When was the last time you seriously considered adding a ruffle to your look? The word itself can evoke feelings of icky 80s overdone-ness, so it's no surprise if you've passed by ruffled looks on store hangers and shelves. This spring, high fashion took to the embellishment like bees to honey — and did it in a way that's modern and sophisticated. Here are a few inspiration pics from our favorite looks. See how this trend works for a variety of styles and why it's one of fashion's current trend darlings.
How to: Wear Ruffles
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Hi Low
Love 'em or hate 'em, high-low skirts are happening. While a mini skirt with a tail can look awkward, an asymmetrical hem with a ruffle addition can call to mind sexy Latin culture, and be oh-so-chic. The graphic black and white combination of this Balenciaga look makes it appropriate to wear with tights in the fall and sandals in the spring.
Image: IMAXtree
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Tiered
Girls just want to have fun, right? We agree that every once in a while a girl wants to feel young, fresh and flirty. A dress with a bright pop of color and tiered, ruffled skirt that has lots of movement can be just the garment to make that feeling happen.
Ralph Lauren image: IMAXtree
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Ruff Neck
What's better than a new neckline twist (literally?). We'd love to see an affordable iteration of this Gucci neckline hit H&M, Zara or some such retailer. Another style inspiration from this collection: keeping the majority of your look ultra simple paves the way for one major embellished statement.
Image: IMAXtree
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Attached Hem
Know your way around a sewing machine, or know someone who does? Maybe it's time to pull out a spring/summer dress you haven't worn in a while and have a ruffled hem attached to the bottom. We expect you'll have lots of opportunities to adopt this style via store purchase, but we had to bring up its DIY potential.
Chloe image: IMAXtree
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Discreet
Sometimes you want an accent, but not one that's going to overwhelm another piece you intend on wearing. Enter Altuzarra's small, ruffled peplum. Ruffles don't have to be in-your-face. They can pack a subtle message too.
Image: IMAXtree
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Side Bar
Another example of a ruffled hem that adds volume and texture without being overwhelming is this Marni topper.
Image: IMAXtree
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Bold Peplum
Back to bold, this out-there ruffled peplum is an attention-getter that's perfect for a cocktail party or otherwise chic night out. Nothing wrong with using your wardrobe to draw eyes, where and when appropriate.
Peter Pilotto image: IMAXtree
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All In
If you're a ruffle lover (or are starting to become one after viewing this awesome ruffle-curated slideshow) then you might want to just go for it and buy a top or bottom that has ruffles galore, just be careful: you want to avoid being mistaken for a pirate. Ruffles that aren't too voluminous or are paired with sleek basics are probably the best way to go.
Prabal Gurung image: IMAXtree
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Sweet Sophisticate
Because Chloe was awash in ruffles and the looks were to die, here's an extra. Delicate chiffon and sweet lavender have us fantasizing about sipping a mint julep on the veranda and using the heat of a summer's day as an excuse to relax and enjoy ourselves.
Image: IMAXtree
