WHEN delving into the January sales, sometimes it pays to buy 'out of season', grabbing bargain bright party dresses or end-of-line swimwear to stash away until your next summer hols.
But when it comes to this year's outerwear offerings, there's a certain type of coat that you should be making a beeline for – and it's not actually a coat at all.
Capes were big news on the autumn/winter catwalks but we've yet to reach Peak Cape on the high street (the puffer has dominated thus far). So if you snap one up now in the sales, you'll be both on trend and ahead of the curve – what's not to love?
According to designers, there are two ways to be a caped crusader. There's the structured, formal style – and if you tend to favour tailored coats, dresses and heels, this kind of cape will slot right into your winter wardrobe.
Then there's the softly-softly approach: In check or block prints and with fringed or faux fur trims, these capes can be dressed up for evening, or thrown over jeans and boots on a chilly day.
Just be aware that capes and backpacks do not mix, so athleisure lovers need not apply.
A cross-body or top handle handbag works best – and don't forget your gloves.
Another advantage? With many capes (particularly buttonless wraps) coming in just one size, it's easier to find one you like in the sales, because you don't have to worry about having to hunt for your exact size.
And as it happens, lots of our high-street favourites are now heavily discounted. Here's our pick of the cape crop...