Posts Tagged ‘poncho’
Ponchos and capes were around last winter but this winter it looks like they will be even more on trend. A poncho or cape is the perfect cover up for a cold day. It keeps you really snug and warm and fits over the chunkiest of jumpers for a fashionable take on a classic look. Capes and ponchos have come in and out of fashion over the decades with the sixties and seventies have their own versions. It is perhaps because of this retro revival that we are seeing so many capes on the catwalk for winter 2010 but it also fits in well with the whole winter sport or artic trend.
One of the most sought after looks of the season will be the camel coloured cape but you can be a little different and individual with patterned or black capes or ponchos.
How to wear your poncho or cape
There are plenty of different styles of ponchos’ and capes around this winter ranging from cape style outdoor coats to knitted versions which can be worn indoors or outdoors and evening styles for travelling to and from an evening event. Generally speaking the longer and more voluminous the poncho or cape, the more you will need to balance the look by wearing slim fitting clothes on your bottom half. A cape style coat or poncho works really well over a suit to travel to and from work and will comfortably fit over a tailored jacket.
Knitted ponchos tend to look better with casual outfits and work especially well with a pair of leggings and a tunic top as the close fit of the leggings give a balanced look. For the evening a cape or poncho will usually look best with a long column style of evening dress or evening trousers although a short style of poncho an cape may also work with a fuller skirt.
This Black knit panels fringe hem detail poncho is the perfect finishing touch to many evening outfits. It adds warmth but does not detract from the beautiful evening wear worn underneath. Black is the perfect versatile colour and this dress will work for so many occasions including with daytime outfits. It has a delicate fringe and is finished with pom poms. It also has cuffs to keep the ponch in place.
This stunning Black knit panels fringe hem detail poncho not only acts as a great cover up to travel to and from parties this winter but also is a fashion statement in its own right. The white icicle and snow like design gives it a really wintery feel and fits in well with the ski wear trend seen on many of the catwalks.
This beautiful Longline black and brown poncho with buttons is perfect for daytime wear in the winter. It has a chunky knit with brown panels and a very attractive and warm faux fur collar. It would look great with black leggings and boots. If you are short, add a wedge heel to keep the look balanced.
The summer has finally arrived and with it the most gorgeous sunshine and hot weather. Most of us wouldn’t dream about complaining about the heat, but it can sometimes be difficult to look stylish and keep cool on really hot days in the summer. There is nothing worse than feeling hot and uncomfortable and a red shiny face is not the most stylish of looks so if you can find beautiful clothes that also keep you comfortably cool, you have definitely cracked the secret to looking great in the summer. As a rule loose fitting clothes in natural fabrics will be the coolest. Light colours also absorb less heat and bright colours look amazing in the bright sunshine. Some other great tips for keeping really cool are investing in a sun hat and sitting in the shade most of the time (this will also be good for your skin), carrying a water spray to spritz your face if really hot, drinking plenty of cold drinks (especially water) and running your wrists under the cold tap for a minute or two. A great pair of summer sandals will also ensure that your feet are lovely and cool and also look great, don’t forget to paint your toenails in a beautiful bright summer colour.
Juicy coloured sun dress -an empire line sun dress is incredibly flattering as it skims over the tummy, hips and thighs. The lack of sleeves will also keep you nice and cool but be careful if sitting out in the sun that your shoulders don’t burn. The creased fabric of this dress also allows it to hang loosely as tight and clingy just doesn’t work on a hot day. The delicate detailing on this dress mean that it fits into the categories of day dresses and summer party dresses. Try teaming with a wide brimmed straw hat for barbeques or garden parties or an occasion hat for a wedding or day at the races.
Light weight blouse – a truly versatile piece, short sleeved light weight blouse looks fresh and cool and reflects the heat on the hottest of days. It can be worn with tailored shorts or a skirt for work or even jeans or a casual pair of trousers.
Loose fitting skirt -sometimes when it gets really hot, it is too hot to even wear trousers. A loose fitting skirt is the coolest option. This style of skirt is really on trend so try combining with a pair of gladiators for a really fashionable look or some wedges if you want to add a bit of height. Balance the volume of the skirt with a close fitting camisole or vest top.
Colourful poncho -if you are out in the garden on a hot day, you can’t beat a poncho for loose fitting and airy style. Add some of the brightest colours around this summer and you have an instantly chic and eye catching outfit that would work for all sorts of occasions from beach to party.
Cool cropped trousers – when the thermostat goes up, ditch your long trousers in favour of some cropped trousers. If you want something easy to wear and practical, the these are just what you need. Choose from a range of gorgeous summer colours and team with a t shirt in a contrasting colour and flip flops for the perfect summer outfit.
At last it is summer, the sun is out and the weather is great. If you are going on holiday or staying at home, perhaps indulging in a ‘staycation’, you will probably be starting to think about what you will wear and how to look stylish in the heat. When the temperatures rise and the sun gets really hot, the most sensible people cover up with pieces of clothing that prevent sun burn and damage from the suns rays whilst still keeping cool and looking stylish.
There are some great ways to cover up this summer in bold and bright clothing that is versatile enough to be worn in the day time or evening. Tropical temperatures call for tropical colours, think pinks, greens, yellows and blues. All of these colours will reflect the beautiful sunlight and make you glow, the perfect look for a summers day.
The Tunic
The tunic works really well as a daytime top. It is the ideal piece of clothing for when you are out and about or sight seeing on holiday. Its long length and loose fit make it really cool and easy to wear. You can opt for a long sleeved or short sleeved tunic. Obviously the long sleeved option in better for covering up and keeping the sun off your arms but either will work equally well for the evening. A tunic can be worn as a mini dress or beach cover up in the day, with cropped trousers or jeans and smarter trousers for the evening.
The Over Blouse
Over blouses are perfect for layering over a camisole or t shirt during the day if the going gets too hot or in the evening if things are a little cooler. The collar neckline works well for covering and protecting the back of your neck especially if you are out in the midday sun. An over blouse is incredibly chic. There are lots of different styles available to suit most tastes and they can be worn open or done up.
The Poncho
The Poncho is a loose fitting top without defined arm holes. It works really well for the beach or poolside as it is so easy to take on and off. The large area of fabric in a poncho lends itself to some really stunning and bold designs. If wearing a poncho with trousers, always opt for a fitted pair to balance out the volume of the top.
The Kaftan
A traditional kaftan is generally a cotton or silk cloak buttoned down the front, with full sleeves, reaching to the ankles and worn with a sash. More recent adaptations of kaftans this look encompass all sorts of loose fitting top, dresses and shirts. All of these styles make great beach wear and also can be worn buttoned up as a dress or unbuttoned as a jacket.
So if you want to look stylish and cool this summer, kaftans, ponchos, tunics and over blouses are all great cover ups to take you from poolside to evening out. Even better they will protect you from the suns rays and keep your skin looking young. Don’t forget your sunglasses to protect your eyes and a straw hat to protect you head, face and neck.