I have a thing for tops with a frill or ruffle collar or sometimes stand collar, because I think that for me, they give just the right “ feminine/ dressy juxtapose” with my collection of pants/ bottoms, which are typically either more tailored or are joggers, track pants, chinos, jeans. But prefer not TOO ruffly, no smocking , not ditsy/ prairie style. I have a collection of regular straight/ collared button front shirts from silk to flannel, but a lot of times then the overall outfit looks too…tailored, masculine, maybe stodgy.

So I will do searches re: ruffles to see what turns up. Note that BLACK is not a good face color for me, except a few types where skin shows- black cotton SS tee, boatneck top. No long sleeves or turtlenecks. Saving a couple of classic black jackets mostly for evening/ funeral (!) , but not buying more. Black is not weird/ sickly, it’s just a bit strong since my hair/ coloring has gotten more muted.

Enter & Other Stories ruffle collar silk/ cotton blouse. But in BLACK! It also comes in a print whose colors are bad on me, and white, which also I avoid except a summer T. Sorry my web blocker won’t allow Finds.

Well, I love it! It works tucked or boxy- untucked. I would wear sleeves pushed up like stock photos, so that plus neckline gives a bit of skin. It is a warm- weather top for me, but can wear a light underlayer to extend season. So, chinos, joggers, jeans, ankle pants in grays, summer beige/ khaki/tans, denim. It’s really versatile in a weird way— I love it with dressier pants and yet it looks, um, great, with my exercise sweatpants with black tuxedo stripes. What IS that?

But no question, a more medium-color solid would be more conventionally face- flattering. OTOH, my conceit is that the black gives the trendy style more legs, longevity, especially using with neutral bottoms as described. Maybe?

Need 8- hour lipstick! Maybe wear a hint of blush again- I had quit wearing in retirement, though I wear mascara, and for me blush must be so subtle. Or just— who cares?

Not sure if this is a trendy infatuation , or it truly hits my style goal in a great way, or if will have black- top remorse. Or if ok to wear for a couple of years & move on.

Have you had similar situations, and how did it turn out? No right or wrong answers, but just sharing.