Is it a Cape or a Poncho?

Fall Trends…(or a classic look as it turns out)!

Have you guys tried the cape/poncho trend? What do you think? Let me know, comment below!! The thing I love about this poncho is that it’s basically a giant blanket and it’s acceptable to wear in public…. it looks classy and elegant and you never know what could be hiding underneath! jkjk It’s also great for those freezing cold offices like mine can be some days! It’s nice for a cool evening out or to wear for errands or the farmers market during the day. To change up the look you can wear it with sneakers and jeans or yoga pants during the day and then put on heels/or booties and belt it for a classy sexier evening look.

Here’s more about the two:

Poncho, cape, Nordstrom, Fall, Booties, Tory Burch, BP, Target Mossimo

Cape:

You know you’re wearing a cape if its max length hits around your hip and or it has a hood. A hood is dead giveaway of a cape, but not a requirement (when cape, think Red Riding Hood or the wicked witch in sleeping beauty—is that Maleficent!? I’m so not up on that)!!

The origination of the cape was Europe in the 16th and 17th centuries (dang that’s a LONG trend)!!

Poncho:

A poncho is rectangular in shape and made of wool with a hole cut in it for the head.

The origination of the poncho was in cultures of South and Central America and according to Wikipedia date back as far as, Pre-Inca Culture around 500 B.C. HOLY MOLY! Ponchos can also come with pom-poms and fringe!

One key difference in a cape and poncho, besides where it comes from, is the shape of the fabric.
Capes are made out of circles (and I love an alliteration – you’ll notice – to help me remember things, so CC, Cape = Circle)!!
Ponchos are made from rectangles (well, no alliteration here so I will remember the Cape Circle and that it’s not a poncho!)

So to be honest, since mine is rectangle but is cut wide open, not just a hole for my head….and it’s made of wool…I’m not even sure! I think it’s a little of both!! 🙂 Either way, I love that it’s versatile and I can use it as a cardigan or blanket to lay on the ground for an impromptu picnic, running errands or to keep warm in a movie. It’s a fun look that has many purposes and based on how long it’s been around (whoa) this “trend” will be here for a while and then come full circle again so, keep yours around!

A few fun Examples….

Cape:
Red Riding Hood & Evil Stepmother, Maleficent

Poncho:

Clint Eastwood in The Good, The Bad and The Ugly (and his has fringe!!)!!