How To Layer A Poncho Or A Cape
It's winter, and it's time to consider coats and other lighter coverings (if you live in warmer climates).
The Driza-Bone (short for "dry as a bone") is a classic Australian icon, originally designed for stockmen and horse riders needing protection from the elements.
I'ts story begins in the late 1800s, when Edward Le Roy, a Scottish immigrant, adapted oilskin coats used by sailors into longer, more practical garments suitable for the harsh Australian outback.
These poncho-type coats were made from heavyweight cotton that was waxed to be wind- and waterproof, perfect for drovers, farmers, and riders braving unpredictable Australian weather.
Traditionally styled:
Worn long, often to mid-calf, to protect from rain while on horseback.
Cut with shoulder capes and leg straps to keep it in place while riding.
Paired with riding boots, a felt hat (like an Akubra), and wool layers underneath for warmth and practicality.
The Driza-Bone is more than just a coat, it’s a symbol of rugged Australian resilience.
Over time, it's crossed into lifestyle fashion, but its roots remain grounded in utility, grit, and the great outdoors.
So in todays modern age of highly respecting where styles first came from, how can we wear the driza-bone effortlessly today?
Let's start by playing with solid and sophisticated colours underneath.
Eyes, Hair, and Vibrant colour types could have a go at playing with light blue as a fabulous statement over the top piece.
Light blue, it's not expected, something quite unusual, but crosses two pages in Coco, making it pretty easy to pull together an outstanding outfit.
Consider what you wear most as a full silhouette in the colder weather and focus on your over layer, keeping colour theory in mind.
These are statement items based on classic pieces that have spanned the test of time.
There is no need to reinvent the wheel. It was perfect the first time around.
Sometimes we just need to add a little colour change.
