Stylist Shan Williams offers her advice on who should and who shouldn’t wear autumn’s poncho trend

WITH a nip in the air and the leaves starting to turn, now is the time to see which type of coat we want to keep us warm this season.

The retailers have really got this new season ‘wrapped up’. One of the key looks is the blanket coat, poncho or cape.

As always the retailers take their cue from the catwalk – in this instance Burberry. Designer Christopher Bailey, known for setting trends, explained that Burberry has a long history of capes and blankets and the Burberry Heritage archive revealed that outerwear capes dated all the way back to the late 1880s.

The designs were created for activities including shooting, motoring and cycling, and proved popular due to their warmth, protective qualities and ease of wear.

Warm, comfortable and now fashionable, what’s not to love about this new blanket wearing trend? Well, I can think of a few things!

Firstly, while a throw-on-blanket coat is a great transitional item, we may need something more buttoned up to keep out the winter cold.

Secondly, I feel you need to be tall to wear these, especially when they are designed in the current trend of oversized checks and patterns. Otherwise they overwhelm you and add a lot of bulk. So if you are a size 14 or over and on the short side, please don’t be tempted.

Having said that, if you have a more oval body shape, then they are your recommended coat style, so you will have loads to choose from in the shops.

Remember, this is a trend where it’s all about the silhouette – an oversized coat or cape needs slim-fitting bottoms, like a pencil skirt or skinny jeans. You cannot wear bulk with bulk without look 14lbs heavier than you are!

So choose carefully when looking for the coolest way to wrap up this winter! And, if you do buy one – why not get your initials embroidered on in large letters like Olivia Palermo?

 

  • Shan is an award winning personal stylist who trained with Colour Me Beautiful and works from her studio at the Abbey Brewery, Market Cross, Malmesbury SN16 9AS. Tel: 07976 576176. Go to www.charismaeffect.co.uk