hats - collecting and cleaning tips

The fall season is here. Leaves are beginning to change color and fall to the ground. The smell of bonfires and pumpkin spice are in the air, along with a slight chill. But it's not too cold just yet. It's just cool enough to put away those shorts, tank tops and flip-flops until next summer and pull out your sweaters, fashionable blanket scarves, and various pairs of boots. And this season, ponchos are making a big comeback. You may be reluctant to wear a poncho, but they come in all shapes and sizes, so everyone can wear this new trend. See below for some outfit ideas to rock your poncho this fall.

Blanket Poncho/Wrap

Much like the blanket scarf, this poncho resembles a blanket. It's a little over-sized, although not too heavy. Look for one with large plaid squares in fall colors such as plum and navy or brown and black, or one that is plain in color. Since this poncho is over-sized, it is best paired with skinny jeans, leggings or slim fitting pants. Pair it with a great pair of boots; a small pair of booties or a pair of over-the-knee boots. Keep your accessories to a minimum with this poncho, such as a long pendant necklace or a gold watch.

Loose Fit Poncho Sweater

This poncho fits more like a sweater, as it has arm holes, but fits very loosely like a poncho. This can be worn with skinny jeans or boot cut jeans (for a slightly slimmer fitting poncho of the same style), or leggings. Wear this poncho alone, or with a black/white striped long sleeve tee beneath, allowing the long sleeves to peek out for added texture. Wear with booties or knee-high boots with sweater socks peeking out of the top. These sweaters can come with a turtle/cowl neck or a rounded neckline. For turtle/cowl necklines, wear a bracelet (or stacked bracelets) or a watch. If your poncho sweater has a rounded neckline, pair it with a long pendant necklace or a great pair of statement earrings.

Poncho Cape

A poncho cape looks like a more traditional poncho. It usually has a hole to put your head through, then the poncho drapes around you much like a cape. It can sometimes have tassels, be asymmetrical, or be long or short. This traditional poncho is very easy to wear, and if light-weight enough, it can be worn in warmer months atop a tank top to cover your shoulders a bit. You can wear this poncho alone or over another top (such as a long-sleeved top or a tank top). Wear it over a dress, with jeans, pants, or leggings. For thinner fabric poncho capes, you can add more accessories such as jewelry or even a wide brim or floppy hat. Thicker fabric ponchos should be worn with minimal accessories (especially if the poncho has tassels).

Ponchos are a big trend this year that you shouldn't shy away from. They can be worn by every body type and are very versatile, so head to a fashion shop near you, like Velvet Bungalow, to check out your options. Happy fall ya'll.