Key fashion trends of the season: Capes

The cape is having a fashion moment for A/W10. The best on the catwalk were seen at Yves Saint Laurent, where designer Stefano Pilati said: "it's about protection". There is something very shield-like about the cape. Guard yourself against the onset of autumn nights and add one to your wardrobe

Cape, shirt, skirt and heels, all from Yves Saint Laurent 020 7235 6706 ysl.com

Photographer: Jason Hetherington
Fashion editors: Jo Jones and Helen Seamons
Fashion assistant: Ainsley Towli
Hair and makeup: Juliana Sergot
Model: Victoria at Models 1 Photograph: Jason Hetherington

Buckled cape, £65
There's something very Mona Lisa Smile meets Miss Jean Brodie about this triple buckle cape. Book stack and bicycle optional
From dorothyperkins.com Photograph: PR

Cape, £75
Did you think we would do a cape gallery and not mention Sherlock Holmes? Get over your cape fear (boom boom) and jump straight into the trend with this homage to the great man himself
From topshop.com Photograph: PR

Cape, £44.99
We won't lie, there is some restricted arm movement in this cape. It's more of an event cape then an everyday hailing a cab cape
From newlook.com Photograph: PR

Cape, £39.99
Introducing the cuffle - cape meets duffle, geddit? We'll get our coats ... er, capes.
From newlook.com Photograph: PR

Cape, £75
Sick of all the aviator jackets everywhere? We must admit they are begining to grate, but this little beauty has just the right amount of (faux) shearling with none of the Top Gun connotations
From topshop.com Photograph: PR

Cape, £40
Faux leather trim and collar with cape sleeves, rather then acres of flowing fabric, making it easy to move in
From next.co.uk Photograph: PR

Cape, £125
It's camel! It's a cape! Two trends for the price of one
Limited Collection from marksandspencer.com Photograph: PR

Cape, £390
Why Grandma, what a nice cape you have! Channel you inner Little Red Riding Hood in this pillarbox red hooded number
By Paul and Joe Sister from net-a-porter.com Photograph: PR

Khaki cape, £65
How about a utility cape? Khaki is a fashion perennial and we like the dressed down French ingenue look to this one. Wear with a breton stripe, tailored shorts and opaques
From warehouse.co.uk Photograph: PR

Waterproof cape, £79
If practicality is more your bag, try this waterproof cape from new buzz brand Aubin and Wills. When festival season rolls around again, this will come into its own
By Aubin and Wills from net-a-porter.com Photograph: PR

Wool cape, £65
This wool cape come oversized jacket is very Chloé, save for the colour, but then no one likes a copy cat
By Rocha.John Rocha from debenhams.com Photograph: PR