Take Your Casual Up A Notch
Casual dressing has taken on a whole new meaning these days because most of us are staying at home… all the time. For some, that means shorts, a tee, and flip flops and that’s all.
I know every woman’s idea of at-home casual varies but I’d like to put in a plug for taking things up a notch. I promise if you take the extra time to add simple earrings, pencil in your eyebrows, blow dry your hair and add a swipe of lipstick, you’ll feel better every time you catch your reflection in the mirror.
My outfit of the day isn’t too different than what I wore here. Today I’m showing how to take a casual outfit up a notch by simply swapping out your shoes and outer layer.
The addition of a flowy silk ruana feels pretty effortless. This would be a great casual look for dinner out…if we were going out, but I have to say, it feels pretty good to wear something silk and swishy anytime. I’d even love this ruana over a nightgown to feel that much more put together as I sit drinking my tea in the morning.
This day was so hot my hair went limp and flat (as usual) so I stuck it up with an
I have very little hair so one small barrette will hold all of my hair. It’s not glamorous but it allows me to put a hat over it too.
My linen pants are creased from sitting down, which doesn’t bother me in the least. Life happens and linen wrinkles so I move on and think about other things.
I love all forms of wraps but in the summer, I want something that will stay on my shoulders without fussing and that’s what a ruana does. This one has a pretty watercolor pattern with both warm and cool tones.
Shop Ruanas
Yesterday’s post had a straw bag I could not find a link for so I hunted down a few that are similar for you.
It turns out to be an unusual shape to fine. This one came pretty close. This one is a lighter straw and less slouchy but really nice. And then I found this one which looks very close. This bag is in softer colors but has a similar feel.
Thanks for reading and if you liked this I would love for you to pin it to your Pinterest board.
I love this look! I am 5’2” and love silk….I just bought this Ruana to recreate this outfit. It has a great colour scheme for you! And I think it will work with many items I already own. Thanks Jennifer!
I have a question about the tank you are wearing. I was reading the reviews on Chico’s website. Several people commented that the armholes are cut too large. Did you find this to be the case?
Love this outfit on you!
Nope. They’re not too deep for me at all.
This looks very nice on you but I have to admit I really do not like Ruana’s. For some reason they look like a house coat to me, I guess to each their own.
This outfit is fabulous on you Jennifer, and it will go perfectly into fall! I just bought a Chico’s linen Ruana on sale and can’t wait to wear it in this hot weather.
I love this outfit. and it’s perfect for a hot day. It’s my easy go to outfit for summer, but I often have a tank under the ruana instead of a tee shirt. I can’t seem to resist ruanas or kimonos and there’s 7 or 8 in my closet right now of various lengths and fabric weights. Ruanas and kimonos can hide upper arm flab and jiggle and that’s greatly appreciated. When the temps are in the triple digits, trying to look pulled together isn’t easy, but adding a lightweight ruana or kimono to a simple top and linen pants does it for me.
I agree Norma, they are the perfect piece for arm coverage in hot weather.
Jennifer, you knocked this one out of the ballpark! The look screams summer and the ruana pulls the outfit together. Pure class.
I wish I felt confident enough to wear ruanas. They seem to overwhelm my 5’4″ frame so I shy away. Long flowing sleeveless vests work so much better on us who are height challenged. That said, I would wear this particular ruana you are modeling as it doesn’t appear to vibe the muumuu effect.
Happy Sunday.
Thanks! I am 5’4″ too. I think this one works because it’s shorter than most I see.
You look amazing! And you are correct about size and shape of ruanas…..these pieces are always a must try on moment to get the right look.
I think I need to try a ruana/kimono. The magic is in the fit/print I think. One can look hip or Mrs. Roper-ish (Three’s Company) in that garment.
The Mrs. Roper look is never my fav:)
I love the look you are wearing and I know I can put together something very close to the same from my own closet, Thanks
Awesome Mary Jo!
Like the entire look. Have always thought of trying a Ruana. Your whole outfit is styled so beautifully!
Totally agree that a little makeup and hair care along with an outfit we feel good in helps our attitude while we’re staying home!
Your post today made me think of my grandmother, Phyllis. She lived on her own at our ranch until she was 96 so we got to spend lots of time together before she moved down to the suburbs with my aunt. Every time I would visit with her she had applied lipstick and had on a pair of cute clip-on earrings. I live on the ranch now but I’m sorry to say I don’t follow her example. Maybe I should!
She sounds like quite a gal! Give it a try. It’s the little things they make a difference sometimes.
Love your outfit. I ordered a ruana in a small but it is so big, looks like a bathrobe. I must try things on.
Ruanas are pretty voluminous by nature. I can wear this one because it’s shorter than lots of other ones.
I so enjoy your blog! Thank you for inspiring me. I need some v-neck tees, preferably black and white. I love the one you are wearing today.
Bless you!
I like your outfit top to toe!
Great article and look!
I love ruanas to give a pretty finish to an outfit. I have several. I always make an effort to kick it up a notch even with my most casual outfits because it makes me feel better.
Bravo! That’s why I do it too Janet.
You look stunning. Of course you always look great, but something about that look makes you look radiant. I like the clip in your hair, but mine is so thick that it would take many more, so I have to use silicone pony holders. The reason I would prefer a kimono to a ruana is the shoulder seam. I feel like a ruana is falling off when I move, so have stuck to the kimono style, but that is so pretty.
Stay well and out of the heat.
Very good point about shoulder seams and staying on. I just find more ruanas than kimonos and luckily my broad shoulders keep these on.
This is such a cute, classy and comfy outfit. Love this on you. Hope your hand is doing so much better.
It’s improving very slowly but the more physical therapy I do, the better. It’s just awkward to have a “clumsy” hand that can’t hold things.
That ruana is everything! Silk, cool and warm colors, works all year long AND dress up or down! Home run, my dear!
Thanks for the theme of this post. I have been working from home since mid-March and will be doing so through the end of the year. I have kept my routine largely the same: shower, make up, presentable hair (not days of endless buns and ponytails), an outfit that doesn’t look like I am headed to the gym or to do yard work. The only thing that I have changed is I wear flats. I was an avid heels wear pre-pandemic. While all of this may seem like overkill, it was what I needed, as a single woman who lives solo, to keep my mindset positive and spirits high in days of such uncertainty and unrest in our country (US).
Thanks Cynthia, I love it too.
Everything about your look today hits a home run for me! Once the temps and humidity hit these high levels it is difficult to find upscale casual that keeps us comfortable. Despite the heat, I still prefer the style you are modeling today! This silk ruana would transfer into an amazing “fall” coverup when paired with a T-shirt and jeans. You could then add a chunky necklace.
I love your “summer” hair!
I love silk year round too! It’d be awesome in the fall.
I love this look on you Jennifer! The colors of your Ruana are perfect with your hair and skin tone. Very soft and flattering. It’s so floaty and comfortable looking.
Thanks Leslie
Like the look.