Hello, Darlings! Today’s topic is How To Wear a Poncho. I LOVE a good poncho. Ponchos are great for adding a big POP of color and for warmth during the colder winter months. Also referred to as toppers, the poncho can be a great piece to transition from Winter into Spring. But many people are confused about how to actually wear them.
How To Wear A Poncho
What Is A Poncho?
Historically, the poncho is an outer garment used to keep a person warm. It originated from South America and was made from heavy woolen fabric with a center opening for the head. You also hear of rain ponchos, made the same way but from waterproof fabrics. Ruana is another term for a poncho.
How To Wear A Poncho
Start With A Base Layer
Since a poncho is by definition more of an outer garment, you are going to need a base layer. When I wear a poncho, my base layer is usually a black long sleeve top. My go-to long sleeve base layer tops are the Silky Roll Neck Top from Kettlewell Colours or the Silky Scoop Neck Top from Kettlewell Colours in Black. The fabric is a silky modal with elastane so it forms to the skin. What you do not want as a base layer is bulk.
Play With The Drape And Neckline
Once you put the poncho over the head, this is where things get a little…. confusing. How does it go? Well, it depends on how it was made. Sometimes the tag can give you a clue, but my best advice is to check the website from the manufacturer for a picture.
It Is Suppose To Be…. Drapey
It is supposed to be drapey, asymmetrical. For people like me who are minimalist and like symmetry, this can be quite problematic. Relax, enjoy, think of it the same way you do a scarf. It is just a POP of color. Don’t overthink it, but play with it until you feel comfortable. Take a selfie! That way you can evaluate.
Add Scarf For Additional Attention UP Towards The Face
A scarf is a fun way to add additional color up towards the face, but it also can hide the weird drapey look of a poncho neckline. Sometimes when I wear a poncho I feel it needs something, either a scarf or necklace. A scarf is also a great way to add additional color to your outfit and help with the Rule of Four.
Add A Statement Necklace
Because a poncho is a BIG piece of color, you need to bring attention back up towards the face, especially if you are a Pear Body Type. You can do this with larger earrings and a statement necklace.
Don’t Like A Long Poncho? Try A Shorter Topper
One thing you need to watch for when selecting a poncho is length. It can not hit at the widest part of your body, especially if you are a Pear. Longer ponchos will make you look, shorter, so you need to make sure your pants/jeans and shoes match to give you a little bit more of an illusion of height.
For Petites, a shorter topper may be just the thing. The company InCashmere makes great shorter toppers. I got a gorgeous fuchsia one for Christmas. I will be watching what colors they come out with for their Spring/Summer collection.
Add A SPLASH Of Color To Help Ward Off The Winter Blues
The Winter Blues is a real thing. Longer nights, colder days help usher in the feelings of depression each year about this time. January is not my best month so I really try to bring some “happiness” by adding BIG splashes of color in my wardrobe. A poncho is a perfect piece for color and warmth. I am always getting compliments when I wear my ponchos out. At the same time, I meet so many people who are fearful of trying poncho. I tell them to have fun and don’t take it too seriously. Just think of it as wearing a nice blanket.
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