Cape Fear: No Need To Be Afraid Of The Cape and Poncho Trend
cape intro
Dare to bare the cape – it’s got more potential than you think! And you don’t need superhero skills to pull it off, just a dandy design, killer attitude and a bit of styling intelligence. See our line-up of the season’s sizzling styles plus no-fail tips to work the look anytime, anywhere.
By Purnima Shrinivas
0/21
Style
Cape Fear: No Need To Be Afraid Of The Cape and Poncho Trend.
Bold ‘n’ Beckoning
Bold ‘n’ Beckoning: Aiming for sartorial distinction? Then ditch that navy pea coat and trench, and switch to a ‘70s hippie-style long lambswool poncho in a bold pattern. Pair with a fitting full-sleeve sweater and skinnies for a flattering look. marksandspencer.com
1/21
Style
Cape Fear: No Need To Be Afraid Of The Cape and Poncho Trend.
Modish Mash Up
Modish Mash Up: Sweater or poncho? A bit of both really. A traditional V-bottomed pattern but with ribbed sleeves, it’s the ideal choice for those days when you can’t decide what to wear. Wear inside out or outside in – it’s thin and perfect for layering. cove.uk.com
2/21
Style
Cape Fear: No Need To Be Afraid Of The Cape and Poncho Trend.
Glamour Garment
Glamour Garment: Smitten by the cape but reluctant to wear one on occasion? Our advice: wear a shoulder shawl that’s more sophisticated than a shrug but not as elaborate as a Victoria’s Secret angel’s wings – feathered, satin-lined and with slippage-free arm straps and front clasp. gillygray.com
3/21
Style
Cape Fear: No Need To Be Afraid Of The Cape and Poncho Trend.
Kiddie Cape
Kiddie Cape: The only time you can wear an animal cape without inviting a snigger is when you’re little and lovable. A handmade velvet teddy bear applique cape for pretend-play, Halloween and all those times when the tiny tot could do with some extra attention. notonthehighstreet.com
4/21
Style
Cape Fear: No Need To Be Afraid Of The Cape and Poncho Trend.
Evergreen Ponch
Evergreen Poncho: If runways have their say, the poncho will remain a key style for a few more years to come. Invest in an all-season suede variety with tassel bottoms and laser cuts in a nude or brown colour; dress it up with boot-cut jeans, ankle boots and tap into your inner urban cowgirl. jayley.com
5/21
Style
Cape Fear: No Need To Be Afraid Of The Cape and Poncho Trend.
Classic Cloak
Classic Cloak: A wizard’s sole preserve no more; the classic tailored cape is for muggles with a keen eye for fashion. Pair with cropped trousers and a fitting sweater, mixing colours and textures as you go. zara.com
6/21
Style
Cape Fear: No Need To Be Afraid Of The Cape and Poncho Trend.
Lots O’ Spots
Lots O’ Spots: Spice up a dull wardrobe with a wool blend leopard print poncho with side cut-outs for sleeves. Loaded with sass but demurely modern, it can be worn to the office and to a casual evening affair and in multiple ways as well. paisie.com
7/21
Style
Cape Fear: No Need To Be Afraid Of The Cape and Poncho Trend.
Check Mate
Check Mate: Faux fur and checks are enjoying a bit of a moment, and when paired with a cape, the style factor almost triples. Classic, responsible, sophisticated and on-trend – check it out! riverisland.com
8/21
Style
Cape Fear: No Need To Be Afraid Of The Cape and Poncho Trend.
the Novelty Cover-Up
The Novelty Cover-Up: A vivid double-layer triangular shawl in an unusual PU Nylon, knitwear and silicone fabric – the change in design and texture will liven up your ensemble, keep the wind chills at bay and, of course, the winter blues too. Not for the feeble-hearted, however. etsy.com
9/21
Style
Cape Fear: No Need To Be Afraid Of The Cape and Poncho Trend.
Classy Chic
Classy Chic: You can bet that this modern wool wrap in a stunning black and camel combo will help you achieve a polished look that everyone clamours for. Plus, it’s one of those key pieces that can add instant zing to ordinary wear, if combined carefully. etsy.com
10/21
Style
Cape Fear: No Need To Be Afraid Of The Cape and Poncho Trend.
Custom Cowl
Custom Cowl: It’s a cowl. No, it’s a cape. No, it’s a vest. No matter the moniker, this movie-and-television-series-inspired, custom-made warmer is hot and trending on crochet and knitting circuits. A portion of the purchase proceeds for this alternative and brave design also goes to various charities. We’re nodding in approval. thelettergdesign.com
11/21
Style
Cape Fear: No Need To Be Afraid Of The Cape and Poncho Trend.
The Manket:
The Manket: Don’t be afraid to take the blanket from your bedroom to the fashion sidewalks – try the multicolour striped wool Kochi poncho. For starters, the leather strap and buckle are telling that you didn’t just drape yourself in what you slept in last night. Second, it’s muted and enjoys a quiet sophistication. Combine with a swagger and strike a pose for the street style photogs. varia-curiosa.com
12/21
Style
Cape Fear: No Need To Be Afraid Of The Cape and Poncho Trend.
Back To Black
Back To Black: If you think man ponchos are overwhelming when it comes to prints, consider a black varsity shawl with sporty double stripes. And don’t worry – though basic, this one’s so preppy and versatile you won’t be mistaken for a nomad. topman.com
13/21
Style
Cape Fear: No Need To Be Afraid Of The Cape and Poncho Trend.
Kimono Cape
Kimono Cape: Armed with more structure than a poncho but with no compromises on comfort, this unisex Hungarian merino wool wrap is high on style and substance. Throw it over your white button-down and jeans, but keep the inner layers short and sleek to maintain focus on the fringes and avoid a volume overdo. etsy.com
14/21
Style
Cape Fear: No Need To Be Afraid Of The Cape and Poncho Trend.
Geometric Symmetric
Geometric Symmetric: Feeling a little adventurous? Forgo the classic man cape – pick one with a geometric pattern and fringes for a bold look instead. Just finish with a plain shirt and crisp khakis for work or a plain polo and fitting jeans for a laidback do. riverisland.com
15/21
Style
Cape Fear: No Need To Be Afraid Of The Cape and Poncho Trend.
Beware of the Superhero, Super Villain & Vagabond
Beware of the Superhero, Super Villain & Vagabond: Guys, it IS possible to rock a cape and earn a brownie point or two. Best to pick fine textures, subtle patterns, window pane checks or stylish stripes, steering clear of flowy cloak and hood combos. For the rest of the garb, think sleek and sharp; mess with contrasts and accessorise to style up, and last, keep all facial hair meticulously sculpted, or mow clean. Remember you want ‘edgy cool dude’ not Batman, Darth Vader or drifter.
16/21
Style
Cape Fear: No Need To Be Afraid Of The Cape and Poncho Trend.
Think Outside the Blanket:
Think Outside the Blanket: So many ways to wear a blanket without making it look like one! Drape it like a conventional shawl over both shoulders; wear it like a large scarf – one side in front and the other at the back; wrap several times around the neck on chillier days; or wear over clothes and belt it at the waist. Experiment with different looks at different times of day.
17/21
Style
Cape Fear: No Need To Be Afraid Of The Cape and Poncho Trend.
Who’s That Girl?:
Who’s That Girl?: Who says a Black Bat cape should be restricted to Gotham City? Nuh-uh! Worn with a short, full-sleeved plain and pastel dress and over-the-knee socks, it can take your fashion quotient rocketing. Play matchy, but only with accessories. Photo Credits: Abaday.com
18/21
Style
Cape Fear: No Need To Be Afraid Of The Cape and Poncho Trend.
Stand Out With A Statement Style:
Stand Out With A Statement Style: As much as the uncontrolled, bulky blanket excites for versatility in drape, a structured but oversized silhouette in a dramatic print can do wonders, if worn well (see Blake Lively’s Tamiami Trail Trench above). For fail-safe fashion, slip over a mini, keeping the inner layers invisible at poncho hem and pair with knee-highs. Photo Credits: Lindsey Thornburg
19/21
Style
Cape Fear: No Need To Be Afraid Of The Cape and Poncho Trend.
Keep It Short And Sweet:
Keep It Short And Sweet: When the weather gets a tad warmer, think Victorian and opt for the practical knitted or crocheted capelet. The nice thing is that you can team it with anything – a dress, or even a T-shirt – and being lightweight, it works for most seasons. Pair with matching fingerless hand warmers and high-heeled boots. Photo Credits: Blarney Woolen Mills
20/21
Style
Cape Fear: No Need To Be Afraid Of The Cape and Poncho Trend.
From luxury labels to street culture, this year’s designer collaborations are blending unexpected worlds for a creative – and often innovative – twist on fashion
Green is in! Being eco-friendly has never been more chic – we show you how to join the sustainable style movement without sacrificing your passion for fashion
‘Tis the season to look your best – but what does ‘your best’ mean, exactly? Let us help you find your signature look for the most wonderful time of the year
The holiday social season has begun! With our hand-picked selection of party-ready accessories, you’ll look cute and keep cosy at every festive occasion
An investment piece isn’t just something you buy, it’s something you wear – and cherish – for decades. Here’s how to shop for quality and longevity in your wardrobe
Sustainable, wearable, timeless: babaà knitwear has won the hearts of eco-friendly fashionistas. Here, founder Marta Bahillo shares her inspirations and hopes for the future
Sorry, the comment form is closed at this time.