I just got back from a trip to Europe and ponchos were EVERYWHERE! I never really liked the look before, but this time around I'm actually thinking about getting one. Can you recommend a few styles that might work for more than one season? How do I style it other than over skinny jeans? Which styles of ponchos/capes are most flattering for different body types? Or maybe I'm totally bonkers thinking I should wrap myself in a blanket while I'm not sitting on the couch…! Anyways, would be curious to hear your thoughts!
You’re not bonkers! I fell in love with ponchos and capes last year (see me wearing one here and a poncho-esque sweater here) and my love affair has continued into 2015. What’s great is the poncho trend has only improved with more variety in cut, fabric, and pattern. I’m going to discuss some of the most popular poncho trends and how to style them and which ones will work best with your figure.
How to Style Solid-piece Knit Ponchos
These are by far the most popular, and most versatile versions of this season’s poncho trend. A solid piece cut in a square or oblong, there’s a hole or slit for your head and the garment drapes over another top. Last year I purchased a navy cashmere poncho in this style and found it perfect for crisp fall days and spring weeks where there was still a bit of a nip in the air. They’re a bit tough to wear under heavier outerwear, but I’ve been known to hike it up at the neck and wear like a pashmina until I get indoors. Such ponchos also make for a great “office cardigan”; that piece you leave at the office and throw on when the A/C is blasting or the heat isn’t strong enough.
While such cuts of ponchos come in a great variety of fabrics, those made of knits that can drape nicely are best. Not matter your body type, a knit poncho will be more flattering if it doesn’t tent out from your shoulders or bust, and if it falls below your waistband.
Shop Similar Looks:
eggplant poncho | boyfriend jeans | striped tee | watch | black bag | oxfords
striped poncho | ponte pants | turtleneck | pendant | cuff | fringe bag | booties
Shop Similar Looks:
gray poncho | gray tank | off-white jeans | crystal pendant | gray crossbody | gray ankle boots
black poncho | black camisole | black jeans | silver hoops | black fringe clutch | black pumps
How to Style Ruanas
A ruana is like a poncho as that it is made of a single piece of fabric with a hole for the head; the difference is that there is a slit down the front from neck to hem. They are sometimes marketed as ponchos, blanket ponchos, or even kimonos. I like ruanas because they're easier to get on and off, and you can switch up their look by belting them. Also with the slit in the front, prints are easier to carry off because there's a break in the pattern. Longer ruanas (hip length or longer) are less likely to slide off your shoulders or slip back; like ponchos the heavier the weight the longer the ruana should be to get better drape.
Shop Similar Looks:
colorblock ruana | sweater dress | bag | pendant | cuff | tights | over the knee boots
blue ruana | trousers | blouse | bracelet | bag | pumps
Ponchos and ruanas are on trend, and I doubt they will be out of style this time next year. They're a trend that is available in any size and pricepoint. Once you own one and start playing in your wardrobe, you'll see they're quite versatile and go with much more than skinny jeans.
Shop Ponchos and Ruanas:
Thanks Allie – fyi the purple poncho link to Amazon is broken : {
I’ll see if I can find an alternative. This post is a year old so I may not be able to find equivalents. Thanks for the heads up!
Link updated! 🙂
Love the striped tshirt peeking out…. I lvoe ponchos and ruanas. I actually posted a poncho look today on my blog.
Thank you so much — really helpful post with very tangible, useful tips on how to do this look. I want to try because it just looks so darn cozy! And you look fabulous in that photo, BTW.
Oh the poncho. I still haven’t pulled the trigger on one yet. I’m a crocheter so I keep trying to decide if I should make one or buy one. You gave me advice last year to go with a lighter knit since I’m large-busted and I’ve kept that in mind. I’m making a hat out of a delightfully soft baby alpaca and merino wool blend yarn. As I type this, I’m thinking I’ll go for a poncho too. Thanks for the inspiration! 🙂 That cashmere poncho you’re wearing looks fabulous.
you look beautiful!!! love the outfits!