Ruffles made an appearance last season and no signs of going away this spring and summer. Ruffled sleeves, ruffled one-shouldered tops, ruffled skirts, off-the-shoulder ruffles, and numerous ruffles are all popular. It’s understandable; it’s a lovely, feminine summertime style. But how do you wear ruffles without looking like you ransacked your four-year closet? Here are a few basic ruffles dresses-ready strategies for this season.
- SIZE
Ruffles add fabric, which adds to the overall bulk. Avoid wide ruffle dresses that sit on the bust if you’re big-busted. Equally narrow shoulders and shoulders that are broad. With an exaggerated ruffle worn directly across the shoulders or one shoulder, narrow shoulders look amazing. The ruffle adds a bit of extra height to the top, which helps to balance a low shoulder with a huge hip.
If you’re both big-busted and broad-shouldered, we recommend avoiding wide ruffles in place of adding bulk and light fabrics that gently drape the body. Alternatively, instead of the bodice, choose on the sleeve (like the bell sleeve below).
- DIRECTION
The diagonal ruffle flatters all body types since it attracts attention up and down the body in both directions. Because they produce a softer line, one-shouldered shirts and dresses are often more flattering than off-the-shoulder tops and dresses.
A horizontally positioned ruffle will draw the eye width-ways, so if you’re big busted, a ruffle cut on the diagonal (For example, one shoulder) is your best option. Even better, a fluid fabric that drapes the bust. If your upper arms aren’t your favorite part of your body, opt for a one-shoulder option over a completely off-the-shoulder option, and look for cut-out sleeves.
- POSITION
Ruffle dresses get most commonly seen on the shoulder or upper arms, but they can also get found on skirts and dresses. A vertical ruffle on a skirt along the bottom of a skirt or dress is a particularly flattering option for ladies. The trick to any lower-body ruffle placement is to avoid having it sit at your broadest point.
For instance, if your hips are particularly narrow, a horizontal ruffle placed on the hips can be a terrific method to add a curve. A ruffled hem, on the other hand, is an attractive choice. You want to complement your curves without adding extra width.
- COMBINING THE PARTS
Here are some fast suggestions for pairing ruffles with existing pieces in your wardrobe to avoid looking like you went shopping in the children’s section:
- Denim
A great way to pair down the excitement and girliness is with jeans and some ruffles up top.
- To the top or the bottom
Make a decision and stick to it.
- Darker colors
Colors like pink, baby blue, and lemon come to mind when we think about girl’s clothing. Ruffles in black, navy, and chambray will give you a more refined style.
- Patterns
Because the pattern blends, a ruffle in a printed fabric can appear less ruffly than a block color. Choose a design if you want your dress to be more modest.