Wishing each of you a happy and healthy 2015! Thanks so much to those of you who took the time to share a bit about yourself back in my Nordstrom giveaway post (congrats to the winners!). I read every single entry and am amazed by the ambitious, accomplished, warm and interesting individuals who read this blog. So many of your comments made me smile or inspired me!
I’m starting off the new year with a few simple ways to style a poncho sweater. I love my share of tailored, fitted pieces, but sometimes there’s nothing more chic than an oversized but well-draping garment. I spotted this sweater on my stylish friend Elle and didn’t waste time to order. The shipping cost was well worth it to me (free shipping today for orders over $21!) if it meant not having to navigate through three floors of teenyboppers and overflowing racks in disarray.
As expected for a one-size-fits-all poncho, the sweater is long for someone 5 feet tall but the medium-weight knit drapes well and the design is very cozy. After playing around with the styling, I love the half-belted look which adds slight waist definition and can also shorten the length a bit. I looped the belt through the armholes, in between my back and the back of the sweater (note: not around the outer back of the sweater), and after buckling the belt I pulled a little excess length fold-over style above the belt. I also like the simple front-tucked look which keeps the leg line long while maintaining a slouchy, oversized silhouette in the back. Wearing dark bottoms with similar-colored shoes also gives off a minimalistic, lengthening look on the bottom to offset the more voluminous top half.
I’m wearing this sweater in two slight variations here – one with low ankle booties and a hat for a more boho-inspired pairing, and another just changing up the accessories to pointed pumps and a structured satchel for a more classic look.
I also want to point out the lighter brown silk-lined leather gloves in the latter pairing which are a recent find from Lord & Taylor. This was the first pair of adult gloves I’ve tried on ever where there was minimal excess in the tips for my short fingers! I had gotten used to the excess “hollow fingertips” and thought I’d be doomed to those for a lifetime. From the palms side, these in a size 6 measure about 7cm for the middle finger and 6.5cm for the pointer finger.
The fit of a size 6 in these silk-lined gloves was also very slim, and was an overall snug fit on my hands. I tried on Lord & Taylor’s other glove styles, including the cashmere-lined ones, and they did not fit as short in the fingers as these silk-lined ones. I picked “British Tan” out of the 9 colors though might’ve gone for the darker “Saddle” had that been available in-store. Would highly recommend these for fellow short and narrow-fingered ladies.
Ann Taylor stripe tee (old), Sheinside c/o cape, BP trolley ankle boots (runs small)
Hi Jean! I was looking for a good pair of gloves so I searched "gloves" on your blog and found this post. I've since bought the Lord & Taylor gloves (cashmere lined) in amethyst and I love the look. Only one problem – I bought size 6 which is my normal shoe size and it's a pretty tight fit on my fingers! Before I try returning/exchanging them for a larger size, I wanted to ask if you recommend that I try stretching them out (by continual wear, etc). Thank you!
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Accessories are important, and boots are a must have for this fall-winter season and its breezy weather. Remember the thing that matters the most in fashion is how comfortable you feel in your outfit, so before grabbing your poncho, try on a little of your confidence.
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Received my poncho today and love it! Thanks for the recommendation.
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I may have overlooked it but does anyone know where the belt is from?
Love the look of the poncho on you. I find that they make me look frumpy, any suggestions on how to overcome that.
Nice Poncho! Love that look with the belt <3
Julie
http://juliesdresscode.de
Hi Jean,
I found the Forever21 poncho online but it comes in an olive green colour.
Not sure if the lighting or camera makes a difference but is yours a olive colour?
Loyal follower,
Jenelle
Gorgeous looks! I love that Forever21 poncho!
~Merrie K.
http://www.PetiteCareerGirl.com
Hi Jean!
I just bought the Stuart Weitzman boots and I LOVE THEM, thank you for all your reviews and tips! QQ-what do you use to treat them and do you have any recommendations for leather care?
Thanks!
Hi I am 5 feet tall and in your about section it says you're shorter than that. But how do your legs look so long? My legs look so short and skinny. Its annoying. Please help. Thank you
Love your poncho styles! Very cute and chic.
xx
Yvonne
http://tellmeyblog.com
Hi there – the PJs are Xhilaration brand (juniors brand) and were called the flannel PJ set, now sold out online but I hope some are still left in stores! They were too long off the rack but after machine washing and drying they shrank and shortened nicely. I will think over the handbag post based on what I use the most- thanks for the post suggestion!
Hi Jessica! thank you for the kind words. We do still use a 50mm lens…the key is to get enough distance between your body and the background for the focal point to look more sharp against a hazy background.
A little extra room never hurt anyone…i've been wearing my gloves with excess tips for years : )
That's too bad, I actually love running into twinsies! It just means we share similar good taste ; )
I started to transition from those super low-rise jeans in my late teens and have ultimately ended up loving higher waists. Maybe I'm getting mature before my time but I love how it keeps the tummy flat and tucked away, and you won't see a long butt unless you're wearing a cropped top with it that exposes everything.
M – I think the extra 40% off sale is over, however the price without sale looks like it's been dropped quite a bit, to now a price that's similar to what it was with the discount last week.
Hi Julia! Not much a science to my thought process, but I like the addition of peeks of patterns in my outfits esp. those with larger solid-colored pieces. I don't think colors or patterns have to be matchy-matchy to be in harmony : ) Happy new year to you as well!
Thank you for the kind words, Bethany! Wishing you a happy & stylish new 2015 : )
Not sure if my comment got "eaten" but wanted to say I love how you styled the poncho – it doesn't overwhelm you at all! Happy new year Jean!
Love how you style the poncho! Cozy and cute!
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does short "and" fat count? 😐 lol
haha omg i'm in the process of buying this entire outfit too. i actually just moved out of san francisco so it's a good thing i'm no longer in the bay area too. by the way, did you get the 40% thing on the jeans? how did you get it? :S
you style the poncho beautifully Jean! I remember you took a picture with Nick in your pokadot PJ that you got from target, which brand is it if you don't mind sharing. I have a hard time finding winter PJ for myself. Also, would you mind do a post on must have handbags? I know that it depends a woman's life style. Which bags would be a must have for your daily wear, weekends, travel, ect. PLease also include colors of the bags. Thank you, Jean for maintaining your fashion blog than so many of us can benefit from. Happy New Year
I'm really loving how you belted the poncho, such a chic styling option!!
XO Color Me Courtney
http://www.colormecourtney.com
Lovely ways to style a poncho.
~~~Diana~~~
http://www.TheNeonFactor.com
How did I never think to belt the front half of a poncho?! Thanks for the tip, Jean!
xjole.com
What a lovely outfit post! I've been wanting to purchase a poncho lately. Your photos are always so stunning, I was curious if you still us the 50mm lens to shoot your photos! I purchased one from your recommendation but my photos are no where near as beautiful as yours. xx
http://miuse.blogspot.com/
I love this recent new look of yours that strays a bit away from your usual girlie, Kate Spade inspired looks! I enjoy seeing the diversity and you working with the dark colours and winter wear! Huge fan of the leopard printed pumps as well! xx
Cynthia
http://www.pinchofchic.com
love this outfit!
https://www.etsy.com/shop/swantree
Oh darn, I just bought a pair of gloves at a Taiwanese night market. It fit pretty well except for the thumbs. I thought that it was because of the crude handiwork, but I guess it could also be because I have short fingers 🙁 It's my first pair of gloves! I never needed gloves before, but now that I'm on the east coast for college, I gotta get used to the new weather! Ah well, even if my hands are gloved, I'm most likely just gonna be sticking them in my pockets for extra insulation, so hopefully nobody will notice the odd fit! I'll be more wary of that next time I get a pair of gloves 😛 -Audrey | Brunch at Audrey's
I love your outfit!
Check out my blog at http://www.trangscorner.com about food and fashion
LOVE these tips. Thanks for sharing 🙂 Happy New Year!
xo, tasha
twenty-something blog
Love the relaxed yet chic oversized style of a poncho! The belted look to create a hourglass shape is such a great idea too, thanks for sharing! Wishing you a great 2015!
Prudence
http://www.prudencepetitestyle.wordpress.com
oh and I also bought the black jeans. A bit nervous about its high waist; I always figured high waisted pants give someone without a big butt a long butt instead. :S
bought the F21 sweater, gloves, and the black booties! It's a good thing you don't live in the Bay area, this way we won't be twinsies. haha
I love the poncho sweater and both ways that you styled them! Looks so cozy yet chic. I especially adore how you layered it with the striped top. Happy new year, Jean!
xo, Suzie Q
StyleCueBySuzieQ.com
Ponchos look so classic to me and these are all awesome options. You look so composed but comfortable at the same time! Happy new year!!
Nidhi
An Unblurred Lady
Wow such a lovely outfit! Besides the sweater, your hat is definitely another highlight of this outfit. It creates a retro and whimsical look to start off the new year! However, I was wondering why did you choose a striped long sleeve shirt as the undershirt? As much as I love striped tops (and own many of them myself), the colors/patterns are not in harmony with either your hat, sweater, bag, or the heels. Would love to hear your thoughts. 🙂 All in all, love this fun outfit! Happy new year to you and your family!
Julia || Closet de Jules
Recent Post: Year In Pictures: 2014
Love how you styled it differently! Happy new year:)
Shall We Sasa
Great tips as always! Happy 2015
This is adorable! Prompting me to go pick up this poncho and belt it myself for my 5'3 frame! Happy New Year!
adoredbyalex.com
Hello Jean! I am a newcomer to your blog – I discovered you via Instagram over the holidays. Although I am not petite I admire your classic style and am using your office-wear as inspiration for my own work wardrobe! The only problem I'm having is trying to stop myself purchasing all of your excellent recommendations…
Best wishes for 2015 and keep up the good work 🙂
Bethany (UK) xx
Love the cape so much! I almost bought one two days ago.
Grace
Colorandgrace.Com
You know indeed how to style ponchos! Thanks for the inspiration … Now I must immediately check if I can get this poncho sweater, too 🙂 Happy New Year and thanks for your constantly good work <3
xx from Bavaria/Germany, Rena http://www.dressedwithsoul.com
I love your poncho styling, very warm looking and stylish! http://www.kblossoms.etsy.com