The Trendy Spring Layers I've Been Seeing Everywhere in NYC

      I recently attended a dinner party where someone was sporting the cutest little cape, and I couldn't help but ask where it was from. It turned out to be a British brand named Cecilie Telle. This discovery felt perfectly timed, as just a few days prior, I had mentioned to a friend that ponchos and capes were making a resurgence, and she was somewhat skeptical. Shortly after our discussion, she shared a post featuring Emily Dawn Long wearing her namesake brand's River Shawl with the caption, "She's a top. She's a shawl. She's a scarf. She's a blanket," and half-jokingly replied, "Ponchos and capes are in," finally understanding my point.

      A couple of weeks later, I spotted another cape at a birthday party, and then I saw one in Paloma Wool's S/S 26 show, prompting me to review the spring/summer runway shows. Capes and ponchos appeared in the collections of Balenciaga, Dior, Paloma Wool, and Valentino as well. After seeing these styles in various locations—from NYC to Instagram and the runways—my hunch was validated: ponchos and capes are definitely the layers to have for spring.

      Check out the trend on the runway below and explore the best options I've discovered.

      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 tend to feel cold, even in warmer weather, I appreciate having a cozy layer to put on during chilly evenings, when dining out, or while taking the train. I really enjoy how lightweight and easy to wear capes and ponchos are. I've been considering Cecilie Telle's Round Long Poncho and the under-$200 Cashmere-Wool Blend Poncho from J.Crew, along with other selections 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