How to Wear a Poncho?

Would you like to wear a poncho, but are unsure what to pair it with to match your personal style? How to style it to look chic while staying warm?

I will help you.

As a lover of bohemian chic fashion, I have a special fondness for ponchos, as they truly embody the spirit of freedom and individuality that defines this style.

That’s why I’m inviting you to discover how to incorporate it into your wardrobe to create stunning outfits that truly reflect your style, with the help of this detailed guide!

Originally from Latin America, the poncho is perfect for keeping warm during the autumn and spring. It’s great for everyday wear as well as for vacations, especially when layered with several pieces of clothing underneath to ensure you stay cozy. The golden rule when wearing a poncho is to pair it with fitted pants or leggings to create a streamlined silhouette. Ankle boots or knee-high boots are an excellent choice to complete your outfit.

Want more details? Keep reading to find out:

• Which country the poncho comes from and the context in which to wear it,
• My tips for staying warm while wearing it,
• What pants, shoes, and accessories to pair with a poncho,
• How to match it with your style,
• And plenty of outfit ideas and advice based on your preferences and style!

What exactly is a poncho?

Very comfortable and feminine, the poncho is a garment that allows you to express your uniqueness. In the following lines, I invite you to learn a little more about it.

How to Define a Poncho?

The poncho is a simple garment that falls under the category of jackets and vests, although it’s somewhat different. In fact, it consists of a piece of fabric, most often square, that you place over your shoulders or slip on like a sweater, but it does not have sleeves. In this sense, it is similar to a split cape, worn over your other clothing.

While it was historically worn by both men and women, it is now more associated with women’s fashion and comes in a variety of colorful designs. Its loose and flowy style, along with ethnic patterns, makes it a characteristic piece of bohemian style. However, there are also solid-coloured, more classic designs that can be paired with all types of outfits.

Where is it from?

As its name suggests, the poncho is a typical garment from Latin America. It has a long history; the earliest versions date back over 1000 years BCE and were worn by the peoples inhabiting present-day Peru, who later became the Incas. The poncho was originally woven from alpaca wool, which made it a very warm garment, perfect for labour. It could also be used by shepherds as a sleeping blanket or for protection against rain.

Today, the poncho is still worn in South America and holds a significant place in popular culture.

What Season Should You Wear a Poncho?

Easy to slip on over your outfit, this garment is perfect for wearing in the fall and spring, as an alternative to a jacket. Its advantage is that it shields you from drafts and light rain, which is very handy when the weather is unpredictable.

❄️ If your poncho is thick or if you're well-layered underneath, you can definitely wear it in the winter too.

What occasion is this type of clothing suitable for?

You can wear your poncho every day, whether you're heading to work, spending a day with family or friends, or just relaxing at home. This incredibly comfortable garment is perfect if you enjoy cozy and comforting outfits! If it's lightweight, it will be ideal for keeping you warm on summer evenings, as well as for protecting you from mosquitoes! 🦟

🛑 However, if your job requires a strict dress code or if you need to wear formal attire for a special occasion, a poncho may not be the most suitable garment... In this case, opt for a simple blazer or a ¾ jacket instead.

What to Wear Under a Poncho?

You can stay warm in a poncho, even in winter, as long as you follow these basic guidelines:

• Layer Up: wear a tank top under your clothes, and put on a cardigan beneath your poncho.
• Tuck in your top to your pants or skirt to prevent cold air from getting in.
• Choose form-fitting clothing made of cotton or wool.
• You can also opt for a turtleneck to protect your neck and nape from the cold.

When it comes to colours, if the clothing you’re wearing under your poncho is visible, make sure to coordinate the colours well. If your poncho has patterns, it's better to wear a solid, understated top. Conversely, if your poncho is solid, you can have fun with the transparency by hinting that you’re wearing a colourful outfit underneath in similar warm or cool tones.

What to Wear with Your Poncho?

Since the poncho is a unique garment, it can easily become the focal point of your outfit. Let's explore together how to showcase it with the rest of your ensemble!

Which tights to wear?

For a balanced silhouette, I recommend pairing your poncho with a fitted pair of pants, which will balance out the loose fit of the poncho. If your poncho is light-coloured, you can wear dark pants for contrast: the opposite applies if your poncho is dark, but you can also create a monochromatic outfit, depending on your preferences.

If you prefer to wear a skirt, opt for a fitted style, such as a pencil skirt that falls above the knee. It's best to avoid long and flowy skirts, as they can make your silhouette look wider and don't add elegance to a poncho.

What Shoes Should You Wear?

The poncho, which has a shape reminiscent of a dress, pairs beautifully with ankle-high shoes. These can be simple ankle boots, or even thigh-high boots for a very feminine and sexy look. Opting for high-heeled shoes is a great choice to elongate your legs and give you a very elegant appearance.

Leather or suede shoes will be perfect to complement your poncho: choose them in a shade that matches your poncho to create a balanced silhouette.

👉 Avoid flat shoes (like ballerinas and loafers) and sneakers, as they don't pair well with the poncho style.

What Accessories Enhance a Poncho?

To complete your outfit, keep in mind that a poncho can be paired with one or two simple yet unique accessories! The most obvious choices are a hat, which complements the bohemian and ethnic look of the poncho, and a belt, which allows you to cinch it at the waist to highlight your curves. This is especially useful if you’re not quite comfortable with the loose fit of the poncho!

How to Wear a Poncho Based on Your Clothing Style?

While it originally comes from an ethnic and bohemian background, there are many ways to style the poncho to match your fashion preferences and seamlessly integrate it into your wardrobe.

For a 100% bohemian and hippie chic look

If you love the bohemian style, the poncho might just become one of your favourite garments. It allows you to embrace this trend for the fall-winter season, as it shares the same qualities as a bohemian dress—loose and flowing—while keeping you warm.

It pairs wonderfully with the characteristic colours of the boho style (brown, cream, white, cognac…), as well as with the natural materials that define it (wool, linen, cotton…).

👉 Are you a fan of bohemian fashion? Discover what you love at our online shop dedicated to this style! Throughout the year, we curate unique and original women's clothing to help you find a look that truly reflects who you are.

Tunics and Blouses

For a Chic and Feminine Look

Do you want to wear a poncho but worry that your outfit won’t be stylish enough? By pairing it with fitted and dressy clothing, you can create a look that is quite chic and suits you well.

Choose preferably a solid coloured poncho or one with simple patterns that you can pair with:

• A pair of black leggings or jeggings, possibly in faux leather,
• Thigh-high boots or heeled boots,
• A short pencil skirt with a classic pattern if your poncho is solid-coloured (houndstooth, checks, polka dots…) for a high-fashion look,
• An elegant leather handbag in a shade that matches your shoes.

For a Cozy and Casual Winter Outfit

If you're looking for a comfortable outfit to keep warm this winter, consider a thick wool poncho, possibly with a turtleneck. You can pair it with a scarf and a beanie in matching colours, and underneath, wear something that feels good, like leggings or a fitted long-sleeve top. Opt for ankle boots and a stylish handbag to add a touch of elegance to your outfit, and you're all set!

You’re now ready to create original and trendy outfits with a poncho: don’t hesitate to try on different clothes to find what truly suits you! And if you love fashion, check out all our free guides on our online store's blog!