Rocking those ruffles

The verdict is here — ruffles will be reigning each and every fashionista’s wardrobe come Spring-Summer.

It has adamantly cemented its spot on  runways and trend radars alike. This season, they are ultra feminine, resembling those of Spanish flamenco skirts.  It seems like Loewe, Rodarte and Alexander McQueen are making a strong and compelling case to make them stay through interesting fabrications and details like embroideries, frayed hemlines and unusual textures like leather and tulle. Designers and high-street labels are having the most fun with this trend — experimenting with it to suit modern day requirements. Here is a quick guide on how to rock those ruffles like a fashion ‘it-girl’.

Sorbet tones

Flouncy ruffles in powdery, pastel colours mean fuss-free and easy-going summer fashion. While it seems too feminine in reality, it can be toughened up with edgy accents like a structured jacket and leather accessories. Prairie dresses with high collars in this particular colour palette and fabrics like georgette, lace and chiffon must be your go-to picks for the season.

Tiered style

Tiered ruffles along the shoulder and ruffled bell sleeves contribute to a Victorian-inspired fashion statement.

It helps that this time around they are girly and sophisticated in equal parts that stops it from crossing into too-twee or too-girly. Focus your attention on midi-length or maxi-length tiered dresses with high collars and slashed shoulders. Leather boots will escalate this look up by several
notches.

Play with textures

Ruffles are not just restricted to flowy silhouettes. Keep a watchful eye on textures like satin, leather and light velvet. Jersey is also a great option for  casual everyday-wear.

For the minimalists, linen versions in gingham prints are a match made in fashion heaven.

If you prefer going all out, then look no further than fabrics like tulle and mesh and channel your inner Carrie Bradshaw.

In swimwear

With resort season in full bloom, swimwear  has ditched its slinky counterparts and turned to vintage inspired ruffled one-piece suits instead. Playful ruffles in renewed scuba styles, single-shoulder and bardot sleeves are what you should be adding to your shopping carts. It is sophisticated, highly-feminine and appropriate for Indian women and their bodytypes.

Workwear

Workwear has a notorious reputation of being painfully monotonous Adding ruffles in good quantities help elevate even the most basic of workwear staples. Ruffled blouses with high collars, sweaters with ruffle details and cropped trousers with frilled hemlines make your office a little fashion playground. A pencil skirt with flute ruffles lend an easy sophisticated charm.

Today’s ruffle is more versatile than ever. It can make a transition from day to night, and from season to season with much ease. As much as it screams modern prairie, it is also very elegant and ladylike, which makes it a classic staple to behold.

 Take cue from Chanel and wear your vintage ruffled skirt with a slogan tee, or turn to Gucci for inspiration on how to mix feminine ruffles with androgynous bomber
jackets — the possibilities are a lot more than just one.
(Contributed by Farah Magi)