Ahh, poncho season is finally here! These cozy, oversized sweaters instantly up the polished factor when thrown over the simplest base outfits (like leggings + a tee). The key for petite ladies to pull off these roomier knits is in the proportions. I avoid too much bulk material-wise, and like to keep the length above my upper thighs. Below are a few options under $100 that should work on shorter ladies!
1. Karen Scott poncho sweater (5 colors)
This very affordable poncho sweater is actually my Mom’s (she’s 5’2″), and she’s modeling it above as well! The overall shape is rectangular instead of circular. It’s more of a cape-style sweater because there are no defined armholes. This is a great piece to just throw on over a leggings or jeans, for that quick but polished Fall outfit. When worn with leggings, you can rotate the poncho positioning so that the longest triangle part can cover your crotch and tush. If you want it to appear a little shorter in length, then you can rotate it asymmetrically like I did above. The listing for this also says to size down, but I thought the S/M fit true to size!
The one that my mom and I are wearing above is in regular sizing, but this year Karen Scott also made a similar poncho sweater in Petite that should fit just slightly shorter!
2. Maison Jules poncho w/ faux suede shoulders (2 colors)
I’ll start with this popular one above from last year (read my review)! It comes in two neutral colors, in a medium weight knit material. I’m trying on the current year version above, and confirm the fit and feel are the same as before!
3. Maison Jules cable poncho (3 colors)
Another cute option from Maison Jules – this is the most similar sweater I can find to my beloved older Anthropologie poncho. It’s a heavier knit and will keep you warm on breezy Fall days. Note that the style of both Maison Jules ponchos (and my Anthro one) had little “sleeves” attached to the curved bottom hem of the sweater. When you lift your arms up high, the sweater hem will lift with it, and you won’t be able to wear a normal coat with sleeves over it (I usually wear a cape coat or just let the poncho be the outer layer). I was surprised to see poor online reviews due to these features, since they are pretty typical of most poncho sweaters I’ve tried on!
4. KarEN Scott Cable Poncho
How much size difference will there be from an XS and XXS. I prefer the XXS, but they don’t have it. I am 5′ and 112 pounds.
I was eyeing the Karen Scott asymetrical poncho for awhile and was hesitant to buy. I thought to check your blog for any poncho recommendations and there it was, the one I was considering. So I immediately bought two-the black ash and gull marl in small. I love the fit! It’s hard to find ponchos that fit petites since most are one size. Thank you for the review!
Love the outfits and your style. You always look so put together. I was looking at getting the second Maison Jules but didn’t see it in xxs. Did you order online or at store? I didn’t know if maybe in store had the xxs since I don’t see it online. Thanks.
I adore how you style lighter colours in the falltime! It’s gorgeous!
xx,
Jasmin
http://www.dolcepetite.com
I’m 3 months pregnant and petite as always. Do you think this poncho look would work well on a petite, pregnant lady?
Hi Jean, what is your favorite under the poncho, tank top, t-shirt?
Thanks!
Based on your post from last fall I purchased the Mason Jules poncho in Beige and it is favorite fall sweater. I wore it with a long-sleeved white shirt underneath for engagement photos earlier this week and it was the perfect selection! Was comfy, versatile, and fits my 4’10 frame beautifully.
I bought 3 of the 4! Didn’t get the third one because the quality looked cheap in the picture. I hope I don’t love all 3 (I know I like the first one already because I found it and tried in on at my local Macys) because my wallet will cry if I do! 🙂
Hi Debbie ~ yes, #3 in my opinion has the most lackluster fabric of the bunch, however it seems from the reviews that plenty of other shoppers were pleased with it! Please keep me posted on what you think of the other three! : )
I just bought the Karen Scott sweater poncho in Gull Marl and I really like it. It’s not too light and it’s just heavy enough. I mostly like my neck to be warm as the weather is really beginning to get cold here in Boise. Even though I’m only 5’0″ myself, I feel like it’s a flattering look for me and it gives me the warmth without adding a lot of bulk. Thank you Jean.
Hi Valeri – I’m so happy to hear that worked out for you! I agree about the Karen Scott ponchos ~ even though they are regular sizing, they are surprising flattering on shorter frames as well!
Hi Jean! Happy fall! Great feature on the Express Petite’s homepage! 🙂 – Gwen K.
Thank you, Gwen!! Hope you’ve been well! The weather here can’t seem to decide if we want Summer or Fall : )
I ordered the first one and the last one shown. I can’t wait to try them out. Thanks for the great post.
Hi Margaret ~ let me know what you think! They’re pretty different in terms of shape, but both are very cute so I hope one will work out for you!
I’ve been following you since the beginning, love your style so much! Please do more videos, I miss those so much. Video idea, hair tutorial for wavy/curled pony tail seen from this and recent posts. I know you say it’s simple and easy but I just love watching you show us how to do it!
Hi there ~ thank you so much for your sweet comment! I will try my best with the video. My next video to be uploaded this month (just finishing some edits) is my everyday hair curling process, and I literally just pulled it back from there to form the ponytail : )
Ponchos are so fun to wear during the cooler months 🙂 Loving all of these chic ones that you’ve rounded up! And the color palette is just amazing <3 Always love softer colors for the cooler months!
XO, Elizabeth
http://clothestoyouuu.com/
Hi, do you think circular ponchos with no sleeve holes will look ok on petites? There’s this nice cashmere cap from the Ines Fall collection 2017 from Uniqlo that looks so cute. Just wondering if it will overwhelm a petite figure or if it’s hard to style. Cant find many pictures of such ponchos online to get ideas on style.
Yes, I don’t think there’s any rules on whether sleeve holes or no sleeve holes are a must for a petite frame! As long as the overall length and volume of the poncho isn’t overwhelming on your body type. Unfortunately I haven’t had luck before at Uniqlo because their one size fits all accessories and pieces usually fall very long on me.
Jean: It is easy to knit a poncho yourself. Knit simple is a good source. Their design are easy to follow and look great with more expensive yarn.
#2 is the one I picked up! Wore it today, actually. I love how cozy it is!!!
Beauiful outfit!
Love your poncho sweaters! They look so so warm!
XOXO //
SINCERELY OPHELIA
Ponchos are such a fun and stylish piece to wear during the colder months. I love the ones you chose – they are all so flattering, especially the Maison Jules one. The suede detail is gorgeous!
Sarah Lilly || The Lilly Mint Blog
You are rocking that poncho! Looks so cute on you!!
xoxo
Jessi
https://www.thedarlingdetail.com/
Those ponchos look so comfy and chic! They’re so versatile too for layering and mixing and matching, I love the look of them!
I hope you’re having an awesome Tuesday,
Michael
https://www.mileinmyglasses.com
They all look comfortable and cosy. I personally favour the first one. I think it is the least ‘bulky’ one of all and I love the different patterns. What I also love about all of them is the short arm length. That is a great bonus for petites, isn’t it? I slowly get into the mood for (poncho) sweaters because of the changes in temperature. I mostly wear them in the weekend, since they are often too warm for in the classroom. Thanks for your inspiration. Love, Lieske
Thank you for the great ideas!!
Dear you are so cute! Love your heels!
you rock the poncho so well, love the white jeans look.
xo
Pinksole
As a petitte girl myself, I’ve never tried rocking a poncho. It’s always seemed so difficult for my small build! You look really good in one though!
Charmaine Ng
http://charmainenyw.com