Last weekend, between the bursts of rain, there was a miraculous afternoon of 50-degree weather. I flung off my usual coat-scarf-hat trio and walked to MoMA to check out the Henri Matisse: The Cut-Outs exhibit with my husband.
For this particular MoMA visit, I chose the same blanket-scarf I wore for my Frida Kahlo Halloween costume. (The other outfit elements are blog alumni, too — the boots and pants can be seen here, and the belt here.)
Late last year, Burberry introduced the blanket poncho and a trend was born. Soon, zillions of mid-priced and fast fashion blanket ponchos flooded the market — the most famous being a done-to-death plaid version from Zara. (It’s sold out, but copies are popping up on Etsy.)
I usually detest over-blown trends, but blanket ponchos have earned their place in the fashion pantheon. They can be belted, draped or tied in any number of ways to create dramatic shapes and silhouettes.
For my attempt at this trend, I belted the over-sized scarf so it looked more like a cardigan. (I’ve also worn it as a shawl and tied like a cartoonishly large bandana.)
Serendipitously, the scarf’s geometric print perfectly echoed the Matisse exhibit.
Whenever I go to a museum in winter, I try to plan my outfit carefully. I hate waiting in long lines to check my coat, so I always wear something lightweight that I can roll up and stuff in my tote. (Which reminds me: You’ll also want to bring a spacious bag.)
The exhibit space was rather warm, so this blanket scarf was quickly folded up for storage in my purse. Because the belt is elastic, it was similarly simple to snap on and off between temperatures.
For some extra pep, I wore textured fishnets underneath the ripped jeans. Sometimes, the details, however small, add an extra dimension that adds a spring to your step.
Have you tried the blanket poncho look? Is it a keeper — or are you sick of the trend?
