Thousands of years ago ponchos were created for life on the move, worn by Andean communities as a portable layer to weather wind and rain. Centuries later, the silhouette has circled the globe, reimagined by designers everywhere from New York to Tibet in cashmere, silk, and even yak khullu—all with the same enduring design that’s the easiest thing to throw over your shoulder at 30,000 feet. 

1. Antik Batik Rob Poncho – The thick knitted alpaca wool and tall turtleneck on this will surely keep you warm when you need to shield yourself from the frigid plane air.

2. Norhla Atelier Round Neck Sleeved Poncho – Norhla’s pieces are crafted from yak khullu—the plush undercoat that keeps yaks toasty through harsh Tibetan winters—collected by hand after natural shedding.  

3. Toteme Fringed Poncho – This wool bouclé layer with fringed hems comes in a great winter white that would feel equally apropos at aprés or on the airplane.

4. Cos Cape – Technically a cape, but you wear this double-faced wool number like a poncho, with a button closure at the neck to keep you bundled up. 

5. Rag & Bone Cowl Poncho – This wool option has a cowl neck and asymmetrical fringed hem that feels very cool-art teacher on sabbatical.

6. Toast Alpaca Blend Poncho – A well-priced option from our friends at Toast, with a high roll-neck and cropped, cocoon-like fit that gives you great range of motion on the go. 

7. Bompard Cape – This waist-length poncho in a cashmere-wool blend has a removable scarf collar that can function as a hood if you’re caught in the elements sans umbrella. 

8. The White Company Cape – Yes this has sleeves, so not technically a poncho, but it’s very roomy and easily slips on overhead with an oversized, flowy feel.

(Not pictured)

J.Crew Cashmere-wool Blend Poncho – We’re fans of J.Crew’s cashmere pieces at approachable prices, and this drapey number is no exception.

Lauren Manoogian Fold Poncho – Made of the coziest felted alpaca handloomed in Peru, with a seamless knit and sculptural drape.

TWP Hooded Poncho – This merino wool piece has a slightly asymmetrical hem that’s longer in the back and shorter by the arms to make moving around a breeze.  

Quince Mongolian Cashmere Poncho – Made from 100% Mongolian cashmere that’s light enough in weight and shade to be worn year-round. 

Voz Alpaca Crop – These 100% baby alpaca pieces are handwoven in southern Chile by Mapuche artisans revitalizing ancient techniques. 

The post The Travel Poncho appeared first on Yolo Journal.

Known as bleu de travail, the traditional French chore coat was designed in the late 19^th century for laborers—from railway workers to farmers and artisans—out of a thick cotton twill, with durability and practicality in mind. But in recent years it has been reinterpreted in countless ways, from street-style to a chic layering piece (vis: The Row’s $3K+ version) worn by everyone from chic older French men to Harry Styles.

When I was in Bordeaux this summer and browsing end of season sales, I came across a great St. James chore coat in a cornflower blue, a cheerful twist on the typical deep indigo, which was designed to hide dirt and grease. I’ve hardly taken it off since, and I’ve been overjoyed with not only how it looks, but also its pragmatism—easy to fold without creasing, perfect for layering under and over and dressing up and down, as well as being a great transitional piece for the season. The pockets also make it the perfect travel jacket. And so I’ve pulled together some other great French workwear options in different colors and styles, alongside my St James tried and tested.

This chore coat by St James—the one that inspired this roundup—is pretty perfect. The fabric is soft so you don’t have to break it in, and the color is bright and feminine, plus it’s on sale!

Reformation Callum Denim Chore Jacket – The deep cobalt, almost Yves Klein blue version by Reformation is very chic and minimalistic. Definitely the sort of outerwear you could throw on over a chunky sweater, or even an LBD. 

Family-run and produced in France since the 1950s, Le Laboureur has a great selection of colors in their original-style chore coat. Originally produced as work and gardenwear, these garments are designed to last a lifetime and also incredibly chic!

For a more utilitarian version, Finisterre has a great flannel-lined version in black, and another which is a bit more stylish in a washed denim that feels perfectly vintage. 

Toast Cotton Canvas Workwear Jacket – This version has a great drapey quality perfect for layering, and lots of pockets. 

Vetra has been making French workwear in Le Mans since 1927, and still feels incredibly modern. They have some great classic versions as well as a lovely option in a heavy linen for summer. 

This Todd Snyder Japanese Selvedge Denim Chore Coat is lightweight and great in white, and being selvedge denim will probably last you a lifetime. 

Denim Forum 90s Denim Chore Coat – While it strays from the OG in a lighter, almost acid-wash denim, the androgynous shape is easy to layer and translates across various dress codes. 

French Blue Moleskin Chore Jacket – Great for a more oversized look and this time with red buttons!

Merz b. Schwanen French Chore Coat – The simplicity of this version is what makes it shine, with minimal pockets and a sharp collar. 

While this version in white by Arts and Science may be on the posher side of this list, it offers an elevated version of the chore coat we all know in love, but collarless and in a boxier shape. 

If you’re looking for a vintage option and don’t have the bandwidth to dig through eBay or thrift stores, The French Workwear Company has an amazing selection of vintage French workwear in a variety of sizes that will save you the trouble. 

NN.07 Workwear Overshirt  – This workwear-inspired denim overshirt comes in the classic blue and a fresh ivory, both with contrast buttons.  

Buck Mason Chore Coat – We love that this classic chore coat feels dressy enough to wear when you’re not doing chores, and that they made it in a delightfully soft twice-boiled merino wool with a roomier torso, so you can layer a sweater under it when it gets cooler.

The post The French Chore Coat appeared first on Yolo Journal.

There are very few things in the travel universe that I have a hard time getting behind—cruises definitely top that category, and I’ve always had a strong aversion to the fanny pack. This summer, my dear friend Pilar came to visit us in France, and was wearing a little leather Il Bisonte pouch in a cross-body way. Turns out it’s called a “belt bag,” which is what the bag fka a fanny pack has been called since the 2010s (if Chat GBT is to be trusted). Once I saw how Pilar was wearing it, it was an epiphany. I needed to get over my hangup. It’s not the nylon Jansport fanny pack the athletic moms wore to soccer games when you were a kid—these are super cool, fit close to the body (read–no shoulder/neck issues), and are great for travel and if you’re stuck in a rainstorm. After said epiphany, we went deep on our search for more belt bag options, and our favorites are below. Who knows, maybe we’ll influence you too.

Top row, left to right:

L/Uniform belt bag – Geniusly, the shoulder strap is adjustable so you can completely remove it and use this as a clutch, wear it as a crossbody, or double wrap the strap and use it as a belt bag. 

Clare V Grande Fanny – Our deputy editor Alex wore this constantly on her recent trip to Marrakech—it was perfect for keeping valuables close to the body when walking through the crowded medina, and is a much chicer alternative to some more utilitarian options (she swapped between the black-cream sporty strap for day and the matching brown leather strap for evening).   

Il Bisonte bag – Our friend Pilar wore this cross-body style when she came to France this summer and it looked so good, it made us rethink everything about belt bags.  

Polène Numéro Sept Belt – We love the minimalistic nature of this belt by Polène with gold hardware that dresses it up, ideal for transitional packing. 

Middle row, left to right:

This Ruskin Clutch can be transformed into a cross-body or fanny pack with a matching leather strap, perfect for packing light and day-to-night conversions. 

Quince Box Belt Bag – This woven box-shaped bag looks like Bottega for a fraction of the price. 

This Longchamp belt bag reads traditional fanny pack in shape, but chic travel bag in function and design in caramel leather. 

Bottom row, left to right:

Cuyana Crescent Belt Bag – While it may not be as practical as the others for everyday usage, this structured belt bag by Cuyana comes in an elegant croc style, and the gold hardware means it’s suitable for dinner dressing. 

The Row belt bag – Only The Row would make a fanny pack so chic and minimalistic that we would imagine paying this price. 

Parker Thatch Sling – They make such great travel workhorses, and this sling bag comes in a really beautiful chestnut suede that would go with anything. It’s on the bigger side, so more of a crossbody, but can be worn across your waist as well. 

The post Belt Bags appeared first on Yolo Journal.

Picture this: it’s a freezing fall morning and you’re headed for a flight to sunnier climes. There’s no sense in wearing a bulky coat just for the dash from taxi to terminal, only to lug it around with you for the rest of your trip. This is where the cardigan-as-jacket comes in. The ultimate in-between layer, it’s warm enough to stand in for outerwear on the plane, yet polished enough for a dinner with an ambiguous dress code in transitional weather. From old-school Scottish knits to sleek boiled-wool travel sets and chic French throwovers, these are the pieces we’d gladly make space for in our carry-ons. 

Colhay’s Shawl Collar Cardigan – Yolanda loves the thick shawl on this one, which can cover your neck all the way up to your ears. It’s definitely on the bulkier side, so instead of folding it in your luggage, wear it on the plane if your destination doesn’t require a proper coat. 

Toteme Cardigan – The dramatic collar is what sold us on this heavyweight wool-blend cardigan. It’s sufficiently oversized to make the double-breasted opening feel nonchalant.

Sézane Thais Jacket – Sitting right in between cardi and jacket, this thick wool-and-mohair layer is the best of both and comes in a handful of autumnal hues.

Guest in Residence Striped Cashmere Cardi – More button-down than sweater, this versatile striped knit pairs especially well with the matching pants for a bright travel set. 

&Daughter Cardigan – Hand-knit in the UK, this piece has a collar, thick ribbing on the cuffs and a hem that gives it sufficient structure to function as an outer layer.

Frame Chunky Striped Cardigan – A sailor-stripe staple made of 100% cotton, it’s breathable enough to wear on warmer days or even layer under a PFD on the high seas. 

McGeorge Shawl Collar Cardigan – The OG shawl collar cardigan, once worn by the likes of Steve McQueen and Grace Kelly, is made in Scotland to this day. 

Jenni Kayne Cooper Cardigan – A cult-favorite thanks to its flattering cut: slightly tapered at the waist with relaxed sleeves, it strikes that very Jenni Kayne mix of East Coast polish and West Coast ease.

Bode Double Breasted Cardigan – Designer Emily Bode can take a lot of the credit for repopularizing the double-breasted cardigan. This staple Bode piece is inspired by 1960s golfwear, with a boxier fit available in a handful of colors. 

La Ligne Marin Cardigan – Adapted from La Ligne’s beloved Marin pullover, this cardi is thick enough to pass as a jacket but light enough to wear over a tank—perfect for layering as the marine layer rolls in.

Sézane Auguste Jacket – A ladylike jacket that feels Chanel-adjacent, for only a fraction of the price and offered in playful, contrast-trimmed colorways. 

Drake’s Shawl Collar Cardigan – Made in Scotland with 100% lambswool and brown knotted leather buttons, this feels straight out of another century in the best way.

J.Crew Emilie Sweater – A perennial bestseller that leans more sweater than jacket, but is an easy layering piece when you want something light. (Bonus: it’s often on sale)

Crimson Linda Cardigan – Parisian knitwear powerhouse Crimson is known for their rainbow wall of cashmere sweaters, but there’s something striking about this simple white cardigan that goes with everything. 

Alex Mill Nico Cardigan – One of Alex Mill’s first designs, this 100% cotton style has a face-framing neckline and comes in half a dozen cheerful tones, so it’s no wonder it has stood the test of time. 

Sézane Edouard Jacket – Structured enough to wear over a blouse into the office, but easy to dress down with jeans when you undo the top button. 

Uniqlo Souffle Yarn Cardigan – Lightweight, non-itchy, and the most approachable price on this list, with a stand collar that gives it a more substantial look than just any old mid-layer. 

Cos Boiled Merino Wool Cardigan – Pair with the matching trousers for a travel set that feels elevated but is every bit as comfy as a sweatsuit.

La Ligne Esther Cardigan – The wool-bouclé knit is not only chic but also wrinkle-resistant, so it  holds up beautifully even after a few days in your suitcase. 

Boden Chunky Collared Knit Jacket – There’s a lot to love about this slightly boxy knitted jacket, but best of all? It’s machine washable.

The post Double-Duty Cardigans appeared first on Yolo Journal.

Nobody wants to be burdened by a bulky extra layer just for the freezing plane. That’s where the uber-versatile travel wrap comes in. These scarves, shawls, stoles and wraps are thin enough to stash in your carry on, warm enough to double as a blanket, and chic enough to wear over your shoulders to dinner. Many are hand-woven by artisans from Tibet to Italy, Scotland, Mongolia and beyond, so they already have travel woven into them. 

1. Alice Walk Cashmere Wrap – These wraps from Massachusetts-based Alice Walk are reversible, and come in the cheeriest colors and elegant neutrals. Something about these feels very Diane Keaton on a wistful beach walk in a coastal drama. 

2. Johnstons of Elgin Reversible Stole – Yes it’s pricier, but Johnstons of Elgin makes cashmere that will last you forever yet always look brand new. And it’s reversible, so it’s really two in one.  
If you’re heading to Scotland anytime soon, you might be able to score one for a fraction of the price at their outlet in Elgin!

3. Knize Reversible Scarf – One of our favorite stores in Vienna caters more to menswear, but this two-tone cashmere shawl they carry would look great on anyone. 

4. Norlha Nomad Scarf – The team of master weavers at the Norlha atelier on the Tibetan plateau use two of the four pedals on a loom to achieve this slightly looser knit. The scarf is perfectly oversized and made of a cozy 100% yak khullu sourced from a local nomad cooperative.  

5. J.Crew Oversized Wrap – J.Crew does cashmere at a great price, and we’ve heard from several well-traveled friends that this is their go-to. (Bonus: it’s on sale right now!)

6. Apuntob Cashmere Scarf – If you prefer a square scarf, this large one from Rome-based Apuntob comes in a subtle checkered print and plenty of fabric to wrap and drape. 

7. Toast Cashmere Wool Wrap – Toast’s take on the scarf-wrap-hybrid is made of a half-wool, half-cashmere blend in punchy autumnal colors.

8. White & Warren Cashmere Travel Wrap – This cult favorite is famous for good reason: it’s the longest on the list, with nearly seven feet of pure Mongolian cashmere to cocoon yourself in. 

9. Denis Colomb Stole – The “Sun and Night” colorway of this reversible stole is grey on one side and tan on the other, a combo that works from morning to midnight. 

The post The Travel Wrap appeared first on Yolo Journal.

Several years ago, I was in Atlanta at my friends Sid and Ann Mashburn’s store for a book signing that Matt was doing. I picked up a safari shirt in a light khaki—it was my first safari shirt ever—and it was an epiphany for me. It felt rugged but also chic—a bit like Sigourney Weaver in The Year of Living Dangerously. I got so many compliments on it and I wanted it in more colors, but they stopped making it. Then this spring, Ann texted me that they were making it again, but in a better fabric. Still that stiff-ish cotton, which means that it sort of stands up on its own and doesn’t hug the body (great if it’s super hot out, or you’ve overindulged), but also now has a tiny bit of stretch in it, so it’s very comfortable and you can even sleep in it on an overnight flight. It’s also so versatile—dresses up and down, perfect with jeans or a tailored trouser. Ann’s shirt was definitely my gateway to this style, and now I seek it out in vintage markets and also other brands who do it well. Below are my favorites:

1. This is the Ann Mashburn Safari Shirt I love! I can’t wait to wear it in the fall and winter, when I can either put a turtleneck underneath it, or a sweater over it. I might also pick it up in this camo (#10) version.  When I was buying the above shirt, I also picked up this short sleeve one because I just wanted something new for our vacation in Greece. It’s super light, works casually with shorts, but also under a linen blazer if you need something a bit more dressed up. 

2. Our friends at Giuliva Heritage always have a good safari shirt or jacket in their collection. This linen belted version is very cute for summer, especially in stripes. 

3. Love this very chic option by Courrèges, which happens to also be very much on sale.

4. This Boden version is easy and a great price. 

5. This cotton and wool safari shirt by Tod’s leans well-tailored men’s shirt (also on sale!).

6. A heavier option in wool from Giuliva Heritage for the colder months, which can be dressed up or down.

7. This Ralph Lauren cotton safari shirt is super chic.

8. For an elegant Italian option, we love this one by Aspesi. 

9. Drake’s makes a more versatile and androgynous option in a linen short sleeve. 

10. The Ann Mashburn Safari Shirt in camo.

The post The Safari Shirt appeared first on Yolo Journal.

I discovered this lovely sculptural bag designer in Edinburgh, of all places, at one of my favorite stores in the world, Dick’s. (Along with Mouki Mou in London, they have the best edit and I always discover some new artisan/designer when I go in.) Inès Bressand is based in Marseille, and works with craftswomen in Ghana who weave her designs—most bags take three days to make.

As soon as I saw this straw tote I knew I had to have it, although it seemed a bit impractical given that I would be on the road a lot throughout the summer, and it’s a bit stiff and bulky. However, it proved me wrong. It nests perfectly inside my Yolo x Il Bisonte bag, which has a trolley strap, so I get two bags in one (it’s light so doesn’t add to the weight), and with two straps of different lengths, it works well as a quick go-to-the-market bag or an out-all-day bag. Plus it stands up on its own and handily fits my dog, so if I end up needing to take her in a taxi that requires a dog bag, I can sit her inside of it.

The post Road Tested: Inès Bressand Bag appeared first on Yolo Journal.

Mesh slippers and thin strappy sandals may be the thing right now, but they’re not going to take you very far on foot. For travel, we prefer sandals that are truly supportive—and can put in their 10,000 steps, from beach to dinner. While Birks are of course the gold standard, we found several other elevated options to prove that support really can be beautiful!

1. A chic cross-cross strap option, this pair by Liberté have a cushioned sole and elegant gold hardware. We also love the minimalism of their Kyoto sandal, and with a thicker strap, the Aloha sandal is elegant and supportive. 

2. This Birkenstock-inspired pair by Tod’s evolves the classic thong with a statement gold buckle. 

3. We absolutely love these Sézane sandals—a shaped leather insole in deep chocolate, with gold hardware that dresses up to walk you from day to night. And another great Birk reinterpretation by Sézane is more “navigating the cobbled streets of a charming Italian village” and less ‘70s California commune. 

4. We love the handwoven leather straps on these sandals with a thick molded sole and back ankle strap, perfect for pounding the pavement and then heading to dinner!

5. If you’re willing to shell out, this option by The Row is perfectly understated but still hugs your foot. 

6. The Hermes Chypre Sandal pulls off chic-meets-comfortable in a variety of colorways. 

7. With an oversized buckle and a contrast sole, these supportive J.Crew slides are available in suede and black. 

8. A supportive yet delicate sandal can be hard to find, but this suede version by Emme Parsons is the perfect mashup. 

9. These Loewe slides in a beautiful brown suede have a lot going on, including a very chic gold buckle. 

10. We couldn’t not include a Birkenstock in this list, namely this elevated version of their classic Arizona style in a Bordeaux colorway with a hammered gold buckle.  

11. These strappy leather sandals have a great supportive sole and a cute criss-crossing ankle strap. 

12. The OG of orthopedic-chic footwear, Dr. Scholl makes these cork mules—a great riff on their iconic Pescura sandal, but with a suede upper and cork sole instead of the classic wooden one. This slide version in black raffia is super understated and cool—and on sale!

13. An affordable option, this pair has ample arch support and a velcro strap to secure your foot.

14. This pair by A.Emery—in a variety of leathers—is a striking twist on the gladiator, with good support. We also love their slide in cognac leather.

15. Our friend, Onda founder Larissa Thompson, swears by this James Perse pair for plane travel!
16. And while no one would call Tevas chic, we love these norm-core sandals in tan—they’ve got great arch support and don’t call attention to themselves.

The post Comfortable Sandals That Are Actually Chic appeared first on Yolo Journal.

I don’t think there’s been a summer yet where I haven’t bought a raffia or straw bag—sometimes a market bag, sometimes a cross-body. This summer I’m particularly excited about all the shoe options in one of my favorite fibers. Besides being lightweight, it’s just such an elegant look and especially perfect for hot weather.

1. These raffia flats by Aquazzura are a true lawn-furniture fantasy. The pattern borrows from the best raffia furniture patterns of the 1960s-’70s and are incredibly elegant. 

2. Reminiscent of a Birkenstock slide, these Clergerie raffia mules are perfect for summer travel days. They also make these more streamlined buckle slides.

3. These toe-thong style sandals by Castaner are a great utilitarian option, with a rubber sole and shape that really secures your foot. 

4. These Birkenstock-esque platform sandals by Loeffler Randall are an elevated version of a slip-on, with brushed gold hardware. Perfect swing shoe for day to night, lunch to dinner. 

5. A breathable summer mule by Ancient Greek Sandals is the dream shoe that you can throw on and pack flat in your bag, with a comfortable leather sole and raffia vamp.

6. We love these ankle sandals by Staud, and the mix of raffia with butterscotch leather and gold hardware really elevates the style. 

7. Also comfortable and versatile, these platform raffia espadrilles can work with anything, from pants to dresses. 

8. Le Monde Beryl has a couple of great options in woven raffia, one in a mary jane and another in their classic ballet flat style—both incredibly streamlined and elegant on the foot. 

9. 100% a party shoe, these raffia flat sandals by Dries van Noten are the essence of sporting the material. 

10. Possibly the chicest raffia mary jane, this pair from Margaux have such an elegantly shaped toe box, and the mix of the black leather with woven raffia will elevate any summer outfit.

11. These raffia ballet flats by Mansur Gavriel are incredibly chic with their higher vamp, and look like they’d pack small and light. 

12. These woven raffia slides by Aquazzura come in blue and natural and would look great with a pareo or party dress. 

13. A dressier option, these minimalist raffia and black leather thong sandals are a flattering shape.

The post Raffia Shoes appeared first on Yolo Journal.

We’ve been fans of this shape for ages, whether in its jelly or leather version—and we couldn’t be happier that they’re finally having a moment, because there are so many options now. While the jelly version is the most perfect water-to-street shoe, the leather and suede versions, which are so chic for summer, also work for winter—just add a slouchy sock. Here are a few of our favorites!

1. The COS Spartan sandal is a great shape and a cool interpretation of the classic fisherman sandal shape made in black leather (#1), suede (#11) or jelly.

2. This version from our friends at Old Stone Trade are pricey, but that’s because they’re made to order by two architects-turned-cobblers from their atelier in Barcelona, who use traditional Spanish crafting methods in their shoemaking. 

3. The Paraboot Iberis is a bit chunkier and more masculine, but still versatile. 

4. J. Crew makes a very nice version in a dark tan—or “teak”—which thrives with wear and seems even better when beat up. 

5. K. Jacques make a super chic version of the classic sandal in a variety of neutrals (including gold and silver) and will undoubtedly last forever. 

6. The GH Bass fisherman sandals are classic, and the gold hardware makes them feel just dressy enough to wear from the beach to dinner. 

7. The iconic Salt Water sandals have a great version of their original sandal with a fisherman-style take, called the “Shark”. These are a solid option under $100, plus they’re lightweight and easy to pack. 

8. Ancient Greek Homeria Sandals in jelly are a fantastic summer option and versatile for the beach. 

9. For a dressier evening option, the Mama Praia silver fisherman sandals are less bulky and more elegant, perfect for wearing with a dress, a dressy caftan, or even with a coverup!

10. These J. Crew fisherman jelly sandals are so fun and come in a selection of great pastels. 

11. The COS Spartan sandal in suede 

12. Ancient Greek Sandals’ homeria shoe in leather is just as cute as their jelly version above, and easier to dress up. How good are they in gold?!

13. The Paraboot Women’s Bilbao Sandals are equally comfortable and chic and are almost a mix between a fisherman sandal and a mary jane. 

14. Made in France since 1946, Méduse makes some of the most adorable (and affordable) classic jelly sandals.  

For a great men’s option, our dear friend Davide from Ghiaia Cashmere is creating a beautiful leather one, made in Italy. He also sources some jelly sandals from France, which are currently out of stock, but hopefully will be back soon this summer!

The post Fisherman Sandals appeared first on Yolo Journal.