Capes and ponchos are the fashionable throw-over par excellence. Whether as an alternative to jacket and coat or in a casual layering look: The trend pieces of the season give every outfit that certain something – provided you style it properly!
Cape and poncho – that's the difference
First of all: Cape and poncho are not the same, at least not entirely. The cape is actually more or less a cape and sleeveless. A few centuries ago, kings traditionally wore capes made of fine thread to show off their majestic dignity. The self-knitted variant is still part of many traditional costumes, and the typical English rain cape is also a classic. The cape made a fashionable comeback only a few years ago, and since then it has been made from all conceivable materials.
The poncho has no arm slits, just a slit for the head. It originated in South America, where indigenous peoples like to wear it with striking prints and signal colors. Here, too, he likes to be worn with folkloric patterns and stylish fringes. In short: The small but subtle difference is that you pull the poncho over your head and simply knock the cape over.
Style capes and ponchos properly
Anyone who has the twist when it comes to styling will no longer want to do without the parts. Depending on the material, the topcoats can be worn all year round and can be used in a variety of ways: plain-colored ponchos are particularly suitable as a replacement for coats and jackets. If you like, you can resort to a sophisticated styling trick and use a waist belt to create an advantageous silhouette. To do this, simply place the poncho loosely over your shoulders so that its ends hang at approximately the same height and tie it together with a belt.
So you can create different looks with a little tweak – a filigree leather belt in black with a monochrome poncho looks minimalistic, a wide waist belt with decorative buckle provides a vintage touch. The styling is particularly harmonious when you pick up the color of the belt on the shoes and handbag.
The cape as a replacement for the blazer
A short cape can easily replace the blazer if it is made of a thin, strong material. The cape in the tone-on-tone look looks particularly great with a simple long sleeve, turtleneck sweater or a blouse. It's best to combine it with a pair of slim-fitting trousers so that the proportions are right and the business outfit doesn't come across too casually.
Combine capes and ponchos correctly
Capes and ponchos are quite voluminous, which is why they are ideally combined with pointed ankle boots or pumps. The handbag should also be rather discreet – a small saddle handbag fits perfectly with the look, for example, and if the bag over the cape or poncho has unsightly folds, you can just as easily carry it under it.