One of the big trends this season is the cape or poncho, and we’re all for it! It’s a great trend to embrace. In this article, we show you how to wear a poncho and tell you why they are so popular. We will also show you some of the best capes and ponchos we’ve found in stores now, and created a capsule wardrobe featuring capes and ponchos.

Why wear a poncho or cape?

Below are just a few reasons why we think a cape or poncho will be a great addition to your wardrobe this season:

1. A poncho is fun and trendy.

The poncho or cape will add a modern touch to your wardrobe.

Nora wears a beige poncho | 40plusstyle.com

Nora @juststylela above (read her style interview here) chooses a cape style cardigan that can easily be dressed up or down.

Steal her look with this similar blouse, cape, pants, pumps, handbag, scarf and sunglasses.

2. There’s a great choice

We can’t remember a time where the variety of ponchos and capes was as large as it is now.

3. It’s super comfortable

If you opt for a lightweight poncho or cape in a natural fabric like cashmere, then it’s very easy and comfortable to wear.

Nora wearing a bright poncho with white jeans | 40plusstyle.com

Above is another look from Nora @juststylela shows how you can wear your poncho to add color to your outfits.

Check out this similar poncho, jeans, sandals, handbag, necklace and sunglasses.

4. You can wear both indoors and outdoors

Another advantage of a lightweight poncho is that you can both wear it inside the house as well as outdoors. Not all days are super cold and some days a thick woollen sweater with a poncho will suffice rather than a coat.

5. You can channel your inner super hero

You automatically walk more confidently when you’re wearing a cape because you’re following in the footsteps of all our favorite superheroes.

Poncho or cape?

Let’s first look at the difference. According to Wikipedia:  “A cape is any sleeveless outer garment, such as a poncho, but usually it is a long piece of clothing that covers only the back half of the wearer, fastening around the neck.”

“The word poncho is derived from Spanish and is an outer garment designed to keep the body warm. Ponchos have been used by the Native American peoples of the Andes since pre-Hispanic times and are now considered typical South American garments.”

Generally, capes tend to be more dressy and made of heavier materials while ponchos are lighter and softer. Capes are often loose at the front while ponchos are often worn more like sweaters over the head.

If you are new to ponchos and capes you may opt for a lighter poncho version first to see how you like it!

Capes and ponchos on the catwalks

Capes and ponchos featured on many of the designer catwalks this season. Many designers chose long, dramatic capes to wear over your eveningwear.

Capes and ponchos on the catwalks | 40plusstyle.com

DundasSaint LaurentDundas

Best capes and ponchos

Before we move onto how to wear your poncho or cape, let’s take a look at some of the most stylish options we’ve found in stores now.

Karen millen cape

We love the popper details on the Karen Millen cape (below), which comes in either cream or black, and looks great layered over other knitwear.

Karen Millen Popper Detail Knit Cape | 40plusstyle.com

Karen Millen Popper Detail Knit Cape

COS cape

The COS cape (below) features a scarf detail that you drape over your shoulders. You could wear this with other neutrals, or with bright colors like red or orange.

Massimo Dutti Cape | 40plusstyle.com

COS Wool Blend Cape

Ted Baker London cape

Ted Baker London is another great place to look for capes like the wool option (below). It comes in either black or beige, and is a lovely cashmere and wool blend, so have a chic, luxurious look.

Ted Baker London Valariy Melton Wool Cape | 40plusstyle.com

Ted Baker London Valariy Melton Wool Cape

Massimo Dutti cape

The gold buttons elevate the style of the Massimo Dutti cape (below). Wear over your leggings or slim jeans. It’s handwashable so easy to take care of without heading to the dry cleaners.

Massimo Dutti Cape | 40plusstyle.com

Massimo Dutti Cape

black.co.uk poncho

At BLACK.co.uk ponchos are sweater-like open garments made of 100% cashmere. You can just slip them over your head and they can act as sweaters as well.

Their capes are more like coats, double coated and made of cashmere and silk.

The cashmere poncho (below) is easy to pop on and looks super stylish over any outfit. We think it’s also perfect for travelling.

Black Cashmere Poncho | 40plusstyle.com

BLACK.co.uk Cashmere Poncho

cape trench

Trench coats won’t go out of style, and neither will capes, so we love the way this coat cape mirrors the look of both. Because this is a shorter style, it’s a great way to create balance in your body, creating the look of a shorter torso and longer legs.

COS Hybrid Trench Coat Cape | 40plusstyle.com

COS Hybrid Trench Coat Cape

long poncho

The Eileen Fisher poncho (below) is an easy to throw on cardigan style. This is a lovely, flattering choice as it creates long, lean lines with its length.

Eileen Fisher Oversize Boiled Wool Poncho | 40plusstyle.com

Eileen Fisher Oversize Boiled Wool Poncho

wrap poncho

The wrap poncho (below) is made from bamboo viscose which gives it a lightweight, luxurious feel. It comes in a huge ranch of colors and different styles, including a faux fur collar choice, and reviewers say it is soft and flows beautifully.

MELIFLUOS DESIGNED IN SPAIN Shawl Wrap Poncho | 40plusstyle.com

MELIFLUOS DESIGNED IN SPAIN Shawl Wrap Poncho

Blazer style

For a smarter style, a blazer cape is the perfect option to elevate your jeans outfits to wear for dinner, or to wear over your evening dresses.

Karen Millen Viscose Satin Back Crepe Cape Sleeve Notch Neck Jacket | 40plusstyle.com

Karen Millen Viscose Satin Back Crepe Cape Sleeve Notch Neck Jacket

Cicy Bell Cape Blazer | 40plusstyle.com

Cicy Bell Cape Blazer

Chiffon cape

A lightweight choice for you now. If you don’t want to add a lot of extra warmth, but you do want a cover-up for your evening dresses – maybe you have parties coming up, then the chiffon cape (below) is a great choice. It comes in 35 colors, so you should find one to match your outfit.

Hotshawl Chiffon Capelet | 40plusstyle.com

Hotshawl Chiffon Capelet

high-low poncho

The Nordstrom poncho (below) comes in a choice of pastels, neutrals and darker shades and is made from a lightweight cotton and cashmere blend.

Nordstrom Cotton & Cashmere High-Low Poncho | 40plusstyle.com

Nordstrom Cotton & Cashmere High-Low Poncho

Asymmetric cape

Asymmetry is a great way to look slimmer because of the diagonal drape across your body, and to add extra style to your element. The Fomolom poncho (below) comes in a huge choice of colors, and reviewers say they like the quality and the way it flows.

Fomolom Knitted Cape | 40plusstyle.com

Fomolom Knitted Cape

Bamboo poncho

Made from bamboo, the Top it Off poncho (below) gives warmth while being breathable, so it keeps you feeling comfortable. Reviewers say it is light, soft, and perfect if you’re in an air-conditioned restaurant.

Top It Off Elsa Bamboo Poncho | 40plusstyle.com

Top It Off Elsa Bamboo Poncho

Lightweight

For an evening option, a sheer poncho can be perfect. It adds a little warmth and coverage, but you can still see your evening dress underneath.

Back From Bali Sheer Poncho | 40plusstyle.com

Back From Bali Sheer Poncho

red poncho

Red is a big trend this season, so you can make a color statement with your poncho. Don’t worry, if red isn’t your shade, the PULI cross front poncho (below) comes in a huge choice of colors and reviewers say it is fantastic quality.

PULI Large Cross Front Poncho | 40plusstyle.com

PULI Large Cross Front Poncho

How to wear a poncho or cape

Have you picked a favorite from the capes and ponchos above? Then let’s take a look at ideas to give you inspiration on how to wear it.

With your jeans and white shirt

You’re sure to have a pair of jeans and a white shirt in your closet. Update these classics by topping them with an asymmetric poncho. You could wear casually with sneakers, or elevate your look with small heels and statement jewelry.

Poncho with skinny jeans | 40plusstyle.com

Fomolom Knitted CapeMango Cotton Striped ShirtMango High Rise Skinny JeansNaturalizer Banks PumpMadewell The Sydney Hobo BagMonica Vinader Small Swirl Hoop Earrings

Carmen in denim cape, striped shirt, jeans and flats | 40plusstyle.com

Carmen @carmen_gimeno above opts for a striking denim capelet and adds classic elements to her look with toe-cap shoes and pearls.

Get her look with this similar shirt, cape, jeans, shoes, handbag, necklace and sunglasses.

With leather 

We love the look of a tactile poncho combined with the toughness of leather. This look would easily take you from day to evening.

Poncho with leather | 40plusstyle.com

MELIFLUOS DESIGNED IN SPAIN Shawl Wrap PonchoCOS Tailored ShirtPAIGE Anessa Wide Leg Faux Leather PantsCOACH Emilia Mary Jane FlatMali + Lili Katie Oversize Recycled Vegan Leather Hobo BagJenny Bird Faye Hoop Earrings

With a jumpsuit

For evening, wear your blazer style cape over a colorful jumpsuit. Add heels or pointed flats and a clutch bag, and you’re ready for your dinner or party.

Cape with a jumpsuit | 40plusstyle.com

Karen Millen Viscose Satin Back Crepe Cape Sleeve Notch Neck JacketMango Long Satin Bow JumpsuitNaturalizer True Colors Vera Ankle Strap SandalTory Burch Eleanor Leather ClutchJenny Bird Faye Hoop Earrings

Layered over other knitwear

A great way to wear a poncho or cape is with another piece of knitwear. The long sleeves of a sweater look stylish poking out from underneath your cape, and the double layer can easily keep you warm without the need for a coat.

Cape layered over other knitwear | 40plusstyle.com

COS Wool Blend Capevineyard vines Stripe Rib Cotton TurtleneckMassimo Dutti Flared JeansMarc Joseph New York Grand Central BootieMali + Lili Katie Oversize Recycled Vegan Leather Hobo BagJenny Bird Faye Hoop Earrings

Josephine wearing a poncho over her sweater | 40plusstyle.com

Josephine @chicatanyage above (read her style interview here) opts for an all-blue look for a stylish, casual day out.

Recreate her outfit with this similar sweater, poncho, pants, sneakers.

Over a dress

If you’re thinking about what to wear over your evening dresses for a party or dinner, a poncho could be the answer. Perfect to update your little black dress.

Poncho over a dress | 40plusstyle.com

PULI Large Cross Front PonchoCOS Pleated Maxi DressNaturalizer True Colors Vera Ankle Strap SandalTory Burch Eleanor Leather ClutchJenny Bird Faye Hoop Earrings

A twist on a classic trench

We love the COS trench cape worn with other style classics for a timeless, chic look.

A twist on a classic trench | 40plusstyle.com

COS Hybrid Trench Coat CapeCOS Tailored ShirtMassimo Dutti Flared JeansMarc Joseph New York Grand Central BootieKate Spade New York Bleecker Painterly Houndstooth ToteJenny Bird Faye Hoop Earrings

with a belt

Adding a belt to your poncho means you can change the silhouette to create different looks with the same poncho or cape. You can style your poncho with cream or white jeans for cooler weather.

Poncho with a belt | 40plusstyle.com

Eileen Fisher Oversize Boiled Wool PonchoCOS Tailored ShirtMOTHER Denim The Buckle Bunny Rider Ankle JeansMarc Joseph New York Grand Central BootieKate Spade New York Bleecker Painterly Houndstooth ToteFairfax and Favor Sennowe BeltJenny Bird Faye Hoop Earrings

Sheree in cape with belt, jeans and booties | 40plusstyle.com

Sheree @shesheshow above layers her cape over her seater and adds a belt to create shape and emphasize her waist.

Steal her look with this similar cape, jeans, booties, scarf and belt.

With leggings and boots

For casual days, pop your poncho over your leggings and wear with booties or knee-high boots. Perfect if you want to keep your hips and thighs covered as well as being cozy.

Cape with leggings and high boots | 40plusstyle.com

Massimo Dutti Capevineyard vines Stripe Rib Cotton TurtleneckVince Camuto Seamed Back Ponte LeggingsFree People Tabby Tall BootMadewell The Sydney Hobo BagMonica Vinader Small Swirl Hoop Earrings

with a pencil skirt

A cape can be casual or dressy. Wearing with a pencil skirt creates a classy, retro look. The wide cape and slimline skirt is a great contrast.

Cape with a pencil skirt | 40plusstyle.com

Ted Baker London Valariy Melton Wool CapeMango Bow Satin BlouseConceited Pencil SkirtCOACH Emilia Mary Jane FlatTory Burch Eleanor Leather ClutchJenny Bird Faye Hoop Earrings

Cape streetwear | 40plusstyle.com

similar poncho, skirt and booties Photo by Denton Taylor

How I wore my poncho

I too embraced the lighter sweater-like poncho when putting together an earlier winter capsule wardrobe with this blue cashmere piece (below). I still have it and it’s ideal for that in-between fall weather. It is so soft and warm you want to wear it all the time, just to have that soft feeling around you.

Poncho, pants and booties | 40plusstyle.com

similar poncho, pants and booties

It also occurred to me that a poncho may just be a great gift for Christmas for your female friends and family or yourself. It’s not something every woman has already, yet they can add warmth and a bit of glamour to a woman’s wardrobe!

You’ll find more great gift ideas for women over 40 in this article.

Your capes and ponchos look together in one capsule

Below, you can see the outfits from above together in one capsule. You can see that you can easily wear any of the ponchos and capes with any of the outfits, making them a versatile addition to your closet.

Ponchos and capes capsule wardrobe | 40plusstyle.com

shop capes and ponchos below:

What do you think of ponchos and capes? Will you embrace this trend? Do you already have a poncho or cape in your closet?

Continue reading:

  1. The Best Winter Coats For Women This Season And How To Choose A Coat
  2. Coats For Fall 2023: 12 Beautiful Coat Trends To Update Your Outerwear For The New Season
  3. Where To Shop For The Best Cashmere Sweaters

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How to wear a poncho or cape | 40plusstyle.com

Feature image by Nora @juststylela

Sylvia

Sylvia is 40+style’s editor-in-chief and has been helping women find their unique style since 2011. An alumni of the School of Color and Design, she is devoted to empowering women of any age to look and feel their best. Read more about Sylvia and 40+style on this page.

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