Cozy Up To These 12 On-Trend Blanket Capes, Ponchos, And Coats!
One of the most prevalent outerwear trends this season pays homage to the woolen blankets fashioned into robes, capes, and sarapes by indigenous tribes in both North and South America — among them the colorful yarn sarapes that date back to the 1850s in the Mexican city of Saltillo, the rich and symbol-laden wool blankets donned by the Navajo people (and other indigenous tribes via trade arrangements) since the 18th century, and the ponchos favored by the Quechua and other tribes residing within the highland region of the Andes. Century-old photos of the Nez Perce tribe of the Pacific Northwest show leaders wearing these blankets as capes or shawls, wrapping them around their shoulders for greater warmth. With these traditional garments in mind, then, designers have fashioned cozy coats and capes that imitate the free-flowing movement, waterfall hemlines, fringed detailing, and soft-to-the-touch feel of traditional indigenous blanket coats but incorporate more structure and modern-day ornamental details like leather piping, functional slant and patch pockets, pleated back panels, and safety pin closures. Thanks to their generous fit, these blanket coats add a free-spirited ease to winter looks and appear most chic when paired with other closer-fitting garments that help to balance the bulk created by these outerwear options and streamline the overall silhouette.
Below, behold 12 coats that feel inviting and will add some much-needed variety to your outerwear selections.
Burberry Check-Lined Wool Wrap, $795. Available at US.Burberry.com
Made in Scotland using 100% merino wool, this camel-toned wrap features the handkerchief-like edges associated with a poncho but the draped collar associated with a waterfall cardigan. The checkered interior print, which peeks out along the drapes of the collar, makes the coat instantly recognizable as a Burberry exclusive.
ASOS Block Panel Cape, $47.38. Available at US.Asos.com
Ever sat by the fireplace and wrapped a blanket over your shoulders? Well, that’s the effect you’ll achieve when rocking this cocoa-colored cape, featuring wide tangerine, ecru, and black stripes that intersect to create a color-blocked motif.
Lindsey Thornburg x Pendleton Tamiami Trail Trench Cloak, $1350. Available at LindseyThornburg.com
If you follow celebrity fashion, you might find this cloak familiar as a pregnant Blake Lively was spotted wearing it in October while signing up for her registry in New York City’s Giggle boutique. Featuring a wide, tent-like, poncho-esque silhouette, this outerwear number also incorporates generous, bell-shaped sleeves, a slouchy collar that can be converted into a hood, and three horn toggle closures along the front. Made using Pendleton wool and featuring a colorful print incorporating horizontal stripes, rows of triangles, and L-shaped block forms that nod to traditional indigenous designs, this hefty cloak is part of he Lindsey Thornburg and Pendleton collection.
Etro Wool Blanket Coat, $5360. Available at MyTheresa.com
More lightweight than traditional blanket coats, this full-length number is designed to be worn over chunky sweaters, ribbed turtlenecks, and other layering staples. In addition to a checked print combining autumnal mahogany, pumpkin, lavender, olive, and sable shades, this Etro coat features brown leather piping along the front edges and outlining the hemline, as well as playful fringe trim hanging from the coat’s bottom edge.
Topshop Colour-Blocked Striped Cape, $68. Available at US.Topshop.com
This boxy Topshop cape features wide half-sleeves and an open front so you can show off any long-sleeved shirts, turtlenecks, and crewnecks. The wide beige horizontal stripe and slim orange stripe above it, meanwhile, work to give the gray cape a sporty and modern feel.
Wunderkind Turquoise Alpaca Blanket Coat, $1652. Available at Avenue32.com
Crafted from brushed baby alpaca and virgin wool, this full-length blanket coat features an ombré design, with a deep turquoise color along the shoulders and upper bodice that turns darker as one’s gaze moves downward, transitioning into a midnight blue shade and then culminating in a deep black color at the hemline and along the cuffs of the long sleeves. When fastened using the whimsical gold safety pin closure, the angular, slanted, asymmetrical cut of the front panels is emphasized, hence accentuating the draped, blanket-like effect. Beige fringe adorns the edges of these front panels for a luxurious Bohemian feel.
ASOS Collection Stripe Blanket Cape, $47.38. Available at US.Asos.com
Classic and chic, this camel-colored cape features three chestnut brown stripes of varying widths, an open front with a waterfall design, wide-cut sleeves, and playful fringe trim.
Finds +Kiboots Intarsia Reversible Wool-Blend Poncho, $125. Available at Net-a-Porter.com
Handmade by artisans using an intarsia knitting technique in order to create a multi-colored geometric pattern reminiscent of those seen in Native American trade blankets, this chunky wool poncho features an open front,wide sleeves, and plenty of drapes and folds — as well as fringe trim — that create a dramatic aesthetic statement while also lending the design a playful air and giving it plenty of movement.
Zara Poncho Coat, $149.99. Available at Zara.com
Though more structured than traditional blanket coats due to its straight-cut hemline, the linear edges of the front panels, and its perfectly round collar, this Zara number’s wide sleeves lend it a free-spirited vibe, as does the understated but captivating geometric pattern emblazoned all over the mink-toned fabric.
Burberry Brit Cherbrooke Blanket Coat, $1395. Available at Stylebop.com
This season’s blanket dressing trend informed the design of this coat, combining such traditional outerwear elements as a belted waist and oversize flap pockets with the ease of a dramatic, draped, fold-over collar. Made of a wool, polyamide, and cashmere blend, this forest green blanket coat features a chevron striped motif along the collar.
Isabel Marant Ibo Kaftan Coat, $966. Available at LaGarconne.com
The highlands-inspired pattern of this wool and mohair Isabel Marant coat — consisting of vertical stripes in deep red, hunter green, black, and ash gray — sets the stage for the below-the-knee coat. Dropped shoulders, frayed edges, rounded slip pockets, and a slouchy hood make the coat feel worthy of a glamorous gypsy. A slim leather belt, meanwhile, helps to streamline the silhouette by accentuating the waistline,
River Island Grey Plaid Check Blanket Cape, $70. Available at US.RiverIsland.com
This plaid print cape is an easy way to add a final layer of warmth to an outfit without adding too much bulk.
