Spring is early this year ushering in warm weather, budding flowers (and pollen) and a new season of fashion. A big fan of feminine details, I was pleased to see the return of flirty flounce and frills on fashion week runways.
Ruffles have been around for centuries originally making a very masculine statement adorning the uniforms of Spanish soldiers who needed loose-fitting sleeves to make room for additional layers. According to an article by Racked, this functional design evolved into a startched “ruff” accessory worn by both men and women during the Elizabethan period. While the look fell from men’s fashion over time it was a feature of the 1950’s New Look and became a symbol of ladylike dressing.
Right now I’m gravitating to delicate blouses with voluminous sleeves, soft off the shoulder ruffles, and dresses nipped at the waist that flounce at the hem.
{From L-R: Buffalo check plaid ruffle tunic by Devon Baer // JCrew button back bell sleeve top // Julie Brown Selina dress // Jenny dress by Jill Stuart at Anthropologie // Camilyn Beth Abigail gown}
