What the heck is a Ruana, anyway? A Ruana is a poncho-style wrap – it’s heavier than a traditional wrap and has seaming like a poncho. Kind of like a blanket that your head and arms go through. They’re easy to throw over an outfit on cool days, less structured than a coat and much cozier!

I’ve partnered with ShopNational on this sponsored post. I was invited to choose any item I wanted from their large online catalog and that seemed like the perfect opportunity to try something a little different and see how many different ways I could style it.

I created three different outfits with the Ruana, using items from my own wardrobe.

Date Night

Well, if I HAD a date, this would be an ideal outfit. I hate having to shimmy in and out of a coat with someone watching, and especially trying to get into a car gracefully while wearing a bulky winter coat. The Ruana is easy-on, easy-off.

It’s a perfect topper over this black jersey knit dress. It’s light enough that if I want to leave it on throughout the evening as part of the outfit (or after-dinner food baby concealer), I can…or it’s easy to slip off if I choose.

Weekend Outing

One of my favorite weekend activities is gallery hopping with friends. That means short walks outside from gallery to gallery, then wandering around inside usually overheated spaces looking at art. This is usually a recipe for MUCH SWEAT with me cuz Coat On Coat Off Coat On Coat Off. The Ruana is more artsy looking than my usual puffy “dog-walking” coat and open enough to keep me from getting overheated.

Wearing it over a black crewneck knit, jeans and sneakers is a great casual daytime look.

Evening out with friends

In my imagination I have an active nightlife, meeting friends (or strangers!) at trendy bars or local concerts. In reality, we’re usually getting the dinner special at the local diner amidst seniors and families with young children. Either way, adding a Ruana is an easy way to elevate a simple outfit. Using the “dark column” concept as my base, putting the Ruana over top creates a finished look that is easy and comfortable.

Here I’m wearing my black faux leather Spanx, striped tee, white linen blouse AND cropped denim jacket AND black booties with the red, black and grey Ruana over top. Does this qualify as the most layering pieces EVER??

Doesn’t it look cozy??

Let me tell you a little about the company. ShopNational is a female and family-owned business in Lexington, North Carolina that has been thriving in the catalog retail space for over 65 years. Their online business has grown in recent years with the help of both their website, www.shopnational.com and their blog www.Ifthemuumuufits.com. Their focus is the mature, modern woman that loves classic style while keeping on-trend.

ShopNational was recently recognized by Newsweek as #1 ranked on their list of “Best Online Shops 2020” for Women’s Fashion You can read more about that here (scroll down to Woman’s Fashion -single brand). 

The category included well-known brands such as Victoria’s Secret, Chadwicks and White House Black Market. It’s exciting to me that such a respected brand includes plus sizes. ShopNational recognizes that every woman deserves to be seen!

And they were kind enough to offer Fashion Schlub readers a 25% off discount and free shipping for the month of December. Just use the promo code Natl25bettye when ordering. Thank you, ShopNational!

What I’m Wearing

Look One

Look Two

Look Three

This post contains affiliate links, which means that I may receive a small commission if you buy something as a result of clicking that link, at no extra cost to you. I appreciate you shopping through my links.