Ruffle Sleeve Top

I love that frills, lace, and feminine wrap styles are a popular trend, and so I’ve been keeping my eye out for the perfect ruffle sleeve top. As cute as they are, frankly, they aren’t that practical. It’s hard to cook or clean with voluminous ruffles flouncing around while you’re stirring spaghetti sauce or wiping down the toilet. I learned that when I bought a cute bishop sleeved knit last season. That one got in the way when I was trying to eat and sat in the back of my closet most days.

Then there’s my question: “Should I be wearing big ruffles after 40?” When I first saw this darling striped ruffle sleeve top in my Stitch Fix box, I was thrilled. But I thought: “Is this shirt age appropriate? This frilly style seems more suited for younger girls in their 20s and 30s.” Three years ago I wouldn’t have given a second thought to wearing it, and so I challenged myself to see if I make it look more “mature”.

Below I’ll show you 3 subtle differences I tried when wearing this top with PRO STYLIST TIPS on how to wear a statement sleeves.

PRO STYLIST TIP #1 The volume of the sleeves and the bodice on these tops tend to be a little wider and looser. Not the best silhouette on me – I prefer a more clean and fitted style but this could work well for an oval/apple/middle figure because of the looser straight fit and vertical lines which are slimming. 1. Create balance by pairing with slimmer bottoms like skinny jeans/pants or fitted pencil skirts. Below, I used a front tuck to add structure and flattering shape at the waist.

Ruffle Blouse by Calvin Klein: Stitch Fix | Paige “Verdugo” Skinny Jeans: Stitch Fix (previous Fix)| MIA “Zane Sling Back Flats: Stitch Fix | Necklace (old): Target – no longer available | Clutch: Target -no longer available|

PRO STYLIST TIP #2 To make this blouse look less girly and more mature, I added classy flats (also in my Stitch Fix Box) in a trendy slingback style using a bright coral to accent the blush hue of the blouse with a simple and classy clutch. Accessories are one of the best assets for women over 40. They are the easiest way to keep our closets current and incorporate trendy pieces we might not typically “wear.” A colored statement necklace would have been fabulous too.

PRO STYLIST TIP #3 FIT IS IT! This size was slightly too big for me; it felt like a wide tent on me, so I tailored it for the photo shoot by using clothespins in the back – just like they do with sewing pins on mannequins in the store. Always keep the tailoring option open when examining pieces you want to purchase. The key to ultimate style is that your clothes are right for your body and fit you perfectly! Not everyone can wear off the rack well. Above, I wore the shirt out as the designers intended, but made it a tad more fitted.

PRO STYLIST TIP #4 Break the rules and make it your own. Just because you see all the other ladies wearing their big ruffle sleeve shirts untucked and loose, it doesn’t mean you have to! I tried playing around with a full tuck (with the clothespins still cinching in the extra fabric in the back) and think this looks sharp and classy. I like how it created a long lean line. Who doesn’t like that?

After all this, I decided that yes, I can wear ruffle sleeves. They just need to be in a proportion I’m comfortable with. I found some great options with more chic and sophisticated ruffle designs at Talbots. I know that some ladies don’t care for Talbots, but I think they have some nice quality garments in flattering cuts for a mature figure. I appreciate the colorful prints and modest options! They also have a petite line which can be hard to find. You can find some great dresses and separates for events like graduations, weddings, birthday parties, showers…and Mother’s Day. 😉

Get 30% off your entire purchase + 40% 1 full-priced item using the code FRIENDS40. A good deal since their pieces can be pricey! Here are couple pieces that caught my eye. I also scanned through the reviews and wrote notes for you by the shopping links. I really like outfits 1,2 & top 11.

| 1.Stripe Ruffle Top (Good reviews.) | 2.Scallop Shirt (Good reviews.)|3. Leaf Lace Flounce Sleeve Top |4. Hartswell striped Pima Tee |5. City Lace Crewneck Tee in White |6. City Lace Crewneck Tee in Pink Lemonade  |7.  Hartswelll Striped Pima Tee  |8. Inverness Tee With Ruffle (Thin, recommend wearing with a cami.) |9. Cascade Pima Crewneck Tee (Mixed reviews, recommend trying a darker color.) |10. Crepe Tie-Sleeve Top (Good reviews.)|11. Sea Breeze Ruffle-Neck Shell |

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