Breeze into style

The scorching summer heat calls for comfort dressing in loose, flowy attires. Apart from maxi dresses, sleeve slits, off-shoulders and ‘kaftans’, ponchos are making their way into the summer wardrobe.

Though traditionally considered as a warm attire for the winter season, generally made from heavy fabrics like wool, this year ponchos are getting a breezy makeover with lightweight summer fabrics like cotton, chiffon, rayon and linen.

“It is a comeback with a definite revamp. Today, ponchos can be used as cover-ups over a bikini top or can be worn just as a casual top. That apart, ponchos are also complementing the current Bohemian trend which is hot in town. One can find ponchos with fringes and even pom-poms on the edges,” says Nandini Swaminathan, a fashion blogger at ‘Sartorial Secrets’.

She highlights that this outfit can be easily worn as both casual and evening partywear.

Experiment with a richer fabric and a darker colour, pair it with a skirt and accessorise with a statement neckpiece and you are ready to rock the party.

“There are still many who think that ponchos are ideal only as winterwear, but if more visible brands include ponchos in their Summer collection, this notion is sure to change. Nevertheless, the trend of donning ponchos as summer wear is slowly but surely catching on in India,” she adds.

With the ability to cover up, this style can be sported by people of any age and bodytype, points out designer Manish Tripathi.

This, in fact, comes as a relief to those who are somewhat on the bulkier side.

“It is a traditional classic outfit but today, ponchos look dressy and light. Delicate fabrics like mesh and crochet are becoming really popular with embroidery and embellishments suited for particular occasions,” says Manish.

“Many designers are experimenting by including poncho capes with saris or ‘lehengas’ and since it is a classic outfit with a modern flavour, this trend is definitely here to stay,” he adds.

Not just as poncho tops, but one can also look out for different variations in the attire. Right from a knee-length dress and a gown to a shrug-styled poncho or asymmetrical cloaks in pastel and neutral colours like white and off-white.

Princy Mascarenhas, fashion blogger at ‘The Jeromy Diaries’, says, “I feel this trend is great and very stylish. The fact that ponchos are evolving as summer wear will instantly make them a favourite during this season.
If one is attending a summer wedding, a poncho with ‘lehenga’ is ideal as it’s airy and absolutely lightweight.