This versatile ruffle buttoned top from Ann Taylor comes in a lot of different colors, prints and materials. I wanted to share my honest review on them after wearing for almost a year and let you know whether they are truly versatile.
I will also share some sizing that will be helpful if you have fuller chest and smaller chest.
What I Bought
This is not the only Ruffle button top I own from Ann Taylor, that is one of the biggest reasons I thought to share this review with you.
I bought the Black Ruffle Button Top after staring at it for a while in late winter last year to prepare a work conference wardrobe. Ann Taylor is known for its business clothes that are perfect for semi formal work dress code.
Soon after I bought its pink version which was the same price and the same size as I realized that the top was simple and I can pair with black for work look. And soon after during summer picked up a cotton blend red ruffle button top to wear on a trip to India as it looked fun and modest.
So, you can see that I have bought quite a lot of them now.
Is It See through?
The first thing that comes to my mind when I buy shirts is how thin is the material. Will my bra be visible underneath which makes it tough to wear outside when its full light.
The black and pink ruffle button tops are made out of Polyester. So, they are lightweight. But the pink one is a bit see through compared to the black one which is obvious.
But you won’t find that problem in the cotton blend ruffle button top that I specifically picked for a sunny destination. Since it’s cotton, it has more blocking power than Polyester material.
But you can avoid a bra peep by wearing nude bras.
Fit For Fuller Chest Women
This is always a problem when it comes to button down shirts for women who have fuller chest. You can never find something that works. But this is where the Ann Taylor button top is different from other casual short sleeve shirts.
It has cup stitching on the sides, that contours the top around your chest area for a better fit. This way if you have a bigger chest and you tend to buy shirts larger than your normal size, you don’t have to do that with this top.
My bra size is 36C and that is why even though I can wear small in a shirt, I would buy medium so I don’t feel restricted around my chest area. But I picked up small in all 3 sizes and was able to wear them with comfort.
I also likes that the shirt does not fall back, which usually happens when you have sized up.
Fit For Small Chested Women
Ann Taylor pretty much showcases all smaller chest women, so it’s natural that this shirt or button top will also work for women with smaller chest. And it’s not just because it’s designed for skinnier women, but also because of the side stitching around the chest.
Now, if you feel like your usual size is big, you can also go for Petite sizes as Ann Taylor offers that size as well.
Arm Fit
This would be another concern if you are not skinny like me. Whenever I fins tops that have some sort of ruffles around arms, they either have elastic or they don’t have anything. Which means if you have thick arms, you can’t fit in them comfortably.
But they have button opening sleeves or arms. Now the arms are comfortable without opening the buttons, but if you do feel discomfort, you can also open them.
This is a huge factor for me when buying short sleeve ruffle tops. I need to feel comfortable.
Overall Style
The high ruffle collars with V neckline is a perfect balance between casual and sophisticated. The V neck also looks flattering compared to a full collared shirt neckline.
This makes this top elegant and feminine but still wearable with jeans or shorts if you like.
The puffy ruffle arms are great for someone who has thick arms like mine. They balance the shape and make you look slimmer.
The shirt is also not too long but long enough that you can tuck in or leave it out depending on how you are trying to wear.
Durability
All the shirts including the cotton blend one are machine washable. But the Polyester one can also be dried in the drier without worrying about shrinkage.
I have washed the red one many times in India, and trust me the washing machines are different there. But I still did not see the color fading. So, overall I definitely see that the ruffle button tops are well made for longevity.
Overall Thoughts
This shirt is versatile for sure. And after wearing it in different ways I can say, I would like to invest in some more in different patterns and material which I can wear to work or somewhere fancy.
The material has not show any wear and tear after multiple washes and looks new with a simple steaming.
And for the price point from $79.50 to $89.50, its a versatile piece to add to your work or even everyday style.
Versatile Styles
Ann Taylor Stripe Ruffle Button Top
Price: $89.50
Perfect for structured yet comfortable look. The stripes are timeless classics.
Ann Taylor Floral Chiffon Button Front Top
Price: $84.50
Great versatile floral top that you can rock all spring and summer. Wear at trips and also work.
Ann Taylor Poplin Ruffle Button Top
Price: $79.50
Looking for a classic white button down shirt, then this poplin shirt is perfect for you.
Ann Taylor Black Ruffle Button Top
Price: $79.50
Black button down shirt with ruffle arms that looks chic and versatile. It looks great with casual and formal looks.
