Fashion & Style: The caped crusaders; The outer garment of choice for superheroes and Edwardian dandies is making a dramatic comeback, as Susie Rushton reports.(Features) From: The Independent (London, England) | Date: August 19, 2004| Author: | COPYRIGHT 2004 Independent Newspapers (UK) Ltd. This material is published under license from the publisher through the Gale Group, Farmington Hills, Michigan.  All inquiries regarding rights should be directed to the Gale Group.Copyright information

Byline: Susie Rushton

It's proven fashion fact that a coat or jacket is the single most important item in any autumn wardrobe. But this season, for the first time in several years, there's a genuine alternative: the cape. A confirmed trend, capes might not have sleeves, but they do have plenty of plus points. They drape the body rather than fitting it, so you don't need a model- sized figure to pull off the look. They're versatile, too, layering up a treat with your winter woollies, but also working with a shirt or, for girls, a blouse. And, in keeping with the overall mood ...