How to Wear a Poncho?

Are you keen to wear a poncho, but unsure what to pair it with based on your style? How can you dress with it to look stylish without feeling chilly?

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 originality that defines this style.

That’s why I’d like to show you how to incorporate it into your wardrobe to create stunning outfits that truly reflect your style, using this detailed guide!

Originally from Latin America, the poncho is perfect for keeping you warm in autumn and spring. It’s great for everyday wear as well as for holidays, allowing you to layer up underneath with multiple clothing pieces to stay cosy. 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 would be ideal to complete your outfit.

Want to know more? Keep reading to find out:

• Which country the poncho originates from and the context in which to wear it,
• My tips for staying warm when 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 tastes 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.

How to Define 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, usually square-shaped, that is draped over the shoulders or worn like a sweater, but without any sleeves. In this sense, it is similar to a split cape, which is worn over the rest of your clothing.

Although it has historically been worn by both men and women, it is now more associated with women’s fashion and comes in many colourful designs. Its loose and flowy nature and ethnic-inspired patterns make it a distinctive item of bohemian style. However, there are also plain, more classic versions available that can be paired with all types of outfits.

Where does it come from?

As its name suggests, the poncho is a typical garment from Latin America. It has a long history: the earliest ones date back over 1000 years before our era and were worn by the peoples who inhabited Peru and later became the Incas. Originally, the poncho was woven from alpaca wool, making it a very warm garment, perfect for working. It could also be used by shepherds as a blanket for sleeping or as protection against the rain.

Nowadays, the poncho is still worn in South America and holds an important place in popular culture.

In which season should you wear a poncho?

Easy to slip on over your outfit, this garment is perfect for wearing in autumn and spring, instead of a jacket. It has the benefit of protecting you from chilly winds 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 winter too.

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For what occasion can you wear 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 to keep warm at home. This very comfortable garment is perfect if you enjoy cozy and comforting outfits! If it’s relatively light, it will be ideal for keeping you warm on summer evenings and also for keeping 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 might not be the most suitable clothing option... In this case, opt for a simple blazer or a ¾ jacket instead.

What to wear under a poncho?

It is possible to stay warm with a poncho, even in winter, as long as you follow these basic rules:

• Layer up: wear a vest under your clothes and throw on a cardigan under your poncho.
• Tuck your top into your trousers or skirt to keep the cold out.
• Opt for fitted clothing, made from cotton or wool.
• You might also consider a roll-neck, which will keep your neck and nape warm from the chill.

When it comes to colours, if the garment you’re wearing under your poncho is visible, make sure to coordinate the colours nicely. If your poncho has patterns, opt for a plain and subtle top. Conversely, if your poncho is a solid colour, you can play with its transparency to hint at a colourful outfit underneath in similar warm or cool tones.

What to pair with your poncho?

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

With which tights?

For a balanced look, I recommend pairing your poncho with a fitted pair of trousers, which will balance out the loose fit of the poncho. If your poncho is light in colour, you can opt for dark trousers to create contrast: the opposite applies if your poncho is dark, but you can also create a monochromatic outfit based on your personal style.

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

Which Shoes to Wear?

The poncho, which resembles a dress in shape, pairs beautifully with ankle-high shoes. These can be simple ankle boots, or even over-the-knee boots for a very feminine and sexy look. Opting for 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 colour that matches your poncho to balance your silhouette.

👉 Avoid flat shoes (ballet flats, 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 unique accessories! The most obvious choices are a hat, which complements the bohemian and ethnic style of the poncho, and a belt, which can be used to cinch it at the waist to highlight your curves. This is particularly useful if you're not overly comfortable with the loose fit of the poncho!

How to Wear a Poncho According to Your Style?

Although the poncho has its roots in ethnic and bohemian styles, there are numerous ways to wear it to suit your personal style and ensure that it fits seamlessly into your wardrobe.

For a 100% bohemian and hippie chic look

If you love the bohemian style, a poncho could easily become one of your favourite garments. It allows you to embrace this trend for the autumn-winter season, as it has the same qualities as a bohemian dress, being loose 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? Find your bliss at our online store dedicated to this lifestyle! Throughout the year, we handpick unique women's clothing to help you discover a look that truly reflects you.

For a Chic and Feminine Look

Do you want to wear a poncho but are worried that your outfit might not be stylish enough? By pairing it with fitted and smart clothing, you can create a chic look that suits you perfectly.

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-highs or heeled boots,
• A short pencil skirt, with a classic pattern if your poncho is plain (houndstooth, checks, polka dots…) for a high-fashion look,
• An elegant leather handbag in the same shade as your shoes.

For a cosy and casual winter outfit

If you're looking for a comfortable outfit to keep you warm in winter, consider opting for a thick wool poncho, possibly with a roll neck. You can pair it with a scarf and a beanie in the same colour, and wear comfortable clothes underneath, such as leggings or a fitted long-sleeve top. Choose ankle boots and a lovely handbag to add a touch of elegance to your outfit, and you're all set!

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