Ruffles

Why Image and Me loves Ruffles....

A ruffled blouse can soften a tailored suit, skinny jeans or even a pair of rock and roll leather pants. It's a note of femininity.

Without much effort ruffles will either frame your face or draw attention to spectaculair legs (but not at the same time!).

Nowadays ruffles show up on accessories too, so you can experiment in small ways. Put a ruffled shoulder bag with a structured dress for the office, or wear a flamboyant ruffled heel with a tuxedo for a black tie.
How to pull it off...

Think elegant instead of girlie. You definitely don't want to wear a floral ruffled dress with romantic jewellery and your hair in ringlets.
There needs to be some kind of contrast. Your hair should be sleek and modern, and your makeup either very natural, or strong and dramatic.
Let the ruffle be a bit of a surprise, as in wear a feminine ruffled blouse with a teared jeans.
Consider the overall line. Ruffles look modern when the silhouette is long and lean, not full and flouncy.
Unless you are 16 or younger, beware of baby-doll styles and overall ruffles. Also, flirty cap sleeves are better left to those under 30.
Look for well-cut ruffles in a substantial fabric, such as cotton, wool, taffeta or even leather. These work beautifully for women of all ages. Rayon and silk also provide a softer, age-appropriate allure in tops and simple silhouettes, like a pretty V-neck or classic white sheath.