Rock The Look: Ruffles

By Anna R

[Do you ever feel like you can’t pull something off? Have trendy pieces in your closet that you would never have the courage to actually wear out? Well take those pieces out, shake off the dust, and continue reading!

In this series, I will choose a different piece that can be difficult to incorporate into an outfit and give you ideas on how to wear it. If there’s anything you would like to read about in the future, please leave a comment!]

Ruffles always look so elegant and feminine – but that’s not why I love them so much. The best part about ruffles is that they can balance out your body. Small bust and big hips? Put on a top with some ruffles and – poof – an instant chest! Need to add some oomph to your bottom half? Throw on a ruffled skirt! Seen on the runways of Givenchy, Just Cavalli, Giambattista Valli, and others, ruffles are possibly the easiest way to emphasize and enlarge areas that you want to be on display while making other ares (i.e. your waist) appear slimmer.

If you want to make your bust appear larger, here are some really cute tops. Pair em with your favorite pair of going-out jeans for a perfectly balanced outfit. Click on the picture to learn more, or to buy em. (And how could you not? They are so. cute.)

If you want to add some curve/volume to your hips while slimming your legs, these perfecty placed (read: low on the body) ruffles will do the trick. Again, click to see more:

If you’re still nervous or unsure about rocking this look, you can add ruffles with a little more subtlety. Ruffles on the shoulder are easy to pull off and are flattering for your arms, and a small ruffle on a v-neck brings all the attention to your chest. Hot.

A skirt with a long ruffle in the front is very pretty, simple, and feminine, but with a fun little twist. This look can be worn with a tight top and a pair of heels for a party, or with a more conservative top for your internship or job interviews.

Finally, if you’re just not feeling the ruffley clothes, you can still rock this trend by carrying a ruffled purse or shoes.

Just remember: ruffles stand out, so if you don’t want to show something off, don’t stick a ruffle there!