Style Check (Ponchos)
Poncho Parade
Ponchos have travelled a long distance as a form of attire translating its classic charm into contemporary style and aesthetics. Its rediscovered version vibes well with today’s bubbly and pretty young things as it did with the yesteryear fashion enthusiasts. While the former believes in ‘cool and comfy’ design diktats, the latter was tilted more towards modesty or a conservative approach to dressing.
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| Image Credit: Pexels.com |
BY PRAMITA BOSE
With the weather cooling
down with breezy drizzles and sporadic spells of sharp showers after a sultry
summer, ponchos now seem a go-to garb to cover up in wet monsoons under a cosy
umbrella. Ponchos
were earlier worn as a winter warmer but at the moment, it appears a fashion
statement all the year round. From being a winter staple, poncho has come a
long way to emerge as a stylish topwear.
Makeover Punch
Couturiers are no wonder experimenting with the cuts and sizes of ponchos from the erstwhile traditional inverted triangular shape with a slit in the middle around the neckline.
“We must look beyond the conventional periphery to move ahead. By transcending those obvious borders, we can easily advance to create something new. Ponchos are now pruned to woo the palates of maverick fashionistas who like to reinterpret things by thinking out of the box,” notes renowned fashion designer Anjali Phougat, founder of Designer Dream Collection label.
Asymmetrical hems, cape-inspired silhouettes and wraparound drapes are winning hands down by adding that spice of variety to the poncho parade. “There are also kaftan-style pieces and structured versions with tailored shoulders for the makers to package their products as more flattering and fitting to a tee, yet at the same time, retain their fluid charm,” explains Phougat.
Versatile Clothing
Ponchos can be flaunted with confidence at several places and on various occasions. It could be perfect for airport looks, at brunch or dinner outings, in festive gatherings, at cocktail galas or in spiritual retreats as well as at wellness resorts. The same can even compliment red carpet events via dramatic fabrics and embellishments and on the beaches as cover-ups.
“From beach holidays to brunch parties, from glitzy star-studded evenings to cultural fairs and art exhibitions, ponchos can shine anywhere everytime. It’s all about how you style it with enviable aplomb,” shares ace designer Nidhi Munim.
Young and Old Alike
Good news is that ponchos are an all-age-group outfit cloaking both kids and seniors alike in a happy snuggle. Talk of inclusivity and ponchos aptly belong to this bracket.
“They are a universal comfort garment. From toddlers in hooded fleece ponchos to the elderly wrapped in stunning embroidered drapes, such an easy-to-wear, forgiving silhouette is a sheer favourite across the board. For children, playing with radiant dyes and animal-themed prints pay off greatly, while for the golden agers, a neat, minimal and soft-textured poncho would ideally accentuate their fashion passion,” opines Phougat.
Down Under
As an overlay, ponchos can work beautifully in tandem with the underlying stories in the form of tank tops or camisoles, turtlenecks in winter, button-down shirts for slender layering and bodycon dresses or jumpsuits. “It’s important to pick and choose slinky inner layers that are body hugging only to avoid an unwanted bulk under a fluttering poncho,” reminds Phougat.
A host of accessories can team up well with a poncho. “A bold belt, oversized sunglasses or a sleek bag can instantly elevate your look. Less is more but make it count,” suggest Munim.
Phougat advises to couple accessories with a poncho that retain its central focus instead of upstaging it. Opt for wide-brim hats or fedoras, sling bags or boho satchels, waist belts to cinch the poncho, statement sunglasses, layered scarves or stoles to do the job.
Ornamental Sparkle & Foot Fixation
Stylists recommend spunky belles to adorn with layered chains or statement earrings to go with the ponchos. Footwear can range from boots to sandals, depending on the mood, be it in the avatar of a spirited boho chick or a polished, demure delight.
A further fleeting glimpse of the shiny jewellery gallery indicates sprucing up with long pendants, chunky cuffs or tribal-inspired earrings to enhance one’s poncho profile. “Avoid neck-cuddling pieces if the neckline is already elaborate. Use layered necklaces if the poncho is plain or in a deep V shape,” offers Phougat.
As far as footwear is concerned, she instructs to “invest in knee-high boots for winter ponchos, Kolhapuris or juttis for ethnic styles, strappy heels for glam looks and sneakers or espadrilles for casual or travel wear” before signing off.
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