HOW TO WEAR A PONCHO AND CAPE

How to wear a Poncho and Cape

As somewhat related fashion garments in the departments of function and versatility, the poncho and cape are making a comeback this fall and winter. Ponchos and capes have similarly been worn over the years for their practical design, as both garments are warm over-layers that are easy to put on and take off, and can be paired with any number of outfits underneath. And since they’re perfect on a warmer fall day or for cold winter weather, ponchos and capes are stylishly replacing both the sweater and coat in this winter’s wardrobe.

The Poncho as a Sweater

The poncho originated in South America in the Andes and in North America among the Incans and Aztecs. Natives of North and South America wore versions of the poncho made from materials ranging from deer skin to alpaca wool. These ponchos were thick and warm, designed to break the wind and keep the wearer dry. As the Spanish, French, and English colonized the two continents, they adopted the native attire, wearing ponchos for their warmth and versatility.

The poncho became a major fashion trend in the 1960s and 70s, usually worn as a knit over-garment. The trend died out in the 80s and 90s, but began to appear among designs in the fashion industry again over the last decade. Several celebrities have recently been photographed wearing fashionable ponchos, and suddenly ponchos are a must-have for this fall and winter’s wardrobe.

A poncho is one of the most versatile items in a person’s wardrobe, doubling as a sweater and a coat. Most ponchos can be worn several different ways: by turning the poncho at the top to create a different neckline, with a belt for a flattering cinched look at the waist, over tights or stretch pants like a dress, or even wrapped as a skirt.

A poncho is a wardrobe item for all occasions and seasons. It can be worn over a simple, sleek outfit during a night out, over office garb while at work, or casually with jeans on the weekend. Lightly knit ponchos were a popular item on the beach this summer as a bikini cover-up. Lacy or loosely-knit ponchos can be particularly flattering when worn over a contrasting-colored camisole, tube top, or tank.

Ponchos are easy to take on and off as you adjust to indoor and outdoor temperatures, they go with everything, they are never too tight, and one size fits all. This winter you can layer up and stay warm in fashion with a knit poncho. Alpaca wool ponchos are lighter, warmer, and more durable than those made from sheep’s wool. Alpaca wool ponchos come in a variety of dyed and un-dyed, natural colors, which tend to go better with more of the colors in a person’s wardrobe.

The Cape as a Coat

Capes originated in Medieval Europe and were commonly worn by both men and women until the end of the 19th century. More recently, capes have returned as a fashion trend, now more commonly worn by women than men. While men tend to wear longer capes, shorter capes are the decided style for women, serving as the substitute for a coat this winter season.

The cape has transformed into the even more versatile cape coat, which either buttons or a zipper in the front so it completely encloses the body for extra warmth. Although the arms of the cape coat are sometimes separate from the body—as bell sleeves—the cape more often keeps the arms next to the body underneath, which is why some argue that a cape is warmer than a coat.

Like a poncho, both the cape and cape coat can be cinched with a wide belt for a slimming look. They can also similarly be worn with both casual and sophisticated attire and as an over-layer outdoors or inside. Fashion gurus seem to agree that the cape should be coupled with something tight on the lower half of the body, such as a pencil skirt or skinny jeans. A recommended pairing for this winter season is a cape with a short shirt, opaque tights, and either knee-high boots or flats shoes.