Introduction

Are you a fan of Ponchos, Wraps, and Shawls? I think these are a wonderful “third piece” which can make any top and pants or tops and skirts look more interesting and pulled together. In this post, I will show you four different outfits with ponchos, wraps, and shawls. I spend much of the winter (from late December until late May) in La Quinta, California. This is a town about thirty minutes east of Palm Springs. The early morning and late evening weather can easily be in the ’40s in January through early March. Thus a layer such as ponchos, wraps, and shawls can be very useful as well as fashionable.

This type of piece can be worn as the “top layer” in my region, but in other cooler locales, it can replace a sweater or vest, to then be worn under an overcoat. I especially love wearing this item in a spot where the weather changes a lot on the same day. For example, the other day we went to Joshua Tree State Park. When we left La Quinta, it was 55 degrees. By the time we reached our highest elevation at the park, it was 39 with a stiff wind. By wearing a poncho, wrap, or shawl, (under a coat if necessary), you allow yourself the flexibility of layers that can be easily added or removed.

In addition to thinking of ponchos, wraps, and shawls as fall-winter items, take a look at the ones I linked below (especially the darling cream and navy striped one from J.Jill). Some of these pieces will look cute in the spring with a lightweight tee or denim shirt underneath. Or even in the summer, in the frigid air conditioning of the warmest spots.

Poncho Outfit Number One:

In this first look for this post on ponchos, wraps, and shawls, I am sporting a black watch plaid cashmere poncho over a black ribbed turtleneck as well as black velvet jeans. My black riding boots complete the black under layer and I have belted the poncho, (just the front half) so as to keep the poncho/wrap closed and to keep it from falling off my shoulders. I have added black kid leather gloves (which I always wear if it’s less than 50 degrees out to keep them from drying out). I also have on my usual diamond stud earrings.

Poncho Outfit Number Two:

Isn’t this a cute look? This is a lightweight poncho in a gray heather knit. It has some fringe at the bottom as many ponchos and wraps do. The roll neck poncho adds pretty visual interest around one’s face. Under the poncho, I have a J Crew Factory fuchsia and a royal blue leopard shirt (last season). Again, I belted the poncho over skinny jeans and black riding boots. My earrings are classic pearl studs, my watch is my daily ever-present Ebel stainless steel, and my thin diamond bangle completes my “usual suspects”.

Outfit Number Three:

This third outfit was based on a slubby gray and white shawl/wrap that I received from my good friend Julie. We both share our first names as well as the birthday month of December. Here I wore a gray cotton and silk J Jill turtleneck underneath the wrap. I belted it with a wide brown woven leather belt. I wore dark-wash skinny jeans cuffed a bit to show off my tan suede booties.

Outfit Number Four:

This is such a visually interesting ensemble. I paired a burgundy wrap/shawl with a black and gray long-sleeved striped tee. To mix patterns, I stayed in the same color profile but added a gray and black leopard tissue paper cashmere scarf at the neck. Style tip: Adding a soft scarf or necklace is a great trick when wearing a poncho, wrap or shawl because if you get warm, you can take off this top layer and still have a completed look in place!

Here I added a black pebbled leather doctor’s bag, black kid leather gloves, black Lysse pointe leggings, and black suede booties. You can also see my watch and bracelet peeking out from my gloves and tee.

Conclusion:

Hopefully, I have convinced you of my premise that ponchos, wraps, and shawls are a valuable layer to employ in your year-round wardrobe. I have linked below the photos of the exact (if still available) or similar items to my outfits. In addition, I have put together a bunch of great-looking pieces for you to consider. I purposely selected many different styles. They are items available for Petites up through plus-size ponchos. There are hooded ponchos as well as roll neck ponchos. There are Amazon ponchos as well as a darling J. Jill poncho. Take your time and see if any of these items tickle your fashion fancy.

Happy New Year!

XO,

Dr. Julie