Are ponchos in style for 2023?

Are you wondering how to wear a poncho in a stylish and modern way? Learn all about styling a poncho and get great outfit ideas to inspire you!

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How To Wear A Poncho or Cape

Ponchos and capes are popular wardrobe pieces that have evolved over time. They are cozy and comfortable outerwear staples that can look really chic when styled the right way.

While there is some debate, a poncho is essentially a small blanket-like garment with a neck opening (and sometimes stitching for wide arm openings). A cape is like a poncho but with an open front.

While ponchos are perfect for keeping you warm in fall, and make a great layering piece during the winter season,  they are not only for chilly days. Ponchos are now widely available in light fabrics and crochet patterns that work great for cover-ups in the summer season. 

You can sport a poncho or cape in a plethora of ways. Whether you’re going out on a date with your beau, touring a winery with your friends, heading on beach vacations, or warming up during the winter holidays. 

Are ponchos in style for 2022?

Yes! It all comes down to how you wear one. In 2022 a poncho can easily elevate a pair of leather pants, straight-leg jeans, and black leggings. You can wear one with ankle boots, knee-high boots, or even sneakers.

We recommend going with a neutral look when wearing a poncho in 2022 to keep the style timeless and chic. A camel poncho looks excellent with vintage wash jeans and ankle boots. Or, you can layer a poncho over a sleek body con dress with a pair of knee-high boots.

For a casual look try a poncho over leggings with a pair of sneakers. Get more poncho outfit ideas in the next section! 

10 Chic Poncho Outfits

These modern, minimal, and neutral looks below can provide inspiration for how to style a poncho and not look like you are stuck in the ’80s. 

You can also check out our poncho recommendations if you are looking to add one to your closet this season! 

poncho + vintage-wash jeans.

get the look:

One of the best tricks to rocking a poncho is to use it as a layer to evaluate your favorite everyday jeans. We recommend choosing a poncho in a neutral color, solid or patterned, as this is an ideal way to infuse effortless chic into your daily style.

Additionally, if you want to take the look up a notch, dress up the ensemble with leather ankle boots for a modern, minimal, and neutral vibe.

How to wear a poncho with a belt?

You can easily style a poncho with a belt by tying or buckling a thin or chunky belt over the poncho at your waistline. This will give your waist definition, especially if the poncho is quite oversized and you don’t want an overly baggy look.

It’s best to pair the belt and poncho combo with fitted bottoms that are snug against your legs. You can opt for leggings, jeans, or leather pants. 

get the look:

We absolutely love this outfit with a fringed cape/poncho and a black statement belt above. Paired with light wash jeans and simple black ballet flats the look is modern, chic, and elevated.

Here is aponcho outfit that is dressed up and creative. If you want a more formal look, definitely try this combo.

To achieve the look, wear a neutral cashmere poncho over a midi-length body con dress. Add a pair of neutral pumps and a small clutch or crossbody purse. This outfit is perfect for fall occasions such as wine parties or dinner dates. 

Styling tip: Swap the pumps for knee-high boots for a fall look that has a little more warmth. Alternatively, give the look a more laid-back vibe with black combat boots. 

How to wear a poncho as a dress?

If you have a large enough poncho that hits mid-thigh, you can style it like a mini dress by adding a belt to cinch around your waist. In terms of function, it’s important to note that most ponchos are a piece of outwear meant to keep you warm.

So, when it comes to wardrobe malfunctions, you may have some issues. We recommend you wear stockings or a pair of shorts, and a tank top underneath your poncho dress to provide more coverage.

get the look:

In the look above, the poncho is paired with a thin turtleneck top underneath and suede boots for the perfect layering look. The poncho looks like a dress, but there is still clothing underneath for extra coverage. 

 tailored cape, jeans + ankle booties.

get the look:

This look is really chic and elevated. Go with a dark tailored wool cape or poncho over a long sleeve top, and pull on a pair of dark wash straight-leg jeans. 

Add a pair of sleek leather ankle boots and you’ll be ready to go. This outfit is suitable for day and night in the fall or early winter months. It can easily take you from brunch to happy hour. 

Complete the outfit with a black leather clutch or tote bag, and consider adding a wool fedora hat if you want. 

How to wear a poncho in winter?

In winter, there are many ways you can wear a poncho and stay nice and cozy. Try the following:

• With leather leggings. Pair a poncho with leather leggings and ankle boots.
• A poncho and pant set. Try a cashmere poncho and pant set for a really cozy ensemble. 
• Over a knit sweater. Wear a thick wool poncho over a knit sweater, jeans, and boots. Throw on a warm knitted toque for extra protection against the elements.

In winter go with a really warm wool or cashmere poncho or cape. If worn over a thick sweater, it can double as a coat if the weather isn’t too cold. 

This thick wool cape/poncho is a great styling piece for cooler seasons. It can easily be worn with leggings or jeans, or even over a sweater dress for a more formal look. 

Go with sneakers for a casual twist, or opt for ankle boots. 

A poncho with matching pants is the quickest and easiest way to pull together an appealing fall and winter ensemble. Consider all beige, nude, or brown, which is very in for 2022.

We love a poncho with ribbed detailing, funnel or turtle neck to add some design and pattern. Wear this look at home with slippers, or take it on the go with lace-up boots. 

A poncho-style sweater with an oversized fit looks excellent with leather or flat black leggings and a pair of lug boots. Black leather lug boots always add an edgy vibe to an outfit so it balances out the soft feminine feel of the poncho. 

This outfit is perfect for running errands, going to lunch with friends, or for a casual date night. 

To finish off this list of poncho outfits here is a simple and stylish outfit formula that marries white and black with denim. To attain this look, wear a black cape or poncho over a white long-sleeve shirt, and finish off with your favorite pair of jeans.

For a casual and laid-back vibe, go with a pair of simple white sneakers which offer a modern feel. Sometimes a poncho can feel a little stuffy, so dressing it down with jeans is a great way to go in the daytime.

Swap the sneakers for ankle boots or a pair of pumps or kitten heels to take this look from day to night. 

Do you wear anything under a poncho?

Typically, yes. Because a poncho is an outerwear piece and is open and flowy by design, it’s best to layer a poncho over other clothing. Here are the best clothing options to wear under a poncho:

• A knit sweater or t-shirt. For a cool day go with a knit sweater with a poncho layered over top. On a warmer day, stick with a basic t-shirt. 
• Sweater dress. For an elevated evening look in the fall or winter, layer a poncho over a midi-length sweater dress that fits snug against your body.
• Swimsuit. If you have a light poncho made of linen or cotton, you can wear it as a cover-up over a swimsuit.
• Tank top, camisole, or bralette. For summer days you can wear a lightweight poncho with something simple such as a cami, tank, or bralette. This can also give great summer festival vibes. 

Creating Perfect Poncho Outfits

In summary, ponchos are definitely stylish when worn with the right combination of clothes. They can be a chic layering piece and look excellent with a belt for a modern take.

Stick with a neutral color poncho or cape for a timeless and elevated look, and let the outfits above inspire you! 

shop modern ponchos:

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