With the glorious (cough cough) British summer coming to an end, it’s time to forget about bikinis and sundresses for another year. We can hope that we have an Indian summer on the way but let’s be realistic, this is Warrington and so, unless you have an exotic getaway planned, you will need to start getting your winter warmers out.

Yes, I know, we haven’t exactly enjoyed the most Mediterranean of summers but mark my words, you will start to notice that the air has a bit more of a nip in it over the next few weeks. To help make the transition from summer to autumn that bit easier, I have found the perfect solution. The cape.

The cape? Yes, you read correctly. Forget masked superheroes, this is the fashion fix for autumn/winter 2010. In simple terms, a cape is basically any form of outerwear that opens at the front and has no sleeves, which are replaced by slits for the arms.

This season, they can be either tiny and tailored or big and dramatic. For me, the beauty of capes has to be the seemingly endless different styles and varieties they consist of. Instead of a jumper or cardigan, throwing a knitted cape over your vest top makes for the perfect cover-up. Miss Selfridge has a great selection; I love the ‘Nude Cable Hooded Cape’ but also think the incredibly cosy-looking ‘Grey Loopback Cape’ would not only make me look super-stylish but also keep me nice and snug!

Capes are not solely jumper replacements. If you are trying to decide on a new winter coat, make sure that you consider a cape, as well as the more traditional options. The ‘Army Cape Jacket’ from Topshop is ideal and incorporates a military feel, which is also huge on the fashion agenda for Autumn/Winter 2010. French Connection and Karen Millen have some ultra-glam capes this season; if you want that extra bit of sophistication and charm then I recommend that you check out what they have to offer – I particularly love French Connection’s Hooded Wool Mix Cape with the Pom Pom’s!

Capes are the perfect way to update your winter wardrobe and I can assure you, all references to Little Red Riding Hood are a thing of the past.