During return type inference, references decay to value types by default, so you have to use some awkward syntax if you want to use them to set values: auto

During return type inference, references decay to value types by default, so you have to use some awkward syntax if you want to use them to set values: auto item_user = [](auto&& item) -> decltype(auto) { return (item.user); }; item_user(item) = my_user; Even more awkward if you want some slightly better error messages with concepts: auto item_user = [](auto&& item) -> decltype(auto) requires requires { item.user;} { return (item.user); }; (yes, the double requires is not a mistake). At least is very macroable, which would also allow to wrap it in a type with more meaning than a opaque lambda (which I agree is a good thing). edit: Full on nonsense just for laughs: auto user_age = [](auto&& user) noexcept (noexcept((user.age))) -> decltype(auto) requires requires { user.age;} { return (user.age); };