you say poncho…

Eileen Fisher poncho

…I say ruana. Poncho, wrap, ruana, cape…let’s call the whole thing fabulous.

earrings: Argento Vivo (similar) | poncho: Eileen Fisher | tank: Eileen Fisher | jeans: NYDJ (similar) |
bag: Givenchy | bracelet: French Kande | boots: Frye

Actually I’ve found that ponchos tend to divide the masses; people either love them or hate them. I’m in the love camp. I spotted this plaid poncho back in the spring when I attended a party/preview at the Eileen Fisher LA showroom, and knew I’d be looking for it come fall. This is one of those pieces you can throw on for Instant Outfit. Yes, it’s dramatic, but that’s the point.

Eileen Fisher wool wrap

Toss one end over your shoulder if it gets chilly.

All of the other clothes in this outfit are from last year (or older), a testament to good basics. I’m enjoying the current trend of white for fall, and have been wearing my white jeans more often.

I’ve received a few comments recently requesting some lower-priced versions of items I’ve shown or am wearing. I always try to include similar items in a range of prices in the widgets at the bottom of the post. If you’re looking for reasonably priced and well-made basics, with an eye toward ethical manufacturing and transparency, do check out Everlane. They offer a similarly cut tank (cotton rather than linen) for $25. I recently purchased this cotton tee ($28) and am quite pleased with it.

Do you have a poncho/wrap/ruana/cape in your wardrobe? How do you like to style it?

For more poncho inspiration, do go check out “How I Wear My: Poncho or Wrap” at Everything Just So and The Rich Life (on a budget).

Linked up: Visible Monday.

OPTIONS:

Affiliate links in this post may generate commissions for unefemme.net. See complete disclosure policy here.

Stay in touch

Sign up to be notified of new posts and updates from une femme d’un certain âge.

Affiliate links in posts may generate commissions for unefemme.net. See my complete disclosure policy here.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

49 Comments

  1. You are carrying that off beautifully. I’m all the more impressed, given that you have mentioned that you are petite. The plaid is striking on you! Love the whole outfit!

    I did have a ruana recently (by the way, I’ve thought that “ruana” means an open wrap, whereas “poncho” usually connotes more of a one piece garment with an opening in the top that you pull over your head– not sure if that’s right, though?) The ruana was pretty but it did keep falling open. I had a large pin I could anchor it with, but then it somehow seemed too “studied”, at least on me. Others could get away with that and look dashing…

    This year I just got a pale, blush pink poncho, so there’s no “falling-open” issue. Because of the color, I seem to be able to get away with it, even though it does have a bit of fringe, which is usually a no-no for me. Agree with you, it brings instant drama!

    1. nell, thanks very much! I’d always had the same understanding about ruanas vs. ponchos, but I’m seeing the two words used interchangeably these days with regard to pieces like this. Your poncho sounds very pretty, and the color versatile.

  2. Delicious! You look so chic in that plaid. I have a small black poncho that I enjoy over skinny jeans, with a turtleneck, and boots. Great fun.

  3. I have a grey poncho with a faux-fur trimmed hood that I just love to wear and an Avoca woollen cape thatI have owned for 25 years. For mild Vancouver weather, a sweater underneath is sufficient. Dramatic yes! I like the plaid on you.

  4. Now this is a look I like very much on you ! Different than what you usually show us (I was getting a little bit bored with EF cardigans & sweaters). Totally on trend, and perfect with your Givenchy bag. I love it !

  5. I absolutely LOVE this on you! Just fabulous. In general, I’m a fan of ponchos, long sweaters, wraps, etc. I live in southwest Florida, so sadly, I don’t get to wear some of my favorite types of clothing very often, and that includes ponchos, wraps. etc.

    1. Valerie, thank you very much. It IS frustrating when our style preferences don’t always work with our climate!

  6. I love capes & wraps but have problems carrying a bag. I hate carrying a bag just in my hands – I need my shoulder – so I struggle. But I have a couple of Irish wool capes & wraps I’ve had since high school (late 80s) and have gathered more since then, so clearly there is love! Ponchos – short ones – tend to not look great with my chest – so I stick more to open versions. I love the plaid of the EF version! I live in the south so a light cape is often all I need except a few days of the year (and as someone who grew up in New England and LOVES outerwear, this is awful!)

      1. frugalscholar, yes, that’s an option too. I’ve recently tried this with wearing the bag crossbody over the top and that also works.

    1. Kelly, thank you. I’ve also found that I can pretty easily arrange a cross-body bag over the top so that it both holds in place and doesn’t restrict my movement. Or, as frugal scholar suggested, a smaller bag underneath is always an option.

  7. I’m strongly in the “love” camp on these, but then I’m an old hippie. I have a black & grey tweedy fringed one that’s about 20 years old & lives in my car for beach walking or mountain walking or any walking when I get caught short by a weather change (I live on the coast, so the weather changes every 3 minutes). As I’m almost always in jeans & a tee, it usually goes with whatever I’m wearing. It doubles as a blanket if necessary. But I’m thinking I might look for another less casual one this fall as an actual fashion statement. This one looks great on you — and I LOVE your boots!

    1. Cathy, thanks. Glad to know I’m not the only Gershwins fan out there. 🙂 Still love the Louis Armstrong/Ella Fitzgerald version best.

  8. Been thinking seriously about getting one of these heavy wraps for winter – I do like the added drama and they seem practical for providing additional warmth over a jacket without too much extra bulk. (Also think they would be great for winter travel.)

    I love yours – you wear it with great flair! I cannot wear stripes, plaid or bold geometric designs of high contrast which seem to be more readily available right now. I’m searching for something pretty in a heavy weight (that does not shed fibers) but haven’t been able to find anything yet. Hope there are more choices to come as weather gets colder. May have to settle for a solid color.

    Would love to see additional posts on this wardrobe item with different outfits!! (I know you have nothing else to do…….LOL)

  9. Oh yes, bring on the drama! I love your ruana, a new word for me and one I’ll try to use. These are the most versatile of garments and you could wear a bag underneath and still look great, not that you’re wearing a bag!! In overly air-conditioned offices this would be useful as well, but I try to avoid them whenever possible – the offices, not the ruanas. Love your look.

    1. Melanie, thanks! I actually did wear this to the office earlier in the week, and it was just the right weight to ward of the steroidal air conditioning. I love your Alaia dress, holes be damned.

  10. You always look lovely and I turn to your blog each day for grownup, realistic style advice. I hope your day is lovely and later includes some TUT*. *totally unproductive time.

  11. I’m 5’3″…am wondering if I’m too short for all that material swirled around me. (On the other hand, I don’t remember that you’re any taller (?)–it doesn’t give you any qualms?)

    1. Hi Sarah, I’m actually 5’1″. This fabric is quite light so doesn’t *feel* voluminous. I love clothing with some movement to it, so that’s a plus for me.

  12. I have an Eileen Fisher poncho (light gray) from several years ago. I do like it’s cowl knit collar very much and the seed stitch of the knit body of the garment. As much as I like it, I don’t wear it as often as I thought I would. Instead, I grab a button up jacket that is easy to take off and goes with almost everything. I DO get compliments on my poncho when I do wear it.

    The plaid is very flattering on you!

    1. Spot, it’s weird, I ordered a petite but when I received the tag said “OS” for “one size.” I may call their customer service to get clarification about the sizing.

  13. I just bought my first poncho at Chico’s. I’m in Central Texas so I’m waiting on a cool front; can’t wait to wear it. Love the plaid on you!

  14. Put me down for Love It. On you especially, and with the white and at this length, it’s really dramatic, as you note! I get skittish around cardigans at my advanced age, but this length ruana-pancho-wrap is very romantic. Says “French Lieutenant’s Woman” or “Cat Ballou” rather than “Grampa’s Sweater” !

  15. Was up north and went to the Eileen Fisher Palo Alto store at the Stanford Mall. To die! ll sorts of stuff they don’t have here. Bought this poncho or what ever in a darker charcoal. LOVE IT! I like the way you’re wearing it with white. Must buy white jeans. Great look and the poncho feels divine. Love following you! If you get to Palo Alto do go to the Eileen Fisher store up there. Large store with a diferent assortment.

  16. So I went to a thing this past weekend and it was poncho/cape everywhere! So chic and appropriate for the outdoor event. Sadly, I just don’t think I can pull it off. I think it would require constant adjusting to keep it just right and then there’s the purse issue. But I admire the style and it looks great on you.