A fashion trend that people feel very strongly about is the ruffles. There is no grey space about it, you either love it, or you despise it. Either way, ruffles made a comeback on the runways in 2018, where high-end brands such as Marc Jacobs, Prabal Gurung, Viktor & Rolf, Carolina Herrera incorporated the style in their collections. As a result, we saw the revival of this technique in the mass retail fashion industry. Till date, the trend is going strong and we continue to see it evolve in various ways. Be it your sleeves, dress or skirt hemlines, necklines, and even pant legs, we see the incorporation of the ruffles in various ways. Purely aesthetic, they serve no utilitarian purpose. These feminine frills are purely decorative and add a luxury element to sartorial fashion wear.
Ruffles are known to be over the top and were popular in the era of romanticism, they hold a rich place in history. The early origins can be traced back to their use in the uniforms of German soldiers in the 15th Century. Later, we saw ruffles adorned in the Elizabethan era as an accessory, and then as a trim on clothing. Additionally, ruffles are widely used in theatre and drama for costume design, to depict Shakespearean times. Moreover, I’m sure many of us can relate to the use of these tiered layers in our childhood outfits as well. Who can forget those frilly frocks our mums would dress us up? Sure, they looked cute when we were young, but the real challenge is to pull them off now without looking like a cake topper.
Thankfully, there are many ruffle-covered pieces that are elegant and suitable for our generation. There is a style for every occasion, and you can go as extreme or subtle as per your personal preference.
Dive into the trend with these 5 ruffle pieces that are chic and sophisticated:
1. Mini Skirt
Why stick to traditional denim or leather mini when you spruce it up with some ruffles? This three-layer pleated skirt in crepe is all the cute you need to pull off the ruffle style. In pastel baby blue, the matching set is simple, yet so chic with the details of pleats and ruffles. Moreover, a high-waist style and belt pull the outfit together, making it wearable for a date, or any day time outing.
2. Off-Shoulder Top
Off-shoulder and ruffles go hand in hand, enhancing your bare decolletage with some added frills. This sequin leaf top is the perfect addition to your wardrobe to pair with those simple bottoms—style it with shorts, denim or a skirt. The neutral colour and subtle work make it easy to mix and match with different textures, such as the olive green leather shorts pictured. This top is the perfect choice to have fun with ruffles and make a statement at the same time.
3. Formal Dress
We all need something for the more formal occasions, and what better than ruffles to add the element of romance! Straight out of Beauty and the Beast, feel like Princess Belle in this gorgeous emerald green off-shoulder lace dress. Perfect for a wedding reception or an evening cocktail, this tiered dress is flattering in every way. The translucent lace on the bottom ruffle layer and thin belt along the waist is small details that add elegance and cohesiveness to the overall look. If you aren’t one for going over the top, this beautiful dress is the pick for you to be on-trend.
4. Mini Dress
For those who like going the extra mile, all-over ruffles is the only way to go. This outfit calls for some serious ruffles business, and only those with a unicorn heart can pull off the frilly magic. In rainbow pastel hues, and layers of frothy tulle, this textured mini dress is crafted to produce a flattering statement look. Moreover, the dreamy pastel colours and short length helps to minimise the overwhelming effect of the ruffles. Get your party shoes on, and be ready to make heads turn in this fun multi-coloured number.
5. Hem Trousers
If you thought ruffles have a limit and can be seen only on dresses and skirts, take it to the next level with trousers. Relatively simple, sport a vintage look with a flounced hem trousers. A monochromatic colour makes this easily pairable with any style of top and footwear. Get creative and match them with a puff-sleeve blouse, or go modern and style a crop-top. Moreover, these trousers are a more subtle option over tiered pants. They are also a sophisticated alternative to skinnies and make for a comfortable chic outfit.
Are you into the ruffle outfit trend? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
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