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8 Lessons From The Runway In How To Wear Ruffles

...without looking like a doily

By Naomi Bikis
Sleeve, Shoulder, Joint, Pattern, Dress, One-piece garment, Fashion, Neck, Fashion model, Knee, pinterest
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Thanks to the Phoebe Philo effect, we've had season upon season of clean, slick fashion. So frankly, when the trend for flouncy ruffles started to bubble, it struck fear into many a minimalists heart.

Thankfully this isn't about rewinding to the '80s hey-day of giant frilly dresses.

Instead, designers have given us options. And there are a few lessons to be learnt in how to wear these ruffles well.



1

Colour Block like A Détacher

<p>On paper, pink and ruffles should have been too sickly sweet to make the cut. But in reality A Détacher's designer Monika Kowalska has managed to make a very modern, simple dress. Tick.</p>

On paper, pink and ruffles should have been too sickly sweet to make the cut. But in reality A Détacher's designer Monika Kowalska has managed to make a very modern, simple dress. Tick.

2

Toughen up with black boots like Chanel

<p>Karl's turned the pretty dial up to eleven with this lacy number. Black boots and tights keeps the dress from being too bridal. </p>

Karl's turned the pretty dial up to eleven with this lacy number. Black boots and tights keeps the dress from being too bridal.

3

Girly frills call for black accessories like Chloé

<p>Who would have thought it, pure girly frills in lilac and peach are literally the best combination. Like Karl, black accessories keep it from getting too Sandra Dee. </p>

Who would have thought it, pure girly frills in lilac and peach are literally the best combination. Like Karl, black accessories keep it from getting too Sandra Dee.

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4

Go 'modern flamenco dancer' like Cushnie et Ochs

<p>Silky flamenco ruffles, cut out shoulders and a skirt slashed to the thigh banishes any feeling that frills mean frump. </p>

Silky flamenco ruffles, cut out shoulders and a skirt slashed to the thigh banishes any feeling that frills mean frump.

5

Pair with a colourful shirt like Rochas

<p>For a relaxed take on the trend, it's Rochas who we are taking notes from. A simple, ruffled jumper and shirt </p>

For a relaxed take on the trend, it's Rochas who we are taking notes from. A simple, ruffled jumper and shirt

6

Pick leather ruffles like Rodarte

<p>The Rodarte sisters have a particular brand of  'gothic romanticism' that walks the perfect line between gritty and girly. Case in point, their leather frilly jacket.</p>

The Rodarte sisters have a particular brand of 'gothic romanticism' that walks the perfect line between gritty and girly. Case in point, their leather frilly jacket.

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7

Cover up and slip on a heel like Stella McCartney

<p>Grey jersey is given new life with a smattering of frills at Stella. But  if you try it at home, this much fabric calls for a pointed heel.</p>

Grey jersey is given new life with a smattering of frills at Stella. But if you try it at home, this much fabric calls for a pointed heel.

8

Channel a touch of the '80s like Valentino

<p>The 1980s were arguably the glory days for the ruffle. Valentino's 'ra-ra skirt' dress gives a nice little nod to the decade but thankfully there are no leg warmers in sight. </p>

The 1980s were arguably the glory days for the ruffle. Valentino's 'ra-ra skirt' dress gives a nice little nod to the decade but thankfully there are no leg warmers in sight.

9

House of Holland SS17

<p>Make like Henry Holland's girls and toughen up your ruffles with a dark belt and some mesh.</p>
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Make like Henry Holland's girls and toughen up your ruffles with a dark belt and some mesh.

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10

House of Holland SS17

<p>Ruffles and checks  / plaid = match made in 2016 heaven</p>
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Ruffles and checks / plaid = match made in 2016 heaven

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