for an effortless look and arm pockets so they're free underneath the bulk of the coat. Style with wide-leg trousers and chunky loafers for a preppy look.

While we'd probably all love to invest in a couture or tailor-made cape like Winkleman's, COS has once again come to the rescue by embracing the trend with equal fervour. The Wool-Blend Cape, £125, features structured shoulders, soft tailoring and a sewn-on scarf, so it's perfect for layering and makes winter dressing just that little bit easier - whether you're heading to the office or a lunch date. And, it's not just COS that has jumped on the trend, there's no shortage of high street and high-end options either. Shop the best cape coats below.

Zara's version of a cape is an excellent one, and is reasonably priced too. This style comes with a matching navy scarf that's also made of a similar wool blend.

Mint Velvet also has its own version of the trending cape coat, and one that's perhaps more wearable too. Rather than having a traditional high-neck cape, or one with a scarf, this one has front patch pockets and silver buttons fastening down the front. Play with the slightly more casual style of this cape and pair with a mini skirt, tights and chunky boots.

You don't have to wait until spring to break out the trench coat. This khaki trench has cape-like arms that make it appropriate for any season - and can easily be layered when needed. It also has other details we're sure will come in handy, like the tie-belt waist and deep pockets.

The best thing about this & Other Stories cape is that you're basically getting two coats for the price of one. This cape cleverly has a removable scarf that you can detach for a completely different look, and one that's not so heavy as we move into spring.

If you're on the hunt for a cape coat, but don't want to compromise on length, River Island has a perfect longline wool-blend coat with cape detailing. The longer length and beige colour makes this coat extremely wearable too, and will look just as chic with jeans and a t-shirt as it will with a slip dress.

H&M also has a brilliant cape offering and this one is slightly lighter than others on our list so it's probably best to save it until spring starts to show. This cape features gold buttons down the front, open raglan sleeves and ribbing around the neckline. Style with jeans and over the top of a long sleeve tee.

If you've really fallen hard for The Traitors and want to emulate them in a slightly more chic way, The Kooples has just the piece. This cape features a hood (that's also detachable for when you don't feel like channelling a traitor), classic collar and front buttoning. Style it with an oversized graphic tee, fitted trousers and Hunter wellies.

If you're looking for a more luxurious cape coat, and one that's more of an investment piece, Moncler has a great offering in a versatile camel hue. Plus, it's made from wool felt and has a unique ribbed collar to keep you warm at all times.

The quintessential symbol of British heritage, Burberry also has its own cape design. Made from cashmere that's woven in Italy, the cape is reversible, with one side plain beige and the other the Burberry check. The design is finished with a hood and side patch pockets.

Main image credit: TikTok/@brooklynngallagher, Instagram/@lisaholdshteyn