5 Ways to Style a Ruana

Update your fall and winter wardrobe by wearing a ruana with apparel you may already have. In this article, you’ll find five ways to style a ruana with tops, bottoms, and accessories. Ruanas are like a cross between a blanket and a poncho, and they come in many colors and prints. Originally from the South American Andes, ruanas have made it to mainstream fashion.

These comfy wraps fall to the knees for plenty of coverage. They’re square or rectangular in shape and have a slit that you put your head through. Unlike ponchos, ruanas have a slit in the front and can be worn multiple ways. These sleeveless wraps can be worn belted or unbelted, and you can arrange the thick, warm fabric a variety of ways. Check out these ways to wear ruanas with tops and bottoms:

Tops to Wear with a Ruana

Long-sleeve tops are good for wearing beneath ruanas. If you want something that provides warmth and comfort, opt for a silk-interlock thermal top. Women’s silk thermal shirts are designed to insulate you against the cold, and they have moisture-wicking properties. Although you can layer one of these tops beneath another shirt style, they’re also suitable for wearing on their own under a ruana.

A Supima cotton long-sleeve tee is another option that layers beautifully with a ruana. These women’s T-shirts come in many colors and prints so you can find one that coordinates well. Supima cotton is an excellent fabric for women’s T-shirts because it’s soft, sturdy, and colorfast. Plus, it’s grown in the USA and makes up only around 3% of domestic cotton production. The long-staple fiber of Supima cotton is twice as strong as regular cotton, which not only makes it a good choice for T-shirts but also home goods like bedsheets and duvet covers.

For cold days, a fitted turtleneck works well. If you want a luxe look and feel, choose cashmere. There are also mock turtlenecks with a similar look—the difference is that the neck doesn’t come up as high as a traditional turtleneck.

Sweaters also go with ruanas. To prevent a bulky look and feel, choose a sweater with a fine-gauge knit. In addition to cashmere, there are cotton/modal sweaters perfect for layering. A classic crewneck sweater is a good option, although you can also opt for a V-neck style.

Ruanas and Jeans

When it comes to what kind of bottoms to wear with a ruana, there are several stylish options. Skinny jeans provide balance against the roomy fit of a ruana and have gentle stretch for comfort. If you want the feel of leggings with the look of jeans, choose a pair of jeggings.

Create a sleek, on-trend look with a black tee or turtleneck, black skinny jeans, and any ruana you prefer. If skinny jeans aren’t your style, you can pair your ruana with straight-leg jeans or even a bootcut pair. Finish the look with flat or high-heeled boots for a trendy style. Calf-high boots are one option, or you can opt for ankle boots.

Ruanas and Leggings

Another option is a ruana with leggings. There are soft, stretchy leggings in an array of colors, so you can find one or more pairs that coordinate. For cold winter days, choose a pair of fleece-lined leggings. Any of the previously mentioned tops work with leggings and ruanas, or you can go for a tunic. Women’s tunics come in cotton and flannel styles for softness and comfort—they have a roomy fit and below-the-hip length that flatters every figure. When it comes to footwear, boots with leggings and ruana are always fashionable. You can even slip into ballet flats or heels for a dressier look.

Ruanas and Skirts

You can even wear a ruana with a skirt or a skort. As with jeans and leggings, you can put together a monochromatic look with a top and skirt in the same color. Any skirt length pairs well with a ruana, whether your preference is above-the-knee or below. Pencil skirts look balanced with ruanas, or you can opt for a flowy maxi skirt for a boho-inspired look. Dresses are another option, whether you prefer sweater dresses or a billowy maxi dress.

Accessorizing Your Ruana

Ruanas are eye-catching on their own, so you really don’t need any accessories. If you do want to add sparkle, keep things simple with a small pair of earrings or a bracelet. You can also coordinate your ruana with your handbag. The draped look of a ruana complements a slouchy, oversized bag. Or you can create contrast with a small, sleek bag. There aren’t any fashion rules to follow when accessorizing one of these wearable blankets, so have fun with it!