What is the difference between a poncho and a cape?  A poncho is described as:  a simple garment for the upper body in the form of a single piece of heavy cloth, often wool, with a slit in it for the head.  A cape is described as: a sleeveless outer garment that is fastened at the neck and hangs loosely from the shoulders. Perplexing?  

They both seem to be so similar, but I guess I would say, that a cape has more tailored features like seaming, pockets and structural elements. A poncho is more flowing and freewheeling, with a lot less structure.

No matter what you call it, this trend is nearly unstoppable!  The next time you’re at the Goodwill Retail Store & Donation Center, keep on the lookout for a cape or poncho to add to your wardrobe!  Of course it will be a lot less than those you’re going to see in all the department stores and boutiques. I encourage you to try this warm and wooly look but be sure to follow my fashion rules.

1. Proportion is everything when it comes to this trend.  If you are on the petite side of the fashion spectrum, be sure that you pick a shorter cape or poncho that hits just below the waist.  You don’t want to look as though you’re drowning in fabric!   If it feels like there’s just too much volume for you, there probably is.

    

2. Know your personal look.  Are you more casual and folksy?  Then perhaps you may want to opt for a hand-knit poncho or cape that doesn’t have a lot of fussy details.  Pick a bright and vibrant color that makes you feel happy when you’re wearing it!  Avoid heavy gage yarns and stiffly knit pieces that can feel bulky and awkward.  You want to have your fashion flowing freely.  Are you more of a tailored gal?  Then you may want to add a cape or poncho that has more of a fitted, structural look with epaulets and details that make it more sophisticated.  Again, the way it fits your body is an indication of your individual style.

    

3. When wearing this hot look, take into consideration that there is a lot of volume on the top of your body!  You don’t want to wear a cape or poncho with a long full skirt!  Keep the lower body silhouette as lean as you can by wearing a fitted skinny jean and boots, a boot cut trouser and wedge heel, or maybe a long tunic with leggings and menswear inspired lace ups.  If you want to wear it over a dress or skirt, that’s fine, as long as it doesn’t compete and make you look like you have two bell shapes draped on your body.  A pencil skirt and blouse, or slim cut a-line dress could be the appropriate foil for your new style!

    

4. Look for superior wool yarn or high-density fabric for your cape or poncho.  Quality should be of great concern to you, since this is really an outer garment that will be the focus of your look!  Wool knits and fabrics wear much better than acrylic, and do not have the propensity for “pilling” (getting those little fuzz balls all over). Nothing spoils the look of a knit like those pesky little pills, so avoid those types of fabrics all together!

Follow these tips, and remember to think about what you will wear your new cape or poncho with that you may already have at home!  Good fashion and style is always about playing it smart, and you can’t get any smarter than shopping for the latest looks for less at the Goodwill near you! 

askbjorn@goodwillsew.com

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