If one dress shape has taken over this season, it’s the cape sleeve. Instead of a regular sleeve, a panel of fabric drapes from the shoulder and floats as you move. It looks dramatic and grown-up, and it’s easier to wear than it sounds.

The best part is that it hides upper arms while still showing a little skin. It works at a wedding, an office party or a dinner with friends. From luxury labels to the high street, everyone has a version. Here’s where to shop it.

The star buy: Zara’s £35.99 Long Trim Dress

Zara’s Long Trim Dress looks far more expensive. It’s black, with an asymmetric neckline and short, fluid sleeves that fall like a mini cape. A contrasting trim runs down the front and ends in a straight hem. The fabric is 96% polyester and 4% elastane, so it drapes softly and has a little stretch.

It shows that the cape look doesn’t have to cost hundreds of pounds. Wear it with a simple shoe and a small bag and you’re done. Zara’s page already says “few items left”, so if you love it, don’t wait.

Why we love it: the price, the off-centre neckline, and a black dress that can go from the office to a party.

If you’ve ever reached for a cardigan in July or skipped a sleeveless dress because of your upper arms, you’re far from alone. “Bingo wings” are a common worry, especially in party season — and the cape sleeve might be the most flattering answer yet.

Here’s why it works:

• It skims rather than clings. A tight sleeve can dig in and draw the eye to the upper arm. A cape floats over it, so there’s no pinching or pulling.
• It covers without hiding you away. You get the coverage of a sleeve with the lightness of a sleeveless dress. No more shrugs or boleros that spoil the outfit.
• It moves the focus. The drape draws attention to your shoulders, collarbones and neckline — the parts most of us are happy to show off.
• It lets you move freely. Raise a glass, hug a friend or hit the dance floor without tugging at your sleeves all night.

Top tip: choose a cape that ends at or below the elbow for the most coverage. Soft, fluid fabrics like chiffon, satin and jersey drape better than stiff ones, which can stick out and add bulk.

Most of all, wear it because you love it. The best accessory with any dress is feeling good in it.

More cape sleeve dresses to shop

Not sold on Zara’s? These eight cover every budget, from £40 to a splurge.

1. ASOS High Neck Drape Front Extreme Cape Sleeve Mini Dress, £40. The cheapest way into the trend, with a dramatic cape. Shop it
2. ASOS Design Curve Satin Cape Layer Maxi Dress, £55. Fluid satin in a full-length, plus-size cut. Shop it
3. TFNC London Slinky Keyhole Drape Detail Cape Sleeve Maxi Dress, £75. Slinky jersey in red, ready for the festive season. Shop it
4. Goddiva Cape Sleeve Chiffon and Scuba Crepe Maxi Dress, £145. Chiffon capes for wedding-guest coverage, in black or green. Shop it
5. Mare Mare Caped Satin Slip Dress, £190 (was £238). A slip dress with a cape built in, so you don’t need a cover-up. Shop it
6. Reiss Satin Cape-Detail Mini Dress, £240. Polished blue satin that works for dinner or drinks. Shop it
7. Self-Portrait Rhinestone-Embellished Midi Dress with Cape Sleeve, £718. The splurge, in purple. Shop it

 

How to style a cape sleeve dress

1. For daytime: Pick a midi length and add knee-high boots and a slim belt to define the waist. A cape sleeve replaces the need for a jacket on milder days.
2. For the office: Choose a dark colour and a higher neckline. Add block heels or loafers and keep jewellery simple so the sleeves do the talking.
3. For evening: Go for satin, chiffon or sequins with strappy heels and a clutch. Wear your hair up to show off the neckline and shoulders.

One Savi rule: skip the coat with big sleeves. A cape coat, a sleeveless gilet or a wrap shawl works best over the top.

The verdict

The cape sleeve dress is the easiest way to look polished this party season. Start with Zara’s Long Trim Dress, and if you love the shape, invest in a satin or sequin piece later to elevate an evening look even moreso. Which one would you wear?