Would You, Could You?: Double Denim & Ruana

Environmental concerns aside, I still like getting merchandise catalogs in the mail. No website or app can replace the thrill of flipping through the glossy pages of an advertisement showcasing the latest fashion offerings. One of my colleagues must get a couple dozen of them every month and brings them into the office for the rest of us to enjoy. I find the images to be a great source of styling inspiration for outfits that I could put together from items I already own. Such is the case with this double denim and ruana ensemble.

The inspiration

Unfortunately, I’ve misplaced the page I culled from a recent Chico’s style brochure but I was able to find the look on their website. I think it was the denim-on-denim mix that first caught my eye as I had recently purchased the top that I’m wearing in my photos. It’s not from Chico’s. Doing a double denim look had been on my mind for a while so my finding of this inspiration was timely.

I’d also recently been putting away clothes in my closet and had come across my ruanas (aka kimonos). I have two that I bought at about the same time in Fall of 2017. One has a black background which has made several appearances on the blog. The one with the wine background has apparently made it to the blog only once, back when I first bought it.  My version of the inspiration quickly came together and I think it is a fabulous transition season option when the weather is still on the cool side.

My Version

Would I, could I?  It is rarely my intention to copy an inspiration exactly but to put my own spin on the elements that I like.  Going with the items I already had in my wardrobe, I was able to stick to the overall silhouette and general color palette.  I’ve worn both of my ruanas with light layers and heavier ones but hadn’t thought to pair either of them with a denim top. I couldn’t replicate the detail of a button-down shirt knotted at the waist with my top of choice so instead, I tucked it.

Instead of a chunkier necklace, I opted for a multi-strand one with colors that pick up on the ones in the ruana. I also prefer the longer length as they cause the eye to move up and down adding to an illusion of more overall height.

Are you a fan of double denim looks? Have you thought about different ways you can wear a ruana/kimono? I’m going to “put my money where my mouth is” with this ensemble and wear it as my casual Friday look this coming week. I may switch up on a couple of the items but the overall effect will be the same. Be watching for it on the Last Week This Week post that will publish on March 24.

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