I live a casual lifestyle. My home is casual. My family is casual and our holiday gatherings are always casual. It must be our part of our culture. Both my husband and I are 6th generation Californian’s, so casual is part of our DNA. Even though we are informal, I am a fashion girl at heart. So when I find a great blouse that works for all my holiday events and is casual, yet dressy in the perfect way, I do a little happy dance.
The Augusta Ruffle-Sleeved Pullover from Anthropologie is that perfect top. I knew the second I tried in on for Dressing Room Diaries that it would be perfect for the holidays and I had to bring it home with me. The blouse comes in both black which I opted for, and white which is also pretty amazing.
The blouse is an easy pullover style with elastic waist for the perfect blousy feel. The thing that makes this blouse so good is the sleeves. The arms have long ruffles that lay beautifully or, should you be caught in a wind machine (you know, model style), billow effortlessly in the breeze. Honestly, that was what first caught my eye, the sleeves flowing in the breeze of the open Anthro door.
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How to Wear for the Holidays
Ruffle Blouse + Red Velvet Pants
I picked up The Essential Velvet Slim Trousers the same day as this top. My plan is to wear them together for the holidays. When I got home, I realized, I wasn’t quite sure about the length of the trousers. The inseam on the standard is 27″ which is shorter than I like on me, even for cropped pants. Luckily, after investigating online, I discovered the pants also come in Tall with a 30″ inseam which is definitely better for me. BTW – they come in petites too. Isn’t Anthro’s inclusive sizing great?! I ordered them immediately knowing tall sizes go fast. The standard length is recently restocked but the tall sizes are down to only a few sizes. So get them now if you want them for the holidays.
I added the M.Gemi The Corso booties for warmth but you could easily wear heel or even your favorite flats. A pretty top can so easily be dressed up with velvet pants, or worn with your favorite tuxedo pants. If skirts are more your jam, then wear this top with a satin bias cut skirt and tall boots.
Ruffle Blouse + Jeans
Because of my casual lifestyle, jeans are my everyday uniform. I wear them All. The. Time! When I search for a new top, I want it to easily work with jeans. This top works perfectly. I love the look of a pretty top paired with distressed jeans for a fun evening outfit.
It honestly doesn’t matter what style of jeans you choose. This top looks great with all of them, so pick your favorite pair. Below, I have paired the Ruffle Top with 90’s style oversized denim. I added a fun bootie in red for a little something extra. My exact boots are sold out but I linked something similar here.
I also styled the top with boot cut denim which currently, is staging a major comeback. Boot cut jeans are universally flattering and elongate the leg especially when worn with heels. I am wearing is The AG Angel Jeans. AG is my go-to brand for comfortable and stylish denim.
With such a statement top, keep your jewelry to a minimum. I added simple gold hoops and kept on my everyday gold necklaces.
Finding the Right Top
Finding a good statement top can sometimes be tricky if done in a pinch. If I see a good one, I pick it up and add it to my closet. I find it especially hard to find long sleeve, fancy tops for a reasonable price. Below I have rounded up a few statement tops for the holidays all under $200. My picks are all long sleeved because I am perpetually cold and hate having to wear my coat indoors. It spoils the fancy shirt look. Don’t you agree?
