Fashion Over Forty: Ruffle Neck Sweater and Balloon Sleeves with a Puffer Vest

Happy Friday! It's time for my weekly "Fashion Over Forty" post, thanks so much for visiting! For today's post I'm styling another one of my favorite sweater purchases from last fall, a balloon sleeve ruffle neck top. Or is it a blouson sleeve? I've seen them sometimes referred to blouson sleeves and have no idea if that's actually a different style...they look similar to me, so I am just calling these balloon sleeves. If anyone knows the difference, please let me know!

Please note: This post includes some affiliate links meaning I may earn a small commission if you purchase something through the links. As always this is at no cost to you. Thanks so much for supporting this blog.

If you have been following any fashion blogs or read any fashion related magazines then you might know that balloon sleeves have been trending for a couple of years now. While I am usually one of the last to jump on a trend bandwagon, I absolutely fell in love with this sweater last year and had to have it. And I am sure it'll stay in my closet long after the balloon sleeve trend is gone. 

As mentioned, the sweater is from last year and no longer available, but in case you like to shop at second hand places, it's by A New Day, a Target brand. Otherwise many stores currently have some sort of balloon sweaters and I've linked to some of my favorite finds at the end of this post. I've also seen several on Amazon like the one linked below which is actually similar in color too. 

More Amazon options HERE.

Balloon sleeve sweaters are perfect for pairing with a quilted or puffer vest, like I did on this day. I wasn't always a fan of vests, but purchased my first one several years ago and I have 2 or 3 of them now and they are so perfect for adding warmth to an outfit without the bulk of a coat.

This particular vest is from Old Navy, but the exact style is no longer available. I did find several options on Amazon, the one below looks similar to mine and is lightweight with good reviews. More Amazon options HERE. 

So these boots found their way into my shopping cart recently, when I noticed one of my readers purchased these. (Just in case you're wondering...while I can see what purchases were made through the blog, that is all the info I get and absolutely no other buyers info, so your privacy is fully protected by Amazon.) Thanks to whomever introduced these to me :)

In any event, these boots by Earth Origins were marked down to under $20 and I had a gift card too, so decided to give them a try. I ordered 1/2 size up. It's suggested on Amazon to go up a full size, but the half size was enough for me. Unfortunately sizes are limited but there are some still available. 

Love the side details. 

My jeans are by Banana Republic (old), this pair seem to be similar in style but with a raw hem. Available in regular, tall and petite. 

Crossbody bag was a recent goodwill find - like new, by Fossil. If you are familiar with this brand than you'll know these bags are pretty expensive, but I paid less than $10 for this one. 

I'm linking to some balloon sleeve sweater options below...

Loft

Shimmer Pointelle Sweater  

Velvet Wide Cuff Top 

 

Shirttail Tunic Top 

Paisley Sweatshirt 

 <<More Sweaters from LOFT>>

Banana Republic 

Puff Sleeve Sweater 

Cable Knit Sweater

<<More Sweaters from Banana Republic>>

Nordstrom

Blouson Sleeve Sweater

Ruffle Neck Sweater
<<More Sweaters from Nordstrom>>

You may also want to check out their new markdowns.

Thanks again for taking the time out of your day to stop by my blog!

You might also like: 

A not so ordinary Crew Neck Sweater //  Black Vest and Turquoise Turtleneck

 Linking up with these wonderful blogs:

Friday: Fancy Friday hosted by Nancy of Nancy’s Fashion Style // Lizzie in Lace //  Friday Favorites at Penny's Passion // A Little Bit of Everything // Friday Favorites // A Fireman’s Wife // Shelbee on the Edge //  Fabulous Friday Link Up with Lucy

Saturday: Dare to Share

Sunday: Style Splash linkup // Sunday Showcase (first Sunday)

Monday: Away From Blue // The Queen In Between (first Monday) // Claire Justine Creative Mondays // Glass of Glam // Mutton Style // Inspire Me Monday // Ageless Style Linkup (1st Monday) // Hello Monday // Random-osity Good, Random, Fun // You're The Star Blog Hop Link Party @Stonecottage Adventures // Anything Goes with Your Hosts @ My Random Musings

Tuesday: The Fashion Canvas // Shelbee On the Edge Spread the Kindness // I Do deClaire // Elegantly Dressed and Stylish // Myriad Musings // Jenerally Informed Happy Now Blog Link // Style Splash linkup // Tuesday with a Twist @Stonecottage Adventures // I Will Wear What I Like Linkup  // Randomosity - Good Random - Fun

Wednesday: What's Up Wednesday? (last wed. of month) // The Queen in Between Style Six // Straight A Style // Jersey Girl, Texan Heart // Fashion Frenzy at Seeking Sunshine and Rosy Outlook // Is This Mutton? Wow on Wednesday // Effortlessly Sophisticated // Wonderful Wednesday //  Welcome Wednesdays //  Classy Flamingos

Thursday: Fashion Files at Doused in Pink and Curly Crafty Mom // Elegance and Mommyhood // High Latitude Style // A Labour of Life // Mummabstylish // Thirty Minus One // Mutton Style // Thursday Favorite Things //  Little Things Thursday // Traffic Jam Weekend @Being a Wordsmith