Feb 24

Feb 24 The Art of Versatility: Madewell Courtyard Ruffle Hem Top Styled 3 Ways

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i bought this Madewell Courtyard Ruffle Hem Top on a whim for our Mexico City trip. Yes, I’ve been trying to shop even smarter / more versatile, but also Mexico City stressed me out packing-wise. 1) because it’s not a tropical vibe and 2) I had to pack in a carry-on. That’s a litttttle hard for a fashion blogger, I’ll tell ya. But I did it and one of the things that helped was buy packing only versatile items like this top! I knew i could wear it to a nice dinner or to a rooftop bar hangout. It with with all of the bottoms I brought and was fun (pattern-wise), but fairly neutral.

I thought it would be a good buy, but upon wearing it, I fell more in love with it due tot he style and cut. I love the ruffled tops that have come out in recent seasons, but they always fell like maternity clothes on me and/or cut me weird. This on the other hand gives the perfect flow, while still giving feminine curves a chance to be seen. I have already worn it on the weekend, to work and so on. Here’s a couple of ways to inspire you to style it! I know it’s not a cheap shirt (under $100), but it wears well and can be worn severalllll ways. Here’s a few!

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Madewell Courtyard Ruffle Hem Top | Cardigan | Madewell Button Up Jeans | Mules | ilia Color Block Lipstck: Rosette

This is the perfect little weekend look! It obviously goes well with jeans and actually dresses them up a bit! i’m pairing them with heeled mules here, which also elevates the look. This would be the perfect winter to spring transition look, as you can shed the cardigan if you need to!

Below I paired it with some kickflares, which is similar to how I styled it in Mexico City. I’m a huge fan of black on black and the pattern of this one gives it a fun pop! This is Friday night type of look for sure. You can always dress it up more with heels too!

Madewell Courtyard Ruffle Hem Top | Madewell Kick Flare Denim | Vince Darlington Flats | ilia Color Block Lipstck: Rosette

Madewell Courtyard Ruffle Hem Top | ilia Color Block Lipstck: Rosette | Rebecca Minkoff Candance Block Heels | Denim Pencil Skirt (old J. Crew similar here) | American Eagle Sunglasses

For the last one, I wanted to share a more work friendly look . I don’t have a black pencil skirt anymore, so this denim one was the best I could do! I don’t know about your office, but I could for sure wear this to my 9 to 5 though! Also you could swap them out for a nice pair of work slacks too. Your choice!

I noticed this week that they actually made this top in other colors - I think it will become one of Madewell’s staple blouses, much like their central shirt! I think I at least need the solid black one too… What do y’all think? The striped one would make for a super cute outfit with white jeans though!

To be honest, I haven’t felt this fondly about a top a while! Nick will tell you that whenever I wear it, I’m like “I really like this shirt…” and it’s true! Which way that I styled it is your favorite? Which color is your must have?! There are some clothes that just make you feel great and you continually reach for them. In the 2+ weeks I’ve had this shirt, I think I’ve worn it 5 times already? It’s that good. Happy smarter shopping, y’all!