Outside the Box - A Poncho Top

I started this column to force me to try new things. Most of us love to be comfortable, but it easy to get into a routine with our style. We automatically go for that same sweater, or that same pair of jeans because they fit well and we feel comfy in them. How, then, are we supposed to try new things when we are so consumed with remaining in our same comfortable rut? 

Last month I took a pair of pajama pants and showed you four ways you could style them for wearing outside the bedroom. You can see that post here. Today, I am wearing a piece that I recently found at a thrift store while visiting my mom. A poncho is a large piece of fabric with a hole in the center for the head to go through. I call mine a poncho sweater, because the sides are closed. Most ponchos are open on the sides, making getting into and out of them easier. 

This picture was taken at Mohican State Park. We love to stay in their little cabins! 

I have seen other people wear these types of ponchos and I have also looked at various styles on the racks in the stores, but this was the first one I saw and thought, "Wow! I like that." Since it is not something I have ever had before and I have never styled before, I thought this would be the perfect place to feature it. 

I like the neutral color and the black stripe adds just enough interest so that it is not too plain. In the above picture you can see a little bit how the sleeves hang down to almost the elbow and then the entire piece is sewn along the body on both sides under the arm. 

Since it is lighter weight I decided to wear it over my black and white gingham blouse. I liked how the blouse tied in with the black strip on the poncho. I also worn my dark wash, straight leg jeans. I went for my suede SO ankle boots, as they matched the poncho. My bag is the bright pop of color and is Vera Wang. The final touch is the black and gold fringe necklace on red leather. 

Here is a side view to show you the sleeve length, and the way the side fabric hangs. That was also the view of the river, right out our back door. 

I got this necklace on the clearance rack at Christopher and Banks. I love it! 

My conclusion on this piece is that I really like it. I am sure I will be wearing it again, and it will be a nice piece for transitioning to spring....just in case spring happens to come around again. Ha, ha.

What do you think of the poncho top? Would you wear this? How would you style it? Maybe you already have one. What is your favorite way to wear it?

Below are a few shopping links for ponchos. These are affiliate links, but all opinions are my own. 

Have a great weekend!

Fun Fall Look - Plaid Poncho

Plaid is all the rage this fall, so when I found this plaid poncho at Charming Charlie, I thought it would be a great addition to my wardrobe. Poncho's are a fun piece that add a layer of warm and an interesting look to many outfits. I have a crocheted poncho which I have styled on the blog before. You can see that post here. While that poncho is more for summer and warm wether, this piece I am styling for you today is perfect for fall and winter. 

Purple, being one of my favorite colors, I was thrilled to find this poncho. Not long after when I was thrifting with my older daughter, i found this purple pair of jeans. The jeans are really long and will look great with heels, but for this outfit, I rolled the pant legs up and wore my purple velvet kitten heels.

A poncho like this can be worn like a light weight jacket or when the weather gets colder it can be used like a blazer or sweater as an over piece for warmth and interest. I am wearing the poncho the traditional way with the point going down the front and back, but the poncho could be turned so that the points go toward the wrists for more of a rectangular appearance. I forgot to take a picture of it that way. 

For my outfit I am wearing the poncho as a layering piece over a light lavender cowl neck sweater.

Wearing the poncho as a layering piece means I have the extra warmth if I want it. I simply pull the necklace outside the poncho to make it look like a finished outfit. 

You can also see I added a few bracelets and a simple gray clutch.

Do you have a poncho? How do you like to wear yours? I've added a few shopping links if you are interested in getting one for yourself. There are a number of styles and colors. 

This post contains affiliate links. All opinions are my own. 

Thank you for stopping by the blog. Have a great weekend!