I understand that modern outer layers are more functional. A leather jacket, for example, can be dressed up or down so as to be worn in a variety of situations. It is also better at keeping you warm.
However, I think capes/cloaks are more aesthetically pleasing garments. It also feels good to have the fabric flowing around you as you walk. But what do you think?
I use enough of my income on functional clothing that the idea of spending anything on something which does wat a coat does but worse and without pockets makes me physically ill. I'm just not the right type of autistic to want to walk around dressed like a highwayman and I don't own a brace of flintlock pistols.