Ponchos Have Come Back From the Dead, and We're Not Even Scared

Time travel might still be a long way off, but that doesn’t stop brands from revisiting the past to take design cues. Fashion is completely cyclical, and it’s only a matter of time before something—be it a garment, print, or styling trick—comes back around again. That said, for A/W 18, it’s now the poncho’s turn to rise from the ashes.

We all know the poncho is deeply rooted in ’70s style culture. However, more recently, it was Burberry that put the blanket back on the fashion map. In 2014, then creative chief Christopher Bailey sent an army of models—led by Cara Delevingne in what would prove to be her career-making catwalk show—down the runway in monogrammed woollen capes.

As of today, the poncho is officially back. Okay, we’ll admit it: initially, we were on the fence, but thanks to Chloé, Missoni and Acne Studios (who’ve all included the poncho as part of their A/W 18 collections), we’ve come around to the idea. It’s also proving to be a hit with the FROW set too, who are serving up inspiration on how to wear a poncho with flair. Keep scrolling and you’ll see it’s not as daunting as it sounds.

TRY SHORT HEMS

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(Image credit: Kirstin Sinclair/Getty Images)

The billowing silhouette of the poncho provides the perfect contrast to bare legs (while the weather permits at least). Wear yours with a miniskirt or short dress underneath for a glossy take.

Related: The 4 Easy Autumn Trends That Will Instantly Update Your Wardrobe

GO TONAL

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(Image credit: Christian Vierig/Getty Images)

Base the shades of the rest of your outfit around the colours of your poncho to instantly pull the look together. Carrying a bag in one of the accent hues is an easy way to do so. Then, just add classic trainers for a more laid-back vibe.

Related: These French Ankle Boots Sell Out Every Year, and They've Just Come Back

ESCHEW BOHO AND SMARTEN UP

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(Image credit: Edward Berthelot/Getty Images)

Play with different layering techniques to give your poncho a modern spin. Wearing the draped cover-up over a shirtdress and finishing with over-the-knee boots will give it an interesting balance. Less hippie, more haute fashion.

Related: This Is the Best Autumn Capsule Collection on the High Street

GO FULL-ON RETRO

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(Image credit: Matthew Sperzel/Getty Images)

Play homage to the ’70s with a retro-inspired ensemble. Pair a patterned and knitted poncho with a pussy-bow blouse and flares, and finish with platforms for the full look.

Since we’re in a retro mood, take a look back at Brooke Shields’s most iconic moments.

Maxine Eggenberger
Deputy Editor

Maxine Eggenberger isBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing UK’s deputy editor and has over thirteen years of experience in fashion journalism. She been creating engaging and elevated style content specifically forBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing UK since 2018, covering runway reports, emerging trends, long-form features, self-styled shopping stories and columns, including her edit of the best new-in buys. She ensures the highest editorial standards are met across the site, leads the editorial team in their SEO strategy and keyword planning, works closely with the beauty team on content initiatives, represents the brand at industry events, and regularly contributes to social media, including her ownBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing UK TikTok franchise, French Style Fridays. Previously, Maxine appeared on ITV's This Morning in her own fashion segment and has interviewed countless celebrities—everyone from Victoria Beckham to Oscar winner Lupita Nyong’o.

Prior toBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing UK, Maxine’s career began when, after completing her first-ever internship at Look magazine, she was offered a position on the brand's fashion desk. She accepted, leaving university a year early in the process. Her passion and natural talent for writing and styling meant she swiftly rose through the ranks to become the title's fashion news and commercial content editor, with a stint as InStyle.co.uk’s fashion and beauty writer along the way. She later served as Look’s acting Editor in Chief, overseeing both print and digital, before embarking on a successful freelance career, working with Grazia, The Pool, and Marie Claire amongst others.

Maxine is based remotely from her countryside home near Edinburgh where she spends her downtime renovating her house, walking her dogs, hosting friends and trying to master the art of making Old Fashioned cocktails.