Ruffle some feathers

> How to work this retro trend into your everyday wardrobe

RUFFLES are back. And the retro ladieswear design feature can be found on virtually every type of garment this season.

But watch out: Ruffles can be tricky to nail.

Here’s some advice from fashion experts on how best to rock them.

Ruffles on tops A lot of fabric goes into giving ruffles their trademark volume. The result: Ruffles can add bulk to your frame. “This means you should use them with your specific figure in mind,” says fashion consultant Ines Meyrose.

For example, a ruffle on the seam of a short blouse can emphasise the waist – great for those who love that part of their body.

And for leggy women? “A longer variant will draw the gaze to the thighs.” Looking to show off your elegant neck? You can also use ruffles to direct attention to your decollete. Ruffles at the bottom of long sleeves are a safe bet for everyone. If you wish to showcase your upper arms, ruffles on short sleeves can also work.

Ruffles on skirts and dresses “Romantic, playful summer dresses are increasingly likely to make use of ruffles,” reckons image consultant Lydia Maier.

She believes ruffles can some times overwhelm smaller women, though. Her tip? When checking out a garment in a mirror, don’t just check the fit – make sure it works with your silhouette and usual posture.

Ruffles on suits “If you think you can’t make the ruffles trend work with a classic business suit, you’re wrong. It needs not to look frilly,” says image consultant Katharina Starlay.

“But ruffles are still a part of official costumes, and in previous centuries were found on men’s friends.” Starlay thinks the choice of fabric is decisive to a look.

“Flowing or smooth materials like cotton, for example, with a clean minimalist feel. They should be tailored to the line of your body and proportions.” Also, the attention-catching detail should be of a restrained pattern and colour. “The classic off white is always a good choice.”

Another tip from Starlay: It looks extra classy when the colour of a ruffled top is hinted at somewhere else in the outfit. “It works particularly well with pinstripes. Choose a top in a colour the same as the stripes.” – dpa

Romantic, playful summer dresses are increasingly likely to make use of ruffles, but they can also add a lot of volume to your look.

Ruffles tend to draw the gaze towards them, so it can help to consider which part of the outfit the wearer wants people to look at.