The poncho is a very easy piece to have in your wardrobe. Dress it up or down and add instant drama to your outfit. There are all sorts of ways to incorporate ponchos into outfits, and here are two to get you started. The version on the left is casual, and the version on the right is dressy. Choose any colour palette. 

Poncho & Jeans

The easiest way to style a poncho is with jeans. Choose jeans that are fitted on the thighs to offset the volume of the poncho. Choose a layering top like a shirt, knitted top, pullover, blouse or tee. Wear the layering top untucked or semi-tucked with a belt. Add footwear, like booties, that work with the jeans and drape a poncho over the top. Make sure you like the outfit without the poncho so that you feel fab when you need to remove it. A satchel works best with a poncho because shoulder bags and crossbody bags won’t stay put. 

Poncho & Black Support Act

Drape a poncho over a black sheath dress and finish off the outfit with pumps or boots. Add a satchel and jewellery of your choice. Or drape a poncho over a pair of black trousers and top, thereby creating a column of colour under the poncho. As an alternative I’ve used a black polka dot blouse to break up the column of black. Choose shoes that work with the bottoms. Add jewellery, eyewear and watch as desired. 

A brooch can be used to fasten a poncho that is open in front. For ponchos that only have a neck opening, it can be pinned close to the neckline and over to one side as a decorative extra.

Planning to stock up on accessories to add the perfect finishing touch to your Fall outfits? StyleCaster did a roundup of 50 luxe-looking Fall accessories under $50.

The skinny scarf has been making a comeback. If you want to try the look, Alyson Walsh has selected some good options. Or browse this slide show if you need ideas on how to tie this type of scarf.

Need ideas on how to work jewellery into your look, then this overview of how style bloggers are wearing their favourite pieces will come in handy.

Fab Links from Our Members

JAileen enjoyed this slide show of Michelle Obama’s outfits for state dinners, for which she chooses designers whose backgrounds and cultures reflect the countries being honoured.

Beth Ann found it fascinating that they actually licensed this fit model to create more than a thousand mannequins that are being used to tailor clothing around the world.

Angie refers us to Sally’s post in which she provides tips on how to care for and feed curly hair, and is of course speaking from experience. Her short curly asymmetrical ‘do looks lush and healthy. 

Marlene thought that Fitcode, a new beta online jeans selector, looked interesting.

She also wanted to share this post on The 5 Types of Fashion Seasonal Weather Warriors.

Robin feels this article is masquerading as helpful by warning of the dangers of increased balding from tight styling, but is at the same time sending the message that guys just shouldn’t wear their hair long or try up-dos. 

Celia was intrigued to read about the moment in time when women had almost absolute control over fashion.

Ananthimathur enjoyed browsing the Céline ready-to-wear collection for Fall/Winter 2015.

Carole found Joshua Becker’s Practical Guide to Owning Fewer Clothes a very interesting reminder of her goals to reduce the size of her closet.

Earlier this year I set out my style goals and mentioned that I’m giving the punk and tomboy aspects of my look a rest and amping up the ladylike and soft. I’m particularly drawn to Retro Futurism because fashion from the ‘60s, ‘70s and ‘80s is close to my heart. This ’70s inspired outfit came together as a result of this evolution in my style and a very special brooch.

I needed to replace my dressy black trousers and had planned to go better-end with this wardrobe item once again. But I fell in love with the flared sailor pants from Express as soon as I saw them. I liked the way their substantial fabric draped and felt. Apart from a one inch hem on the length, they fit perfectly straight off the rack. I do prefer flared hems extra long so that they skim the surface of the ground. The visual effect is luxurious and elegant to my eye.

The gold buttons on the front flap of the trousers are dressy, playful, and what give them a nautical vibe. I won’t wear these trousers all that often, so hemming them for heels that are too high for daily wear is fine. They’re special occasion trousers with a Retro flavour that transcends the trends, so quality permitting I’ll have them for a while. 

These trousers were begging to be paired with a soft tucked top to showcase the front button detailing and offset the rigidity of the fabric. Feeling the ‘70s vibe, I bought a billowy cream neck-tie blouse on our trip to Hong Kong back in February. I’ve been wearing the blouse with flared jeans, but it works just as well with flared trousers. I love shopping my closet to complete an outfit. 

I hadn’t planned on pinning a brooch on this blouse until a vintage Yorkshire terrier came my way. The planets aligned and I was excited to sport the classic look. The gold at the base of my neck picks up the gold in the buttons of the trousers and jacket, the bag and the watch. The black garnets on the brooch match the black of the trousers. I couldn’t have found a more perfect brooch. 

The outfit has sufficient interest without a topper, but we need one at this time of year in Seattle. I chose last season’s equestrian jacket with back peplum detailing because the tailored fit, short length and cognac elbow patches have a ‘70s flavour. I finished off the look with black pointy toe booties to extend the leg line even further. A trendy gold clutch, green specs and a current short hairstyle add some Modern back into the outfit.

Custom Find

by Angie

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Custom Find

by Angie

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Custom Find

by Angie

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Express

Mid Rise Sailor Flare Pant

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Top Pick

19

Custom Find

by Angie

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Nordstrom

MARC BY MARC JACOBS 'The Slim' Bracelet Watch, 36mm

$250.00 $149.97

Sale

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Top Pick

9

Zappos

Fossil Erin Foldover Clutch

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17

Zappos

Fidji G482

$210.00

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Top Pick

9

This retro combination is very classic, and I was a little worried that it would look a little stuffy and overly precious. But I don’t feel those things when I’m wearing it. Instead, I like the way the flares, flounces, tailoring and a playful accessory refresh my style. I’m having a lot of fun with retro looks this year.

September was all about casual wear, and denim in particular. Also, my outfit, four ensembles and several outstanding outfit bloggers. 

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