Words I never thought I’d write on this blog: Ponchos are big this fall. And depending on how you style them, they can be look really chic. I recommend collared shirts, skinny jeans and flat boots.
Elected Official
APC Rib Knit Poncho (La Garconne, $340)
Hill Staffer
Gemma Poncho (Banana Republic, $130)
Paid Intern
13 comments
Nina says:
For the office? Though I've worked in some freezing offices where I wish I had basically a blanket to wrap around me.
KC says:
NOOOOOOOOOOOOO Belle don't go to the dark side. Ponchos are a gateway drug to bad fasion!
r says:
The ponchos are not doing the models any favors.
MKM says:
Ponchos? Really? Well I guess this will be the perfect thing to wear when I'm home with a cold, I just don't know how to style one without looking like a sack of potatoes… Here's hoping that you can illuminate me, Belle!
Anna says:
NOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Why don't they just go away? It makes you look like a blob. Blobs are never chic.
Belle says:
Relax. We're doing something a little different today. Because sometimes it's good to step out of our comfort zone a bit.
This isn't as good a pic as the ad Banana is using, but the second poncho has open sleeves so you can belt the front part (so it doesn't look like a sack) and then let the back part flow. If you put this over skinny trousers and a collared shirt with a cool leather belt and some bracelets, it could work for a casual office day. https://ow.ly/dnqcj
Ponchos would also be good for the plane. And good for weekend wear.
Sadly, ponchos suffer from a branding issue. Poncho isn't a great name, it makes you think of Juan Valdez or bad western movies. But it's really not that much different from a cape.
As for buying instructions. Choose one that has some structure–arm holes, heavy material, etc. And try to find one that can be belted.
tsampamama says:
No. Just NO. Say No to Ponchos. I have never seen someone and thought “Man, she looks great in Poncho (!!)”. Ever.
Amy says:
Quick question for Belle and others: how does the poncho style look on busty women? I'm a 34D/5'8/Size 6, and I've avoided ponchos like the plague for fear of looking pregnant when I'm not. I've always assumed they would look best on very tall, thin women like my roommate, who is 5'11 and a size 2/ 34A.
JCC says:
This looks like a candidate for a Two Ways post.
anon says:
All you need is your Sombrero.
Belle says:
Amy: The only way it could even maybe work is if you found a v-neck. Otherwise it's probably too much fabric.
Victoria says:
Oh, yes! I'd love to see a Two Ways for this.
Nicole says:
Hmm… this raises a good question – how do we deal when something is “in” but totally goes against our style? A poncho just doesn't seem like a smart purchase to me. I just don't like the style and as importantly, it doesn't seem versatile. Sure, I can “make it work” – but why spend the money, when it'll probably be “out” next season?
Normally my answer to these things is just don't buy it, explore another trend this season or stick to basics – but maybe I'm looking at it? Is it good for our fashion characters to wear the poncho?