WIW and need feedback on possible poncho - YouLookFab Forum

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WIW and need feedback on possible poncho

Janet

(website)

Veteran

Ok, gang, I'll put this out there for the YLF hive mind for feedback. I bought this hooded poncho cape thing at Lord & Taylor a little while back, and we're finally getting around to fall-ish weather, but I'm not sure this is right for me. Here are pics from a few different angles. I'm not exactly a tiny person, so it's hard to overwhelm me, and I like the length and the grey/charcoal color scheme, but I wonder if the volume is too much. And do I just look like a hobbit with the hood and all? I am also wondering how much wear I'll actually get out of this. Can you tell I'm having doubts? This is a good example of me trying to figure out whether I should bother participating in a trend.

And a WIW. Finally debuting the Topshop sweater from NAS, plus Paige skinnies and JC Everly woven booties. Added my pyramid statement necklace to sort of extend the high crew neckline. Feedback always welcome.

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20 replies

Latest reply was from Aquamarine

Eliza

Veteran

Janet- somehow, the poncho isn't feeling like you. I think the cut is a bit awkward and the wow factor that would make me patient enough to wear it, keep adjusting it, etc., isn't quite there. The hood proportion seems to add to how complicated it is to make it work. I think you could wear a poncho well; just feel like this one may not be it.

Love the sweater! Great shape and colors for you!

Sal

Veteran

I think it suits you and looks good but what gives me reason to be on the fence is when you will actually wear it:

- it looks an outdoor weight and styling (not snuggle on the sofa)
- is it warm enough for you for the middle of winter?
- do you do a lot of walking to and from work?

I would wear this to view sports games and find it really suitable for that. And maybe if wandering around doing errands, walking to the movies, dinner etc

Not that everything has to be a total workhorse, if you love it you will find a way to make it work. But it sounds like you have doubts.

The new sweater looks great!

Janet

(website)

Veteran

Eliza and Sally, great insights. Thank you! This is exactly the kind of analytical feedback that is helping me identify my reservations about the style.

It would definitely be an outdoor/running errands style. It's not warm enough for middle of winter unless I'm wearing some longer, heavier layers underneath, and especially not if there is any wind, because it is open in the front and would just fly open. But it looks pretty wintry to look at it, doesn't it?

I could have worn it today (at least early in the day before it warmed up, and later, when the sun goes down), but I chickened out and decided to post it here for feedback instead.

JAileen

Veteran

While I have an open front poncho backordered from Boden, I also read up on poncho patterns to knit. One person knit a poncho, including the hood, then removed the hood. She said the weight of the hood kept pulling it back, making it uncomfortable. Do you think that might happen with yours?

abc

Veteran

I think your pausing on the poncho is right. Follow your gut. I think you can find one but this isn't it. It seems a bit - dare I say - mainstream? I see yours being more edgy, an asymmetric hem, no hood, simple design that can stand on its own. Sorry for being opinionated ...

I do however love the sweater, jeans and boot outfit!

Anonymous

I'm not in love with it - it does look a little overwhelming on you. I think it's the combination of the hood plus the back length ....there's a lot of fabric going on. I think you'd look great in something a little shorter and less hobbit-ish (you started it) and perhaps with some colour in there somewhere. Just my thoughts - ignore or not

Great sweater and skinnies - the jeans make your legs look great!

kkards

Veteran

Ponchos are one of those things thst I think in theory are great, but in reality it's hard to find the right one. I love the idea of a poncho for you, IMO it fits with your general style, but somehow this one doesn't seem right. I think it seems to be overwhelming you.

unfrumped

Veteran

I agree- it's too much bume anx length. So it looks almost TOO outdoorsy, IYKWIM. i don't think it should go to your knees.
On the fence about hood, too. Not just pulling, but interfering with the poncho- ness.
I think it's hard to work ponchos as real serious weather wear and they work best when the weight and fit as a light
topper, whether flat weave or cozy cashmere types, and cut & styled for body type, to add something interesting, such as the asymmetry or texture.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Love #6 and #7.

I think you'd look GREAT in a poncho, Janet. I've been waiting for you to get one. May I suggest a style without a hood and with a little more flair. Another colour too perhaps.

BP Reversible Geometric Pattern Poncho

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6

The Kooples Plaid Wool Poncho Scarf

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5

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2

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2

Vince Camuto Blanket Jacquard Poncho (Regular & Petite)

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7

Janet

(website)

Veteran

Thanks, Angie. I was trying to find something with a subtle pattern, not too colorful or too bold a pattern, and not necessarily a shawl style but something that closes in the front somehow. Oh, and under $100 -- I don't know if this is a trend I really want to invest heavily in unless I really fall in love with it, and so far that is not happening. I love the pattern of the Anelli one you posted, but it's kind of steep. The BP one is cute. I'll keep an eye out, but this one will go back. Thanks, all!

Firecracker (Sharan)

Veteran

Love the sweater on you, and the pyramid necklace is brilliant with it. I think you make that poncho look terrific, but I like Angie's and abc's thinking about finding something a little more interesting. And perhaps less voluminous. I'm a bit perplexed by ponchos--whether they are indoor or outdoor wear, and if for outdoor, as you say, they would be for a windless day. They look pretty cool, though.

Cerinda

Veteran

Do you want a poncho with less volume? I tried the 4 or 5 in BP, and they are all definitely smaller and lighter, just FYI.

The Vince Angie found is terrifically attractive, has lots of movement and nice color, but the ones I tried were very obviously chemically treated. I found a lovely wool and cashmere knit (finds) had a fine hand, was lightweight, (I think came in two colorways),and draped elegantly but would have been quite delicate. Nordies did have a very moderately priced grey & black by Echo as well, but I no longer see it online.

I think you'd really rock the look!

Stripe Border Wool & Cashmere Ruana

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1

Jaime

(website)

Veteran

I love Angie's suggestions for you. You look great in the sweater and jeans - why struggle with this cape that you will probably never feel your best wearing?

Suz

(website)

Veteran

You will look brilliant in the right poncho, but this one isn't it, in my opinion. I think the problem is the hood.

The sweater is fab, though!

Colette

Veteran

This is not your poncho. I agree that it's the hood. I do love Angie's suggestions but I hear you on not wanting to invest in a trend you're not sure about.

The sweater and jeans are great!

catgirl

Veteran

This looks not soft and flowy enough to my eye -more like gear or a stiff wool coat. Agree with Angie's suggestions and think you will rock the right poncho! Did you see mine?

Vertical Design Rectangle Stripe Boxy Poncho

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8

Carole

Veteran

I'm glad your holding out for the right one....love your new sweater, jeans and booties!

CocoLion

(website)

Veteran

The things that give me pause are 1) the closure, which make it more of a cloak for outdoors, rather than an indoor wrap; and 2) the color.

The size is not off. It's a big look but does not overwhelm you, I think it's just a style we are getting used to. The models are really tall and ponchos look big on them too.

rachylou

Veteran

So I just donated a poncho with a leather closure like this... I decided I didn't like it and I have to confess I don't like it on this poncho either...

Aquamarine

Veteran

I want to love this on you, but I agree with all the reservations. I think you could carry off a poncho more than most, so I suspect another style/color with no hood would be spectacular on you.