Style a Lightweight Ruana Outfit for Summer

Are ponchos and ruanas only for fall and winter? Absolutely not! Today, I share how to put together a lightweight ruana outfit for summer.

A little peek of our newest family member: Lulu!

Still confused about the difference between a ruana and a poncho? Is it a scarf? Maybe a wrap? So was I, until I looked it up and did a little research. I talked about it last summer when I styled a beautiful pink and orange ruana in the post How To Style A Ruana Outfit for Summer.  In case you’re wondering, here is the official definition of a ruana:

A ruana is a free-flowing wrap with an open front, similar to a large scarf. You can wear the ruana long in front and open like a shawl, or throw one or both sides over your shoulder(s) for a more romantic or dramatic cape.

While this piece does remind me of a large scarf, you can wear it open in the front, but you certainly can’t throw it over your shoulders! Haha! But that’s what it’s named at the store so that’s what I’m calling it! Lol!

Regardless of the name, a ruana is a perfect accessory for summer. Of course, it’s all about the fabric and the weight right? Read on, my friends for my lightweight ruana outfit…

A Lightweight Ruana Outfit for Summer

I love the slightly boho-chic look of this ruana. It’s great for warm weather as it’s woven of 100% cotton. Worn as I have with all white gives it a cool, breezy look for late summer or early Autumn. Or even earlier for a night out!

The subtle stripes in gold, brown and tan give you lots of options for adding color with the ruana. For fall, it could be styled with a rich gold or brown turtleneck and jeans or cords and booties.

Photobombers Sergeant and Lulu

Since this piece has quite a bit of volume, it’s best to keep the rest of the look fitted. Here, it’s styled with a fitted tank. I love this scoop neck top from the Prologue line at Target. They have a slightly loose fit in a knit fabric that drapes nicely. I have them in black and white as staples in my closet!

These white ankle pants are also a closet staple. I have them in three colors, including camo!

Honestly, I wasn’t sure about the proportions of this lightweight ruana outfit on my shorter frame. Naturally, the model it’s shown on is five-foot-nine!! But I decided it works for me as long as I wear some shoes with height.

These platform sandals have been a great addition to my wardrobe. They are casual enough but add needed height. They are also super comfy! (The Shop The Look widget below does not show the current price matched price for these–they are currently under $100!)

The finishing touch is this super cute straw bucket bag with the light tan faux leather trim and handle. This has been my go-to straw bag this summer. It’s very affordable, too!

The Story

Taking pictures for the blog is always an adventure. Today when we were doing photos, there were lots of bees on our Lamb’s Ears plants in the front yard. They are super fat so are clearly having a great time drinking the nectar and pollinating our plants. And that’s a good thing! My husband told me I’d better step away so one doesn’t fly up my “lightweight ruana” which I quickly did. It wasn’t until we got back in the house that I felt something crawling on my back. Sure enough, one of those fat little suckers did indeed fly up my ruana! I started to flip out but my husband said to hold still and he was able to knock it out of my shirt! Good thing it was too fat and lazy to sting me!! There is never a dull moment in this blogging journey!

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