I am often asked how to style ruffles and look sophisticated . You do not want to look too frilly and overdone , at any age. You want to look polished and taken seriously at work, and yet still be able to ROCK THIS RUFFLE TREND. My dear readers, you know my preliminary answer. It is all in the Mix!
BELOW I SHOW AND DO NOT TELL!
Style Advice: How to Style Ruffles :
- First off, when styling an outfit with bows and ruffles , go easy on the pastel, especially if it is a dress. Above, my dress has ruffles and my sleeves end with two sashes tied into a bow.
- Note I am wearing a menswear plaid, the perfect antidote to sweet ruffles.
- Choose accessories carefully. Now may not be the time to add a floral bag or shoes. Think gingham check, plaids, deep colors in bold hues.
- Add something geometric. My Badgley Mischka bag is simple and has a structured geometric pattern that counters nicely with the bow details and ruffled skirt.
- If you choose a hat on a sunny day, choose one without floral embellishments. Mine is very plain and I would advise something similar. Those new to this notion of how to style ruffles, should aim to avoid “over the top” girly. Balance sweet with bold and serious .
- Add studs too, if it is jacket weather, add a studded Moto jacket, or studded booties year round. Add biker chic to ruffles and create some nuanced style.
Below, Be careful of the wind! My smile is tentative here as the wind was intermittent ! A longer dress would have been better choice given the strong breeze, , which by the way, was NOT in the weather forecast!
Walk the Walk. Stand tall and wear simple earrings. Statement earrings could work if the vibe is architectural, but it is best to stay with simple , and NO necklace for a dress that has this much detail.
Got ruffles? Keep the rest of the feminine touches at a minimum!
YOU KNOW MY STYLE IS EXUBERANT AND ECLECTIC, SO IT IS RARE WHEN I SUGGEST TO TONE THINGS DOWN. BUT IT DOES HAPPEN; A SIMILAR STYLE DILEMMA IS HERE WHEN I FEATURED A BABYDOLL DRESS.
WINDY DAYS ARE FREQUENT ! RAINY DAYS, TOO, SO BOTH OF THESE THINGS COULD BE CONSIDERED WHEN CHOOSING AN OUTFIT. HERE THE BREEZE IS JUST RIGHT. I AM CHECKING THAT I HAVE MY SPF LIPSTICK , MAYBE NOT MY FINEST POSE EVER!
UP CLOSE: THE ACCESSORIES !
THRFITED SEQUINS SHOES — or these– BADGLEY MISCHKA CONVERTABLE CLUTCH — or this – LOTS AND LOTS OF STACKED RINGS, or these !
Would you care to go back in time a bit and see how I styled a ruffled skirt? SO glad you said yes!
Crisp stripes play down the frill factor of the ruffles below.
The BOLD stripes do their job here! See ?
Another fun look at a windy day ensemble is here. I balance a big feminine bow at my neck with a plaid skirt and other details. Ruffles and bold accessories- Got it? Yes I think you do.
So these are my recommendations for how to style ruffles and look every inch the sophisticate that you are!
So dear readers, I must ask. How do you style ruffles or do your shun them completely. Let me know. I so value your input !
Postscript: This dress felt a bit too short in the wind, and since I can not control the weather, have since given it to a friend who is shorter than I and it hits just at the knee! She looks fabulous in it!
I’m so glad it’s okay to wear ruffles again and still be considered knowledgeable and not so silly!! They are such a fabulous detail, and incorporate more than just femininity. They are a exuberant way to smile and laugh at the world. Which we all need to do many days!!
XOOX
Jodie
http://www.jtouchofstyle.com
I love that interpretation Jodie!
xoxo, Elle
You look so cute in ruffles babe
This outfit is extremely gorgeous
Much Love,
Jane | The Bandwagon Chic
Thanks sweet friend!
xoxo, Elle
A masterpiece posts with outstanding outfits! If perfection does not exist they are very close!
https://4highheelsfans.wordpress.com/2018/05/18/in-the-mix/
How very kind of you! Thanks and happy weekend!
xoxo, Elle
These are both wonderfully gorgeous outfits, love the colour pairing of the second choice. Thanks for sharing and giving inspiration. Jacqui Mummabstylish
Thanks Jacqui,
I am so glad! I also like that color pairing, so summery!
xoxo, Elle
What ?
I love how you styled these! I’ve been looking at a dress and a skirt with ruffles and was afraid of overdoing it. I love your recommendations. I’m going to buy the cute dress and maybe the skirt thanks to your styling tips. I love the femininity of ruffles!
Patti,
I am so glad!
You are a natural stylist, I am sure you will rock the look!
xoxo, Elle
You’re looking fabulous in that perfectly styled outfit. Very sophisticated! I’m hearing you on the strong wind, though 😉 I’ve only recently acquired some ruffled items of clothing, though I must add they all feature florals. Not pastels, though, more like seventies browns, oranges and yellows! In fact, when I think of ruffles, I immediately think of a vintage Barbie outfit for the early seventies (I collect vintage Barbie dolls and their fabulous clothes!) called Ruffles ‘n Swirls! xxx
Ruffles in neutrals sound fabulous, yes the wind must be kept in mind! Lol!
Interesting association with Barbie dolls and apt. How fun to collect vintage Barbies!
xoxo, Elle
This dress is one of my favourites on you. Like I said on Instagram, its so classy and chic. You look amazing. Love you in the radiant colours too. So perfect for Spring and Summer.
https://www.missymayification.co.uk
Thank you Missy May!
I was in a summer mood!
xoxo, Elle
I love the purple skirt. And how you combined the striped top with the striped clutch. Brilliant.
Greetje
Thank so much for that wonderful compliment, Coming from you I am very grateful !
xoxo, Elle
I love the mix of multiple bold stripes together.
I’m a fan of ruffles even if I don’t wear them too often.
I’m especially fond of your amazing hat in the first outfit. Lovely!
Suzanne
Thanks so much Suzanne,
I appreciate that- i also love the happy coincidence of owning similar bold stripes to wear together.
The hat is simple and fits my little head, lol !
xoxo, Elle
How gorgeous! Both outfits are such a classy look. I have to admit, I’m a bit scared of ruffles because it’s quite a statement feature. Need to break out of that shell, don’t I? :3
http://www.rosegoldrhyme.com
You should wear whatever you love! Sometimes it is good to step out of your comfort zone though !
xoxo, Elle
I love a ruffle, and tend to style them with a menswear edge. I’ve done a ruffle-neck/cuff blouse with houndstooth trousers, a giant fan-style ruffle with a grey suit jacket (same blouse with leopard jeans and studs/grommets, too). Great tips for making this often-intimidating style accessible and doable, Elle! You look lovely, but I’m glad to read you let it go due to the length – it does look amazing as is, but that would feel extra-short to me too!
I have seen your amazing styling! Ruffles suit you, you always add drama and interest. Yes, the dress was great standing in front of the mirror, but the minute I raise my arms a bit… to short. It is longer in the back but still too short for me. A happy new home!
Enjoy the weekend.
I remember the giant fan ruffle! Wow!!
xoxo, Elle
Gorgeous outfit and smart advice. It’s easy to go wrong with ruffles; your sage wisdom can help us avoid that.
I am so glad you found this useful! I love ruffles and know you too can rock this look!
xoxo, Elle
Hey girl! You look so pretty in these outfits! Love your styling Beauty and Fashion Freaks
Thanks sweet one!
happy weekend !
xoxo, Elle
Blazers and suits are no longer the preserve of tired employees.
http://www.ddsua.com
Love the chic hat you look like you stroll into the royal wedding. The stripe with ruffles is on point look beautiful.
Now that is quite the compliment!
xoxo, Elle
Love this!! I’m such a sucker for ruffles! Your lavender skirt is dreamy!
http://www.jessicabroyles.com
Ah, me too Jessica!
xoxo, Elle
This is such a helpful post!! I absolutely love the look of ruffles on an outfit but I found myself feeling like a little girl or a doll when I was going for a more trendy and sophisticated look. Adding studs is SUCH a good idea! It brings out a more bold and daring look to the ruffles.
All your looks are beautiful!
xo, Allie
http://www.champagne-tuesdays.com
Thanks Allie, I am so glad, Have a great long weekend!
xoxo, Elle
Looking gorgeous in ruffles! I love your helpful tips and the way you’ve made these ruffles look so sophisticated.
http://www.fashionradi.com
Thanks so much!
Happy weekend!
xoxo, Elle
Such a beautiful ensemble you created, Elle! I love the sequins shoes and the hat!
Lots of love!
First off, I love the new layout of the blog! It’s been a while since I’ve had the chance to stop by, I love it! As for these outfits, you’ve styled your ruffled pieces beautifully. I love the contrast of the menswear vibe with the check pattern and the feminine ruffles, as well as the stripes on stripes in the second outfit. Thanks of sharing such great tips on styling ruffles, which can easily be overdone if not careful. I hope you have a wonderful holiday weekend, beauty!
XO,
Jalisa
THE STYLE CONTOUR
Elle, you definitely know how to style ruffles perfectly and I love the looks you how here! You have chosen the accessories very well and you are a true eye-candy in ruffles. I really like it to wear ruffles and prefer them to style with gingham or denim (at least as far as I can remember) 🙂 Happy weekend!
xx from Bavaria/Germany, Rena
http://www.dressedwithsoul.com
Dear Elle. I adore the dress. I just love ruffles and this combination of romantic ruffles in such a business-like pattern is just great. You look so very elegant in it! Love, Lieske
this look is very classy and even apt for formal occasions 🙂
I love the ruffles/man-tailored plaid combination!
I do keep ruffles to a minimum – a case of trying to keep fabric elements pared down as I am already “a lot.” But they look charming on you!
Bettye