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?
Those were trenchcoats. People still wear trenchcoats.
I literally have never seen a person out in public in a trench coat except for some cybergoth matrix cosplay raver kids lol.