How to Wear a Poncho?

Are you keen to wear a poncho but unsure what to pair it with based on your style? How to dress with it to look stylish while staying warm?

I will help you.

As a fan of boho chic fashion, I especially love the poncho as it perfectly represents the spirit of freedom and originality that defines this style.

That’s why I’m excited to show you 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 autumn and spring. It’s ideal for everyday wear as well as for holidays, allowing you to layer up underneath with several layers of clothing to ensure you stay warm. The golden rule when wearing a poncho is to pair it with fitted trousers or leggings to create a more streamlined silhouette. Ankle boots or knee-high boots will complete your outfit beautifully.

Want to know 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 trousers, shoes, and accessories to pair with a poncho,
• How to match it to 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’ll share a bit more about it.

What is a Poncho?

The poncho is a simple garment that falls into the category of jackets and vests, although it is somewhat different. Essentially, it is a piece of fabric, most often square-shaped, that you place over your shoulders or wear like a sweater, but it doesn’t have sleeves. In this sense, it is similar to a split cape, worn over the top of your other clothing.

Although it was historically worn by both men and women, it is now more associated with women's fashion and comes in a variety of bright styles. Its loose and flowy nature, along with its ethnic-inspired patterns, makes it a distinctive piece of bohemian style. However, there are also solid-coloured, more classic designs that can be worn 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 oldest examples date back over 1000 years before our era and were worn by the peoples who inhabited Peru, who later became the Incas. Originally, the poncho was woven from Alpaca wool, making it a very warm piece of clothing, perfect for working. It could also be used by shepherds as a blanket for sleeping or as protection against the rain.

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

What season is best for wearing a poncho?

Easy to throw on over your outfit, this garment is perfect for wearing in autumn and spring, instead of a jacket. It has the advantage of protecting you from drafts and light showers, which is really handy when the weather is unpredictable.

❄️ If your poncho is thick or if you layer up well underneath, it’s possible to wear it in winter too.

What occasions are suitable for wearing this type of clothing?

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 cosy and comforting outfits! If it’s quite lightweight, it’ll be ideal for keeping you warm on summer evenings, as well as keeping the mosquitoes at bay! 🦟

🛑 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 choice… In such cases, opt for a simple blazer or a ¾ jacket instead.

What to wear under a poncho?

You can stay warm even in winter while wearing a poncho, as long as you follow a few basic rules:

• Layer up: Wear a tank top under your clothes and pop on a cardigan underneath your poncho.
• Tuck your top into your trousers or skirt to stop the cold from getting in.
• Choose fitted clothing made of cotton or wool.
• You might like to go for a roll neck, which will keep your neck and nape warm from the chill.

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, opt for a solid and subtle top. Conversely, if your poncho is a solid colour, you can have fun with its transparency by hinting that you’re wearing a colourful outfit underneath in either warm or cool tones.

What to Pair with Your Poncho?

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

What tights to wear?

For a balanced look, I recommend pairing your poncho with a fitted pair of pants, which will complement the loose style of the poncho. If your poncho is light in colour, opt for dark pants to create contrast; the opposite applies if your poncho is dark. Alternatively, you could also create a monochromatic outfit, depending on your preferences.

If you prefer wearing a skirt, opt for a style that is slightly fitted, such as a pencil skirt that sits above the knee. It's best to avoid long and flowing skirts, as they can widen your silhouette and don't add elegance to a poncho.

What shoes to 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 knee-high boots for a very feminine and sexy look. Opting for high-heeled shoes is a great idea 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 look.

👉 Avoid flat shoes (such as ballet flats and loafers) and sneakers, as they don’t pair well with the poncho style.

What accessories can enhance a poncho?

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

How to Wear a Poncho According to Your Style?

Although it’s originally an ethnic and bohemian garment, there are several ways to embrace the poncho so that it matches your personal style and fits seamlessly into your wardrobe.

For a 100% Bohemian and Hippie Chic Look

If you love the bohemian style, the poncho could easily become one of your favourite garments. It allows you to embrace this trend for the autumn-winter season, as it shares the same qualities as a bohemian dress, being roomy and flowy, while also keeping you warm.

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

👉 A fan of bohemian style? Discover your perfect fit at our online store dedicated to this vibe! Throughout the year, we curate a selection of unique women's clothing to help you find a look that truly represents you.

Tunic and blouse

For a chic and feminine look

Would you like to wear a poncho but worry that your outfit won’t look stylish enough? By pairing it with fitted and smart clothing, you can create a look that is quite chic and reflects your personal style.

It’s best to choose a plain poncho or one with simple patterns that you can pair with:

• A black legging or jegging, preferably in faux leather,
• Thigh-high boots or heeled boots,
• A short pencil skirt in a classic pattern if your poncho is a solid colour (houndstooth, checkered, polka dots...) for a haute couture look,
• An elegant leather handbag that matches the colour of your shoes.

For a cosy and casual winter outfit

If you're looking for a comfortable outfit to keep you warm during winter, consider opting for a thick wool poncho, possibly with a roll neck. You can pair it with a scarf and beanie in matching shades, and wear comfortable undergarments, such as leggings or a fitted thermal top. Choose ankle boots and a stylish handbag to add a touch of elegance to your outfit, and you're all set!

Now you're ready to create original and trendy outfits with a poncho: feel free 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!