Ponchos: fiesta or flop? Once just worn by dudes walking donkeys, the poncho has had its ups and downs when it comes to breaking into snob territory. But now, a zesty new herd of ponchos suitable for the most style-conscious of ladies have trotted onto the scene. They are just the right blend of Mexican blanket and knowingly chic elegance. Flirty stripes, luxuriant fabrics, a classic spin, and ethereal blends of satin and mohair – these picks have taken scratchy blankets and turned them into wild basics.
1) Rebecca Taylor Striped Cashmere-Blend Tasseled Poncho: The flirty poncho, naturally by the master of ruffle-front dresses and demure leopard-prints. This is as feminine as it gets, while still remaining true to classic style, blanket-like tassels and all. On Net-a-Porter for $395.
2) Sonia Rykiel Striped Alpaca-Blend Poncho: Everyone knows Sonia is a genius when it comes to knit stripes; this poncho shows her brilliance hasn’t ceased. With inverted seams and a wild, look-at-me shape, this layer has edge. On Net-a-Porter for $1,285.
3) Chloé Oversized Knitted Blanket Poncho: All the coziness of a blanket, all the laid-back cool we hope for from Chloé. Mohair gives it a fuzziness that would look great against jet-black leather, and the blurry stripes make it city-ready. On Net-a-Porter for $1,795.
4) DKNY Pure DKNY Turtleneck: Le poncho c’est chic! This extra-nubby knit is classic on the top, spicy on the bottom. An oversized funnel neck is given a run for its money by a swingy, fringy edge. On ShopBop for $525.
5) Alexander Wang Satin and Knit Poncho: The mother of all glamorous ponchos. Alex’s is less “Wasting Away in Margaritaville” and more “Dancing Queen.” Wilder than a night in Tijuana, yes, but thanks to the trademark Wang touches (a drawstring detail, a sense of irreverence), this actually works. On ShopBop for $3,300.
