Eager to add some frills to your wardrobe but don’t know where to begin? A stylist shares essential dos and don’ts
Kriti Sanon wears ruffles on a delicate, feminine dress; When wearing a statement ruffle, keep the rest of your outfit sleek, like this dress worn by Alia Bhatt; Ruffles that begin where your legs begin to narrow can balance out fuller hips. Pics Courtesy/Instagram
One of 2024’s more persistent fashion trends, ruffles or frills is showing no signs of fading away. As popular as they may be, frills can still be quite tricky to pull off, especially in more sedate settings where you may want to be taken more seriously. But that doesn’t necessarily mean ruffles are off the menu as far as office or formal wear are concerned, clarifies image consultant Taylor Elizabeth. She adds, “Frills, which were once reserved for princess costumes and childhood dress-up, have made a triumphant return to the fashion scene. From the runways of Paris to the vitrines of high-end boutiques, these playful embellishments are capturing the spotlight. While they can infuse an outfit with whimsy, and help us get in touch with our feminine and fun side, it is essential to understand the important value of time and place when choosing to incorporate them into your outfit.”
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Taylor Elizabeth
Ace it at work
The key to successfully incorporating any statement embellishment, especially frills, into your wardrobe lies in its balance and discernment, says Elizabeth. “While a large, oversized frilled shoulder might be too whimsical for the boardroom, there are subtler ways to embrace this trend without sacrificing sophistication. Consider, for instance, a suit coat with slightly embellished shoulders, or a button-up shirt that has ruffles at the buttons or a hint of frill on the cuffs. These subtle touches add style to your wardrobe, striking the perfect balance between playful and professional,” she notes. If you are partial to ethnic wear, a ruffled saree may be too casual for work; instead, opt to wear small frills on your blouse or at the base of your kurta.
Frill up your evenings
When it comes to more lavish frills, timing and occasion are everything, Elizabeth advises. A night out on the town with your partner or friends presents the ideal opportunity to indulge in more extravagant frill designs — whether it’s a statement dress adorned with cascading ruffles or a blouse with dramatic sleeve detailing, embrace the opportunity to showcase your adventurous side in a social setting where fashion risks are celebrated. Ruffles can also help to soften a structured look; a ruffled blouse worn with a tailored pantsuit can add a dainty touch. For more casual outings, a ruffled jacket or cardigan can dress up a basic jeans and tee ensemble. Remember to balance the rest of your outfit so that your ruffles are the only statement piece — stick to a sleek silhouette and wear minimal jewellery.
Figure it out
Since ruffles can easily overwhelm a more petite frame or throw off your bodily proportions, here are a few ground rules to consider:
. Horizontal ruffles across your chest will add volume to your bust. If you are heavy set, avoid very wide ruffles around your collar as they can made your bust look large.
. Vertical ruffles along your torso work best if you have a larger bust. These ruffles have a lengthening effect on your torso and can make you look leaner. Balance your look with flared pants and chunky footwear.
. Ruffled skirts can add volume to your hips, making you look curvier, while ruffles at the very bottom of your skirt can balance wide hips — look for pieces in which the ruffles start where your legs begin to narrow.
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