Look! Up in the sky! It's a bird! It's a plane! No, it's the return of the cape/poncho. Again.

Dating back to the ancient peoples of the Andes, the poncho and/or cape, has been a fashion staple that comes and goes like the frigid cold weather of the Midwest.

Originally designed as a necessity for keeping the body warm and/or dry, it is now known in over 150 countries over the world, as a modern day fashion DO. From early Native Americans, to the military, from the ladies of the 18th century, to the fashionistas of today,

ponchos and capes have always and will forever remain in vogue. (Info taken from "A Cloak, Coat, Cape, Mantelet and Jacket Fashion History from 1800" by Pauline Weston Thomas for http://www.fashion-era.com)

With the return, yet again, of the cape/poncho this fall, I wanted to take a look at some of the updated versions (with updated prices to match) that are popping up. These are a far cry from the ponchos of old; but, the beauty of a poncho is in the diversity. Dress it up with a pencil skirt and stilettos; dress it down with a pair of distressed jeans and riding boots. Wear it over the currently in again turtleneck or as a light fall jacket replacement on those cool nights in the city. However you choose to rock it, make sure you OWN it.

Here's a look at some of our favorites:

1. Temple Poncho - $129.44 (I could actually LIVE in this poncho it's so soft!)

2. Skull Poncho - $495

3. Pearl/Black Zebra Poncho - $1,205

4. Dark Grey Melange Studded Poncho - $335 (Another personal fave!)

5. Issa Poncho by Goddis - $216

6. Military Knitted Cape - $67.40 (in Navy or Khaki)

7. Nube Long-Sleeved Wrap - $220 (Not really a cape, not really a poncho, but who's gonna care when it looks this good?)

8. ASOS Contrast Trim Cape - $134.80 (A HippiChickiNiki fave.)

9. Army Cape Jacket - $110 ($10 Flat Rate Shipping to all 50 US States!!!)

10. Rainwave Animal Waterproof Festival Kimono - $75.83 (Cuz even when it's raining, you still gotta look your best.)

11. ASOS Hooded Military Cape - $117.95

12. DvF Abbe Sweater Jacket - $395

13. Southwest Poncho - $298 (Traditional in every sense of the word...)

14. Stella McCartney Knitted Wool Cape - $1377.94 (The color is just too exceptional to pass up!)

15. Steppe Cape - $1,535.60 (Who can resist 100% FOX fur? Except maybe vegans and well anyone with a heart or who doesn't have a trust fund or a rich hubby! This little guy stole my heart. And all the money from my bank account.)

Finally, this lovely piece is (probably) not for sale, but let me tell you, NO ONE can rock a Kermit the Frog cape like Miss Gaga!