Ensemble: The Easy Poncho

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.

Ensemble: The Easy Poncho

Link Love: Fall 2015 Accessories

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.

 

Seventies Retro and a Yorkie Brooch

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.

'70s Retro Oblique

'70s Retro Side

'70s Retro Close

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. 

'70s Retro Bag Close

'70s Retro Bag Full

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. 

'70s Retro Blouse

'70s Retro Blouse

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. 

'70s Retro Brooch

'70s Retro Blouse

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.

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.

'70s Retro Mio Posto

Roundups

Simpler Items

This week's list of top picks list is about basic pieces.

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Assorted Items

Items for Summer, both in and out of air conditioning.

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Casual Summer Vibes

This week's top picks are good for a casual Summer vibe.

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Summery Earth Tones

These items are for those who like to wear casual earth tones in warm and hot weather.

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Hints of Spring

Some tried-and-tested winning items to refresh your style for Spring.

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Dressier Items

An assortment of dressier top picks might be just what the doctor ordered.

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Roundup: Playful Fall Pieces

Shopping for Fall has been very interesting. Most of my clients are after pieces that are different from what we’ve seen in stores over the last three years — silhouettes with a playful touch and unique styling details. Here are some of the pieces that have been winners. Be sure to browse through all the colour options. 

  • Topshop 'Powerful' Patchwork Ankle Boot (Women): A moderately comfortable high shaft bootie if you can manage the heel height. Might run a little small. Fun '70s patchwork detailing and great with dresses or cropped pants.
  • Zara Jacquard Top: A super cute textured knitted top with a fabulous curved high-low hemline and flouncy tulip sleeves. Runs very small. EXCELLENT on petites with a larger bust and short waist. Good paired with skirts too. Does not cling. Comes in three colours.
  • ASTR Tie Neck Button Front Blouse: A neck-tie blouse in a moody floral. Its hemline is shaped so that you can wear it out without feeling blocky. Runs big. Great price.
  • Topshop 'Mistic' Ankle Boot (Women): Comfortable booties thanks to very soft leather. Wide toe box and fit is good for higher volume feet and bunions. The photo does not do the gorgeous heel justice. It's burnt orange and marbled, and more dramatic in person. Great on narrow ankles too.
  • Zara Long Asymmetric Shirt: A fun cocoon shirt that works well on petites. Boxy, but sufficiently structured due to short front hem and tapered hip fit. Runs large.
  • HD In Paris Dotted Lace Top: Graphic Lace Fabness. Love the back detailing.
  • Tylho Lakin Tunic: A peplum blouse with a twirly back. Soft, pretty and on trend. Available in petites and regular sizes.
  • Moth Rona Turtleneck: This looks like a simple charcoal turtleneck, but the back sings playfully with a pleated pattern. Swingy and fun to wear.
  • Troubador Felted Floral Pullover: The flocked abstract design on this pullover is genius. If wool could look like watercolour - this would be it.
  • Moth Oblique Pullover: Diagonal striped cognac, teal and blush screams Retro Fabness. Neckline is good for a short neck or larger bust. Drapey, fluid and comfortable.
  • Vince Camuto Tie Neck Ruffle Hem Blouse: I love this blouse over a pair of black bootcut trousers for business casual. Great over skinnies and straight legs too. No need to add pizzazz with a jacket. The dropped peplum is unique and interesting. They've cleverly curved the hemline for structure. Runs big.
  • Kristen Blake Wool & Alpaca Blend Notch Collar Coat: The best throw-over-and-go coat of the season - the photo does not do it justice. Well made and great texture. Modern Retro at its best. Its cocoon shape allows you to wear it over all sorts of chunky layers, but it has just enough shape. I love the back pleat detailing. Works on an assortment of body type and all heights.
  • White House Black Market Striped Split-Back Top: Fitted Striped Flounce. Fun back detailing. Better in person.
  • Ted Baker London 'Traze' Floral Print Cotton Sweater: A fitted Winter floral pullover in a soft lightweight wool. Graphically romantic. Great with black or white bottoms.
  • Tory Burch Bias Cut Stripe A-Line Midi Skirt: A comfortable knitted skirt which drapes with the best of them. Good on both a straight and curvy hip. Straighter hips might need to size down.
  • Halogen Double Breasted Raglan Sleeve Jacket (Regular & Petite): Retro Fabness. A trapeze shape jacket looks ultra fresh. Can be worn indoors. Nice unbuttoned too. Also available in a cream and black check. Might run a little big.
  • Banana Republic Fringe Pullover: A fringed pullover can be worn in a crisp and graphic way, just like in the photo. Good on a small bust and narrow shoulder line.
  • Banana Republic Fringe Sweater Jacket: A fringed and hooded cardigan for Team Casual. It's a dramatic piece that can look overwhelming so consider yourself warmed. Great on taller gals.
  • BERNARDO FOOTWEAR 'Lacey' Short Waterproof Rain Boot (Women): A remarkably comfortable and lightweight rain bootie that's good for high volume feet. Good for rain but not for snow. The tie is decorative. Size up if you are in between sizes. Comes in three colours.
  • Karen Kane Long Sleeve Handkerchief Hem Top: A fitted handkerchief hem tunic for Team Curvy. Substantial fabric and great drape. Nice V-neck too.
  • CeCe By Cynthia Steffe CeCe by Cynthia Steffe 'Aleah' Tie Neck Crêpe de Chine Shirtdress: A romantic, soft, bowed trapeze dress for petites and Team Legs. It's short. Looked fabulous on one of my petite clients with sheer hose and high shaft booties or Mary Janes. Can work as a tunic too.
  • Foxes Infinity Scarf: A scarf with foxes. Charming.
  • Halogen Tie Neck Shift Dress (Regular & Petite): A flirty dress with both a '60s and '70s vibe. I love the dropped waist and gentle front inverted pleat. Great drape. Works surprisingly well on both curvy and straighter body types if you're prepared to surrender the waist.

Visit the collection page to see the items alongside my descriptions.

Zara
Jacquard Top
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Top Pick
9
Zara
Long Asymmetric Shirt
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Top Pick
5