Ha! I knew responses would be varied on this question and you ladies have not disappointed

I didn't think of the annoyance factor under a coat so that is definitely a consideration. The handbag problem is not relevant for me - I don't use a shoulder or cross body bag, only a satchel held by my hand or a clutch. So a non issue there.

Hmmmm.....problem with desk job such as typing...another consideration. Although if the sides are not too long, could be ok.

I honestly have no idea whether I'm going to pursue trying one or not but I have thoroughly enjoyed the discussion

I wore mine the other day instead of a coat. Big chunky jumper with long sleeve t underneath then poncho over the top I was lovely and warm x

I think they would be great for the fall, as an outside layer. I like them, but have always questioned how many wears I'd really get in. I think they would drive me nuts to wear at work. But never say never!

The other day a coworker of mine wore a houndstooth poncho with black skinny pants and stiletto booties - that outfit was absolutely killer! I don't have any though, I have issues with things that aren't even/symmetrical and I can never seem to keep the poncho straight. Plus the whole non-sleeve thing is annoying to me. But I think they are adorable if done right!

TracyLiz wears them well; check out her posts. I had the great ruana debacle, so for me they are definitely a 'no' for hands free classroom teaching -- too floppy, too twirly. I did see a cute cropped poncho here in Ashland OR this week that was more appealing but I'm a large big boned woman and worry that cropped things on me skew more toward looking tragically ill-fitting than delightfully winsome. (Ironically, the day I picked up my butchered ruana scarves from the seamstress I was going to a party in an outfit that would have been perfect for a ruana... sigh). I say if you're jonesing after one, try a starter example at a lower price point.

PS: purely an aside, but about 10 years ago when my husband was doing a week of work in DC the kids & I were all about town from our hotel I was repeating a lot of mini skirt/boot combos due to some bad weather. A friend in Pittsburgh had knitted me a poncho and we learned if you pop a poncho over yourself & let just the legs hang out men will dog you to see what's under the poncho... call it the poncho effect! You're welcome!

I like the look generally, but I don't think they are terribly practical unless one has endless dry fall weather. Same with those trendy long cardis. I did have a shorter fur one passed on to me that I kept at work for when I got cold. It didn't get in the way of typing or annoy me generally. I didn't try to wear it under coats or make it part of my outfit though, it was just something warm and cozy to keep at my desk. I can see it for lounging-by-the- fire-type lounge wear but not very practical for being busy around the house.