Why Every Woman Should own A Poncho

If the idea of a poncho instinctively makes you think hippy dippy, Charlie’s Angels throwback, it’s time you took another look at this reimagined retro classic. For me, it’s a wear-with-anything, sartorial saviour when a coat just feels a little too formal and a jacket too fitted. There are days’days when I just want to be’swaddled in tactile fabrics, but without looking like a bag lady, and the fluid drape of a poncho has just enough theatre to elevate my?outfit?without making a shouty statement.?From an entirely practical point of view, ponchos are terrific at protecting easily creased fabrics, which belted coats in particular can crush. Here are four?of my favourites.

I think all clothes’should have pockets. I love them … in skirts, trousers, dresses …?The oversized pockets in this camel poncho are a lovely design detail, and the slanted positioning means they don’t disturb the drape of the fabric.

There’s something very luxurious about winter white. I love the addition of studded detailing to this Maje piece, as it adds a bit of an edge to the refined neutral colour. Buy this a couple of sizes bigger than usual if you want to wear it as outerwear.

I adore the exaggerated asymmetric cut of this piece. It looks so chic?but?effortless.

Any type of utilitarian detailing (such as the zips on this Asos knit) dilute down and hippy dippy associations a poncho might evoke. I like the textured weave of this knit too.