style101.(fashion)

style101

Underneath

Layered over a sweater, a poncho can leave you looking like the Michelin Man. Keep whatever's underneath thin and trim. 1 Wear a tank top or camisole under a poncho or, when the temperature drops, a clingy, long-sleeved top or body-hugging turtleneck. 2 Print tops work with only the plainest ponchos -- as a rule, if it's going to show, keep it monotone. 3 Because ponchos are voluminous, everything else should be narrow and neat -- slim, flat-front pants or straight, knee-length skirts. A poncho plus wide-leg pants or anything A-line can make you look ten pounds heavier. 4 Jeans are always a sure thing -- just be sure they're fitted through the hips. Boot-cut is fine, but bell-bottoms could make you look like an extra from Hair. 5 Unless a miniskirt is long enough to show, you can look more like a flasher than a fashion plate. Kors isn't opposed to the look, though: "If you have the legs for it, it can be tres Julie Christie -- just remember to add some boots for balance." On reverse: Rabbit-fur poncho by Cassin. Cotton T-shirt by Banana Republic. Wool pants by Celine. Leather-and-suede shoes by Dolce & Gabbana. Crocodile bag by Bottega Veneta.

style101

The Ponchos

Ponchos may be one-size-fits-all, but they're not one-size-flatters-all. Kors prefers long styles on curvy women; stylist Danna Weiss, who has dressed clients such as Molly Sims in ponchos, says, "Small women look better in ponchos that are short -- even belly-button length -- and made from thin fabrics." For everyone else: Choose one that hits below the waist and above the knee. 1 Fringe doesn't always have benefits. If the raveled edges are too thin, they can quickly tangle and fray. Heftier trim, especially in fur, is more luxurious. 2 Ralph Lauren turns the hippie staple into a preppy classic by making his poncho out of cable-knit wool cashmere with buttons on the shoulder. Ralph Lauren Blue Label wool cashmere poncho (1), $298, at Ralph Lauren, N.Y.C., 212-434-8000. 3 Asymmetrical ponchos, like these by Murielle and Ponchotora, can be worn off one shoulder or turned backward for a higher neckline. Murielle rayon nylon Lurex poncho (2), $219, at Henri Bendel, N.Y.C., 212-247-1100; Ponchotora wool cashmere poncho (3), $165, ponchotora.com. 4 Most ponchos are warm enough for fall; a few are even strong enough for winter. The Kate O'Connor cloak has a high neck, holes for hand-warming, and zips up like a parka. Kate O'Connor cashmere poncho (4), $1,438, at Dari, ...