Ah, the poncho. The classic winter piece that either evokes images of perfect bedhead waves, chelsea boots, and wide brimmed hats covering down-turned eyes. Or...of gunslingers with sweaty bandannas tied around their necks and a crushed pack of cigarettes in their back pockets.
I get it, not everyone thinks they can pull off the cape. Or want to pull the look off. But I'm here to let the shy know that you can make this piece work in your wardrobe if you style it a certain way. And that way is minimal and urban. Clean and simple.
I've actually had this number hanging in my closet for two years before I figured out just what to do with it. Sometimes it's a process of walking around your house (resisting the urge to whip the corners across your face a la Zorro) and figuring out if you're comfortable wearing the outfit in that way. After much trial and error, I discovered that the look felt the most natural after I styled it around an easy, minimal outfit. I'm talking about high waist black pants, collared white blouse, a wide brimmed hat, and nothing else. I let the cape be the eye catcher, and nothing else. Then, I looped a belt around my waist (where only the front was belted, and not the back. The belt went around my pants in the back, and not the cape) and called it a day.
And what did I end up with? A sleek but cozy winter look.
PS: For more poncho posts like this, check out: Tip on How to Style Blanket Scarves: There's More Than One Way! and How to Wear Ponchos on a Casual Day Off
TOP: American Apparel
PONCHO: Forever 21 (store similar: here | vintage similar: here, here, here)
PANTS: H&M- only $17!
BELT: Thrifted
BOOTIES: TJ Maxx (store similar: here | vintage similar: here)
HAT: Urban Outfitters (store similar: here)
NECKLACE: Urban Outfitters and Cocorrina
