Turn an “OK” Outfit To “Oh Wow” With This One Surprisingly Chic Piece

How To Style A Poncho With Sam Stewart

You may have heard it called a wrap, cape, or shawl, but today we are talking about the power of the poncho!!! Thanksgiving and the holidays are coming up, so this is the perfect time to wear a poncho! It may look like a simple piece of material, but you will be amazed at how it can change a whole outfit!  We are showing you how to style a wrap cape effortlessly in four easy ways.

Tip #1) Open Poncho

The fabulous thing about wraps is that they are OSFM (one size fits most) so you don’t have to worry about sizing. You just choose based on your color and material preferences and budget. Wearing a poncho open is the most obvious way to wear it. Plus, it’s SO EASY! Start with a good foundation. A simple top and jeans or a sweater dress works wonderfully and then drape the wrap cape over that! It’s that easy, and it’s a beautiful additional layer that adds warmth and elevates an outfit. You can also grab and go for travel! It’s great to lay one on top of an open tote that you can quickly reach for on an airplane.

STYLE TIP: Remember,  pick a style that is FLATTERING FOR YOU! If you love and look confident in skinny jeans, then rock those bad boys! It doesn’t matter that baggy jeans are in!

Tip #2) Half Belted

Wearing a poncho half belted is my FAVORITE way to style it! It defines your waist and drapes asymmetrically which creates visual interest. The trick is to belt the front half of it and then leave the rest of the wrap cape out. You can adjust and drape to create the shape you want over your clothing. It looks fabulous over a sweater dress and knee-high boots as shown above and would look great with a tee and flare-leg jeans to create that hourglass effect.

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Tip #3) Define Your Waist

To create ultimate drama and a waist-cinching silhouette, then belt a poncho! Again, the trick is to belt only the front (as shown in the above two photos), and then leave the back out! This creates the illusion of a flowing cape from behind! Keep it feminine with a body-skimming dress or wear it casually with pants or jeans and a hat. This fun fall/winter look will get you compliments everywhere!

Tip #4) Pin It!

Last but not least is styling a poncho pinned with a brooch! Brooches have so many fabulous uses, and this is a great way to keep a wrap cape in place AND show off a gorgeous accessory. Drape the poncho over your shoulders and then wrap one side to the other. Place the brooch on the shoulder and pin! VOILA!

These are four fun and easy ways to style a poncho effortlessly! I hope you enjoy trying something new or revitalizing a piece in your closet!! Which one will you try this season?

Be sure to check out Samantha Stewart’s blog, Style of Sam, for more of her actionable styling tips, boho meets glam style, and clean beauty. You’ll also LOVE her chic outfit inspiration and vintage style on Instagram, here.

In case you missed it, Sam shares 3 ways to freshen up your fall wardrobe here.
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