Thoughts on Ponchos (added finds) - YouLookFab Forum

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Thoughts on Ponchos (added finds)

Thistle

Veteran

So, I love the look of ponchos. There are two I am really smitten with from Ralph Lauren (I am on the iPad so I cann't Use Finds).

They seem warm, comfortable, and on trend. A bit arty for my classic self, but the Arab ones are a bit more streamlined and without fringe. No idea how they would work in an office, environment where I need to work on the computer. Also, not sure how they would work on my average height larger sized body. The models aren't even close to a reasonable gauge for me.

Any of you taken the plunge on a poncho? Thoughts?

Edit: here are the two I was eyeing up. Not sure either would go under a full winter coat.

Lauren Ralph Lauren Striped Knit Poncho (Plus Size)

$175.00 $104.98

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Lauren Ralph Lauren Plus Size Colorblocked Open-Front Poncho

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32 replies

Latest reply was from unfrumped

Jenn

(website)

Veteran

I like the looks of them, too, and am struggling with the same practicality issues. I have my eye out for blanket cardigans that have fitted arms, but hang around the body like a poncho.

Word Lily

Veteran

I bought one, once, when they were in for a hot second in the early 00's. And I think I managed to wear it one time before they were out again. I'm wishing I had held onto it.

I think for me, with some of the heavy ones out right now? I'd wear it as outerwear, which would eliminate the at-the-computer concerns.

I'm seeing a few photos of people of various sizes wearing them, in general, but that might not help with the fit of a specific certain one.

I'm undecided on whether I'll go there this time or not.

Anonymous

I just ponchoed yesterday!
It's actually kind of more like a blanket. I love how versatile it is: I can wear it as a scarf or draped different ways.

So the plan is to wear it as a scarf into work, with a heavy coat. Then at work, drape it around my shoulders.

I'm not sure a poncho is really "me" but it seemed like kind of a fun wildcard

Word Lily

Veteran

I think a lot depends on the specifics of the piece, too; linear elements that are vertical or diagonal would help make such a voluminous piece more flattering, I'm guessing.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Angie did a blog post about them last fall; I think it comes down to trying various ones. I like the idea of the ones with sleeves.

http://youlookfab.com/2014/01/.....f-ponchos/

http://youlookfab.com/2014/10/.....cho-trend/

dashielle (Ann)

(website)

Veteran

I have one I love, but admittedly it has a narrow scope of use. I take it off at work as it is too warm inside a heated building, but like it for Fall out on the streets or at home lounging.

I use Finds exclusively on the iPad. Do you just not have the bookmarklet in Safari?

Eileen Fisher Cashmere Turtleneck Poncho

$598.00 $358.80

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always trying

Veteran

had one a few years back-they didn't stay around long-too much fabric, too cumbersome--but I kinda want a cape...

catgirl

Veteran

I have one and I wear it on planes and for travel! I got it made on Etsy - it's an asymmetric grey cashmere. I wore it in Seattle!

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Anonymous

I have a few - if there are no side seams creating an arm opening, they work best when rectangular shaped and shorter. (they can be worn sideways, front to back etc etc when they are rectangular, which is sort of cool) . I wore a plain black knit one with a bit tassel at the long front and back points all day at a trade show over top a dress, and it was great! That size works for working at a desk - the big ones wouldn't though. I really like them and think they are different, interesting and often a bit of a conversation starter, if you will.....

Anonymous

I'm a big "meh" on the poncho. I love the look, but they aren't practical for the Wisconsin weather (where I live, too). Or rather, their usefulness stops as soon as you need to wear a warmer layer on top. I bought two poncho-ish sweaters at a NAS several years ago and ended up not wearing them much. In my experience, the arms are awkward to wear underneath a jacket, no matter how lightweight the poncho. So, if you're okay with limited wearability in our climate, give them a try! Maybe you can find one that's more comfy under a jacket than the ones I had?!?!

Anonymous

...I'm thinking you can wear the poncho OVER a light jacket, like a leather jacket for instance.
Nice poncho AK!

Thistle

Veteran

Sounds like these are a no go. They don't come warm enough for outerwear for me, as Anne noted. So they'd have to fit under a coat to be useful. And they don't like coats, and I don't like fussy.

frannieb

Veteran

So - I love a poncho and have several. I actually find them wonderful for Minnesota winters and wear one at least weekly during the winter. I also adore a great cape.
I find they are a nice change for my work look. I like to have some classic drama when dressing and find poncho's fit the bill perfectly.

Seriously I love a poncho and don't care if they ever go out of style I will keep rocking them.

TraceyLiz65

(website)

Veteran

I love ponchos and in fact just made a poncho board of my outfits and ones I liked on Pinterest two days ago...
https://www.pinterest.com/trac.....o-outfits/

milehighstyle (Linda)

Veteran

I have a couple. I wear them both outdoors and in the office (my manager does too). I just push them up my arms a bit or fold them back when I'm using the computer. True, on a super cold day you would need better arm coverage, but we get enough mild winter days and cool fall days to get decent use out of ponchos and capes.

Thread & Supply Funnel Neck Blanket Coat (Juniors) (Online Only)

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catgirl

Veteran

This seems to be for men but I love the look - it's worn over outerwear in the pic!

And I adore this skull poncho.

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Jenn

(website)

Veteran

They seem crazy-cozy for travel and work-at-home. Hmmm.

Free People The Big Trail Poncho Cardigan

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Lauren By Ralph Lauren Tonal Beacon Poncho

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Glory

Veteran

I love ponchos in winter for working at my desk. Cozy but not restrictive.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Yeah, it seems to me they could fill a role at the desk (keep it at work) as Glory says, or at home, as lounge wear.

Not that I have one. For exactly the reasons you mention -- fussy factor, plus limited season for wearing. Yet I can see in theory how I could use one in the above restricted situations.

Thistle

Veteran

Hmm, wondering if I should try a less expensive option and see if I like them first . . .

Aquamarine

Veteran

I think a more streamlined and shorter one could work for you...if there is such a thing as a tailored poncho. I would avoid bulky fabrics too. I'm kind of liking the thought of one at work, like a warm hug on a cold day.

I guess it depends on the outwear you have and if you can tolerate the discomfort for your drive to work. One hour drive vs, eight-hour wearing of the garment, you know? Dressing in the winter is always more cumbersome than in the summer, no matter how you look at it! The things we do for fashion, LOL.

lyn67

Veteran

I would kinda like to find one sleeveless poncho for indoors office wear, is there such a thing?:-)

These from below are IMO the easiest to be worn indoors.

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Deborah

Veteran

I love ponchos! And this post has inspired me to wear one over a dress tomorrow...thanks;). I find them quite easy to wear in most situations but I wear a lot of drapey clothing and I think I have gotten used to the feel of these type of garments. Does that make sense?

donnat

Veteran

I love ponchos . I have 2 and 3 cape type ponchos. Wear them in cooler offices. In fall, with skinnies and tall boots. To the movies, like a blankie. Cooler summer evenings.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Big thumbs up. Perfect over a fitted T-neck, which you love to wear, Thistle.

JAileen

Veteran

I love ponchos but can't figure out how to wear them. I like a crossbody purse, for example. How would that work? And my climate is rarely temperate so there seems to be few days that a poncho would be just right. Anyway, I'm still pondering. I've been thinking of knitting one for awhile.

AviaMariah

Veteran

I think they could be very practical at work if you're often cold. I don't have a problem wearing very warm items in the winter at the office so I think one would work for me as long as it wasn't too drapey in the arms so as to hang on my keyboard. I've steered away from them because I'd have to find the perfect one to work on my short self. I think trying an inexpensive one to try it out would be a good idea. I'll be curious to see how one works for you if you decide to try.

Deb Fiend

Member

I found a site with a few options, I haven't bit the bullet myself. I like the one that looks like the old fashioned picnic blanket. Free shipping in the US though.

http://eclipserevolution.com/

Staysfit

Veteran

I like the poncho's you have selected. I think there is a distinction between indoor and outdoor poncho's. The weight of material makes a big difference, and also the design elements can determine how warm the poncho will be. Two years ago I purchased this poncho. It is obviously for outdoor use, but I end up wearing it inside when I get cold at work, or when I am at a conference and the room is too cold. The poncho is sewn closed around the arms so it stays put at my arms, wind does not blow through it, and if I need to do something that requires my hands the poncho doesn't drape in the way. The fur is clearly a matter of taste, but it makes the poncho very warm. In fact this poncho is warm enough to wear in a light snowfall if I wear a merino wool turtleneck underneath.

HIDE SOCIETY HIDESOCIETY Genuine Fox Fur Trim Plaid Bouclé Cape

$995.00 $666.65

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