How to Wear Ruffles

How to wear ruffles without looking like you’re on the set of The Pirates of the Caribbean

Ruffles are everywhere. In the last year they have been seen on pantlegs, skirt hemlines, and shoulder necklines. Now they are now appearing on shoes, purses, and even summer swimwear. The biggest question for women our age is how do we wear ruffles? For as long as I can remember ruffles reminded me of my childhood. Not just the way my mom dressed me, but also my twin bedspread, our kitchen curtains, and my grandmother’s aprons. Yikes, am I too old to wear ruffles?

Ruffles are feminine; they are graceful and romantic and have been around since the 16^th century.

Blame Shakespeare, he started it. Remember the 70’s hippies and all the free-flowing flouncing ruffles? Then there were the many bridesmaid dresses I wore in the 80’s, or the puffy and ruffled dresses which became the dress code of the 90’s.

Nonetheless, the top designers are bringing them back for spring with a fury. Carolina Herrera, Valentino, and Alexander McQueen. All of them have shown ruffles on their 2019 runway shows.

So again, as a grown woman can you wear ruffles?

Yes! First, ask yourself what style you feel comfortable with. This is the most important question to answer because the popular fashion trends may not express whom you are and you need to stay true to yourself.

Let’s face it not every look is for every woman, and dressing with confidence is the most important and flattering thing you can do for yourself.

Not too sure about ruffles? Start with something simple and introduce a ruffle with a heavier fabric like a comfy sweater.

I’ve seen many fantastic looking ruffled sweaters this season. You can also try an accessory such as a bag or a shoe if this is little a more approachable.

Now, if you want to try something frillier, then the key is to balance. Women sometimes think that they need to avoid ruffles as they will add more volume but that’s not necessarily true if you learn how to balance the look. For example, take a longer skirt with a ruffle at the bottom,  when pulled together at the waist it creates an hourglass shape.  A-line dresses with a long-ruffled sleeve will flatter just about any figure type. A ruffle can add volume to a smaller bustline if preferred. I’ve seen several bathing suits with an off shoulder ruffle across the bodice this season.

You can pretty much work a ruffle into your wardrobe no matter what time of day it is. Once again, just remember to balance. A ruffled blouse looks great with a pair of jeans or slim pants. On evening wear such as gowns and cocktail dresses, carefully select your jewelry as you do not want to overpower and keep the look balanced. The easiest way to wear a ruffle is on your neckline. However, a large ruffle is like wearing a statement piece, so accessories should be a little subtle.

The number of fads will just keep coming and going and if you happen to have kept something that comes back in style then lucky you a perk to our aging!