Fashion Why This Fall Will Be the Season You Finally Embrace Capes They're happening, people. By Samantha Sutton Samantha Sutton Instagram Samantha is InStyle's senior fashion editor. She joined the brand in 2019 and oversees the site's fashion coverage, including trend reporting, fashion exclusives, celebrity style interviews, and Fashion Week coverage. InStyle's editorial guidelines Updated on August 8, 2019 @ 06:00PM Pin Share Tweet Email Photo: Christian Vierig/Getty Images Every time we look at the calendar, we’re unfortunately reminded that fall isn’t too far away. Pretty soon, we’ll be swapping our shorts for pants, wearing slouchy boots instead of sandals, and wondering what kind of coat to buy before things get chilly. One option we’ve been contemplating adding to our wardrobe? A cape (and yes, we're being serious). While the trend has been bubbling up for a bit now, we're thinking it's finally time to embrace it. For starters, capes were all over the fall 2019 runways, and street-style stars have been showing us how to wear them for months, if not years. To kick things off and possibly influence your shopping list, we've compiled a few cape-inclusive outfits that prove this piece is more versatile than you think, and definitely deserves to be in your closet. Chanel Kept It Classic Victor Boyko/Getty Images A long black option was styled over a sheer white top and shiny black pants. ...While Valentino Made a Puffer-Like Version Yanshan Zhang/Getty Images We've no doubt that this baby would keep us warm in the winter. Miu Miu Created an Everyday Cape Peter White/Getty Images Essentially, this could replace our leather jacket. There Were Mixed Prints at Marc Jacobs Thomas Concordia Sweet and sassy — the perfect combination. And Celine Proved That Ponchos Are Cool, Too Victor VIRGILE/Getty Images Just throw it on with your jeans like you would your favorite sweater. The Trend Is Extremely Versatile Edward Berthelot/Getty Images A cape can definitely become your go-to coat. It Adds Some Flair to Simple Outfits Edward Berthelot/Getty Images All-black everything will instantly become more interesting. Is There Even a Coat That's Cozier Than a Cape? Christian Vierig/Getty Images Considering it's basically a big blanket, we doubt it. And Yet, They Are Professional, Too Edward Berthelot/Getty Images You can definitely wear one with your work clothes! Invest in a Print Edward Berthelot/Getty Images It'll spice up neutral pairings. ...Or Go the Monochromatic Route Christian Vierig/Getty Images Another big trend for fall. Pile on Those Layers Claudio Lavenia/Getty Images Wear a blazer-like cape over your favorite knit sweater. Don't Forget to Accessorize Matthew Sperzel/Getty Images Styling a cape with a wide-brim hat creates a super-cute look. Capes Pair Well With Skirts and Dresses Matthew Sperzel/Getty Images We've found the solution to this fashion dilemma. They Can Be Pretty Preppy Edward Berthelot/Getty Images Especially if you mix plaid prints. ...Or Make Quite the Statement Claudio Lavenia/Getty Images When you go with vibrant colors and fringe details. They're Also Great For Formal Events VCG/Getty Images A cape over a gown gives us Disney princess vibes.