Put a Ruffle on It

Flounce, ruffles, tiers…it’s all super trendy and super feminine! Ruffles are everywhere, adorning many off-the-shoulder necklines; covering hemlines, sleeves, and even pant legs! However, these aren’t your old fashioned school girl ruffles although those were cute. They aren’t necessarily as frilly, delicate or dainty as they once were back in the day. The current trend ruffles are the more modern version of what once was. You can guess that I am attracted to the “modern day” ruffles that are both big bold, make a statement, add interest and detail ruffles as well as the more subtle softer versions! It’s great because no matter you’re preference you can add them to your wardrobe and your comfort level. Fashion tip and reminder: If you wear something with confidence, you always look fabulous! Would you agree?

Subtle Ruffles

This blouse has so many wonderful details starting with the ruffles at the shoulders! The contrasting white material makes them stand out. The peplum (or tier) is figure flattering along with the slight high low hem. This color is always a winner in my eyes and perfect for spring styling. While this is a wear to work look, this top would be so cute with jeans and even Bermuda shorts (which I hear are trending again…a post for another day)!

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It also comes in dark gray and cream! The blouse runs true to size. I’m in a medium.

https://shopstyle.it/l/buf4F

Ruffled Sleeves

Since some of you are in a much warmer climate than I am (although I will be wearing this again in the summer when it heats up), you might want to consider a tee with a ruffled sleeve. A classic white tee or top with a ruffled sleeve detail, will pair great with any bottoms: from shorts, to jeans, to pants and even athleisure wear/joggers. The ruffled sleeve detail adds some extra interest to an otherwise plain tee. The sleeve length is perfect – not too short or too long and not too tight on the arm!

Everyone needs a little white dress in her wardrobe and why not one with some ruffled sleeves?! I purchased this dress last summer at Target. The empire waist is figure flattering. The ruffled fluttery sleeves draw your eyes up and adds some interest to the dress. I’m tall (5’8″) so the length is perfect. The dress was lined but slightly low in the arm pit area. I added a white bralette for added coverage. Voila! Another feeling fabulous look! By the way, these wedges went back to the store as they killed my feet. Normally I can tolerate a little discomfort for the sake of cuteness but these were beyond what I am willing to tolerate! LOL… Any of you fashionistas relate?!

Ruffled Shoulders

You can pretty much find clothing items with ruffles placed any where and every where! Your stature will somewhat dictate the placement and size. Being as I’m tall and a larger stature, my frame can support bigger ruffles. If you’re petite, you might want to stick with the smaller more subtle ruffles. This top appealed to me as it has three tiered ruffles on the shoulders. Adding volume at the shoulders slims down your lower half/mid-section. I’m definitely a fan … think old school shoulder pads (which a newer version has resurfaced on the fashion scene – another blog for another day)!

Ruffled Hem Shorts and Romper

Switching from a top with ruffles, to shorts with ruffled hems. The ruffled hem adds some interest and details to the shorts, which typically would simply be straight across. It’s figure flattering as it flows away from the leg. I’ve dressed up these shorts with a cami, blazer and gold accents. However, it would be easy to pair them with a simple top or tee. I wore this outfit to work, which I was kind of second guessing it and it’s appropriateness but ended being fine. It’s a great solution to a “summer suit”. This is one of those outfits that I felt fantastic wearing! Looking forward to wearing it again this summer!

This romper is everything! I purchased it several years ago and it’s still a favorite. It’s super comfy, figure flattering, easy on and off, cute floral print and YES ruffled hem! If Loft came out with another romper in this exact style, I’d buy it again in a heart beat! You know I’m a fan of getting several of the same items in different colors and patterns! By the way, did you notice my slides? RUFFLES! I’ve had them for awhile and also have them in a hot pink! Remember it’s all in the details.

Statement Ruffles

In my opinion, statement ruffles are big, bold and really stand out making a BIG STATEMENT! I call this one of my “sprinter” looks – a combination winter/spring! This sweatshirt has a big statement ruffle which I’ve paired with my wide leg cropped floral pants (winter on the top – I even have a tank on underneath- and spring on the bottom). The ruffled sweatshirt can easily be worn with jeans, skirts, joggers, shorts…lots of options! I debated whether adding a necklace was too much with the large ruffle. The ruffled sweatshirt can totally stand on it’s own but being true to my extra self I went with the necklace. The mint green color felt more like springy!

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This ruffled top grabbed my attention immediately! I told myself I didn’t need it until it went on sale and Stein Mart was going out of business! The two tiered ruffles are striped with top stripes in blue and white and the bottom stripes in black and white. Similar to the sweatshirt, the top could stand alone but I like my accessories and can resist adding some bling! I’ve paired this top with my white jeans. Wearing my sandals with the black and white striped strap and heels makes this matchy matchy gal extra happy!

Ruffles have been in my wardrobe for quit some time! So long that I’ve forgotten where this top is from but I suspect I got it at Stein Mart. The one shoulder ruffles, off the shoulder and diagonal ruffle in blue and white stripes really makes a statement and has lots of interest! Plus it’s blue and white striped! I confess that I have a thing for stripes…can anyone relate? You already know I love wearing blue!

Ruffle overload seems an appropriate title for the next look! The top has the statement ruffle and the shorts have ruffled hems! It was the perfect outfit for our Disney cruise several years ago!

Ruffled Tiers

Another current trend similar to ruffles is clothing with tiers! The tiers are far more subtle and probably easier to wear if ruffles feel like too much or if you’re petite. You can find clothing items with multiple tiers and single tiers. I think the most common that I’ve seen are dresses and skirts. I purchased this tiered denim skirt last summer when Stein Mart was closing it’s doors. It was slightly out of my comfort zone. I believe I paid all of $4.00 and figured if I didn’t like it I wouldn’t be out much. Here are two of the ways that I’ve styled it. I bet it could also be sassed up a bit with a graphic tee and sneakers!

This tee has a large denim flower in the center! For warmth, I added one of my denim jackets! Did you know that denim on denim is a styling thing?

This hot pink dress is really fabulous for lots of reasons! It has a high low tier across the bottom, a v neck, puffy sleeves, pockets and is super soft! It’s not clingy and super figure flattering! This is the perfect Kentucky Derby look, which is on my bucket list to attend one day! It also made for the perfect dress to tip toe through the tulips! The good news is that this dress also comes in petites!

Shop the Dress

https://shopstyle.it/l/buggb

Shop All Things Ruffled

Ruffled Looks of My Fellow Lifestyle and Fashion Blogging Friends from Around the World

Amy – Amy’s Creative Pursuits – “I always like it when clothing items have a little extra detail added to them.  The ruffle on the bottom of this chambray skirt is flirty and fun!  It wouldn’t be as interesting if it was just a typical A-line skirt.”

Suzanne – Ask Suzanne Bell – “Flirty and fun, ruffles add a touch of femininity to any outfit, which is something I’m looking for these days. Whether it’s an extra flounce on a dress or skirt or a big ruffle on top, give it a try and enjoy a little extra spring in your step all day long!”

Nancy –  Nancy’s Fashion Style – “This is my beloved ruffle blouse. It’s an old one and I don’t wear it often, but those ruffles are so perfect to me. And I love the color combination and the kind of preppy look, but the punky feel that the blouse gives me. I need a black one too, of course. But this one, although it’s not my favorite color, has the perfect ruffles. The only thing that I need from a black blouse are ruffles at the cuffs! So if you happen to see one, give me a sign!”

Shelbee – Shelbee on the Edge – “I don’t have a lot of ruffled things in my wardrobe, but I do love the dramatic flounce that can often be found in kimono styles. Big flared bell sleeves and a wide flounce at the bottom of a mixed pattern kimono paired with a denim mermaid skirt seemed to fit the theme this month.”

Brigitte – Brigitte Marie Foret Blog & @brigittemarieforet on Instagram – “I love incorporating ruffles into my everyday looks, because they add a subtle femininity to any outfit. Ruffles possess the ability to transform any basic garment into an elevated statement piece. Whether worn during the week, or for a special occasion, ruffles are definitely an element of clothing that I enjoy wearing.”

Andy – Pearls and Pantsuits – “I’ll confess, ruffles aren’t exactly my thing, since I don’t really need any extra fluff on my already fluffy pear shaped body! This top has a delicate ruffle detail around the wrist, and the floral print adds the touch of romance that is so big this season.”

Ada – Elegance and Mommyhood – “This lovely yellow dress has been in my closet for over a decade (it’s by Express). I wore it to our Florida vacation last year. Since the “challenge” was all about ruffles and flounce I decided to go full steam with this fully-ruffled dress. It reminds me a little bit of the 20s from a century ago.”

Emma – The Style Splash – “I love ruffles and frills – especially on blouses – because they add a bit of drama to an outfit. I bought this red one a few years ago in a sale and never get bored with it.”

Nicole – High Latitude Style – “I am not a ruffle person. Thus, this dress is just a tryout of the current trend. The plan was to cut the ruffle off if I wouldn’t like it. I am still undecided whether to cut or not to cut it off. What do you think?”

Lucy – Lucy Bertoldi.com “Ruffles are fashion’s way of telling you not to take styling too seriously- lighten up!  Loving this ruffle theme- so freeing (and it also helps that this blouse is in my very favourite Spring colour)!”

Let’s Chat

Hopefully you’ve gotten some inspiration for adding some ruffles to your wardrobe! Add some ruffles to your existing wardrobe or simply have fun and wear all the things that you love, brings you joy and happiness! Did you have a favorite ruffled look? Leave us a comment! We love to hear from you!

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This post contains affiliate links, meaning when you click on an item or purchase an item, I may receive a very small commission for the click or purchase. These picks are NOT sponsored, are selected solely by me, and opinions are entirely my own.

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