Elspeth Cape, Burgundy

The Elspeth Cape in Burgundy from nico is one of those quietly clever winter throw-over pieces — a warm layer with a properly considered design detail that lifts it well clear of the usual cape or wrap.

Here's the clever bit: rather than tying, wrapping or fussing, the Elspeth fastens neatly at the shoulder via two gold buttons on each epaulette. You slip it on, unfasten one side, thread through, and re-fasten. The result is a proper structured shoulder-drape that stays exactly where you put it — no constant re-adjusting, no slipping off. The gold buttons themselves are a lovely small detail that lifts the cape from functional into considered.

Burgundy is exactly the shade the autumn-into-winter wardrobe wants right now — a rich, warm, tonal red that plays beautifully with denim, tan leather, cream knits, warm gold and all the deeper autumnal shades. Considerably more considered than plain black, considerably warmer than grey.

Cut one-size and generously proportioned — comfortably fitting up to a UK 16 — the cape is a genuine one-piece-suits-most. It sits particularly beautifully on Hil's proportions (UK 10/12), and equally well on anyone through UK 14-16. On Sue at UK 6-8 it runs a touch relaxed, but if you're on the larger end of the range, it lands considered and elegant rather than swamping.

Wear it as a proper throw-over for cooler days — over a fine knit and jeans, or dressed up over a slip dress for evening.

From nico — the house that quietly finds these genuinely useful transitional pieces at properly reasonable prices.