The Trendy Spring Layers I've Been Noticing Throughout NYC

      Recently, I attended a dinner party where a guest was wearing the most adorable little cape, and I was eager to find out its origin. It turned out to be from a British brand named Cecilie Telle. The timing felt just right because just a few days before, I had been discussing with a friend how ponchos and capes were making a resurgence in fashion, and she seemed quite skeptical. Shortly after that chat, she sent me a post featuring Emily Dawn Long in her eponymous brand's River Shawl, with a caption stating, "She's a top. She's a shawl. She's a scarf. She's a blanket," playfully replying, "Ponchos and capes are in," which made her finally understand my point. A couple of weeks later, I spotted another cape at a birthday celebration. Then I noticed one in Paloma Wool's Spring/Summer 2026 show, prompting me to take a closer look at other spring/summer runway displays. Capes and ponchos appeared in the collections of Balenciaga, Dior, Paloma Wool, and Valentino as well. After seeing them multiple times, from New York City to Instagram and the runways, I confirmed my suspicion: Ponchos and capes are undeniably the layers to have this spring. Check out the runway trend below and shop my favorite finds.

      **On the S/S 26 Runways**

      (Image credit: Launchmetrics/Spotlight/Valentino)

      (Image credit: Launchmetrics/Spotlight/Dior)

      (Image credit: Launchmetrics/Spotlight/Balenciaga)

      (Image credit: Paloma Wool)

      **Shop Ponchos & Capes**

      Since I often feel cold, even during warmer seasons, I appreciate having something warm to wear as the evenings cool down, when I enter a restaurant, or while taking the train. I love that capes and ponchos are lightweight and easy to wear. I have my eye on Cecilie Telle's Round Long Poncho and the under-$200 Cashmere-Wool Blend Poncho from J.Crew, along with other styles from brands like COS, Massimo Dutti, Nüülee, Pucci, and more.

      - **EMILY DAWN LONG**: River Shawl

      - **Cecilie Telle**: Round Long Poncho

      - **J.Crew**: Cashmere-Wool Blend Poncho

      - **Paloma Wool**: No 2847 Boldo

      - **ZARA**: Asymmetric Interlock Cape

      - **ZARA**: Knit Cape With Contrasting Yarn Scarf

      - **COS**: Cropped Trench Coat Cape

      - **Massimo Dutti**: Wool Blend Cape With Shirt Collar

      - **MANGO**: Asymmetrical Knitted Cape

      - **PULI**: Poncho Sweater With Buttons

      - **Quince**: Mongolian Cashmere Poncho in Ivory

      - **Nüülee**: Namiraa Cashmere Poncho

      - **Frankies Bikinis**: Mountain Cable Knit Poncho

      - **Anthropologie**: Knit Asymmetric Poncho

      - **Los Angeles Apparel**: Flex Fleece Turtleneck Cape

      - **Back From Bali**: Sheer Poncho

      - **Monticelli Cashmere**: Essential Pure Cashmere Poncho

      - **Reformation**: Lilibeth Cape

      - **GUCCI**: Horsebit-Detailed Wool and Silk-Blend Cape

      - **CALVIN KLEIN COLLECTION**: Taylor Wool and Cashmere-Blend Cape

      - **LORO PIANA**: Belted Leather-Trimmed Cashmere Cape

      - **Diotima**: Winsome Wool Cape

      - **PURDEY**: Welbeck Reversible Whipstitched Checked Cashmere-Blend Cape