Ruffled drama

Whether light and flirty or robust and dramatic, fluttery flounces aka ruffles are all over the New York runways for spring 2016. And instead of the frilly, layered versions you’re used to seeing, this season’s ruffles are less deliberate and more off-the-cuff.  Designer Komal Sood avers, “Ruffles exude femininity — a dainty effect that flutters in the breeze. Whether they’re framing the face or spiralling off the hips, ruffles build the foundation of a dramatic evening look. The austere waves are more modern than the floppier furls of past seasons, making this feminine detail feel new all over again.”

Blazing red gown by Gauri and Nainika

Designer Anuradha Ramam agrees and adds that ruffles have kept a low profile since the 80’s but with modern and new twists, they are coming out as a big trend this season. “Ruffles are yesterday’s chic and today’s vintage. A touch of ruffle is like a touch of lace or a touch of leather. With ‘touch’ being the operative word because when you have something like a ruffle, it’s feminine by itself.  And the best part about them is that they’re about both accentuating and concealing.”

With dresses, skirts, tops and pants receiving some subtle and reserved girly additions and others getting a daring and theatrical foundation, the wardrobe possibilities are endless with this trend. Designer Swatee Singh suggests, “Don’t be afraid to invest in a piece with a ruffle because it most likely won’t ever go out of style. But you only need one accent, such as a top with a ruffle against something clean like a pair of straight-leg jeans. If you aren’t certain about how ruffles will work along your front look, opt for a safer bet and look for a blouse with small ruffles trimming along the sleeve or lower hem. Women often get nervous and think ruffles will add volume to their figure but it depends on where they’re placed. If you want the illusion of a fuller bust, a ruffle detail is a great way to do that. If you have perfectly proportioned hourglass curves, look for a dress that has ruffled trims along the collar, sleeves and bottom hem to avoid throwing your curves out of proportion.”

Ruffle dress from ASOS.COM

However, if you are in a fix about opting for a single and bouncy ruffle over cascades of tiered ruffles or multiple ruffles, Swatee adds, “I feel an all-over ruffle can be romantic, but a single ruffle is more modern.”  
Shradha Murarka, creative director and designer at Vizyon cautions, “There is a fine line between ruffled elegance and ruffled excessiveness. One bold ruffle in your garment is the key. Typically you’ll find vertical ruffles are more flattering than horizontal ruffles because they draw the eye down your frame.”

Talking about gorgeous colour palettes and patterns Shradha adds, “Ruffles feel the freshest in neutral colours. Nowadays they are demonstrated in different colour palettes from white, nude and pink to monochrome, navy and prints, but opting for a nude colour palette would be best.”

Shyamal & Bhumika’s version of ruffled gown

“Ruffles act as their own accessory. So there’s no need to trot out your jewels,” advises designer Anupama Dayal. “Go for an absolutely clean look and let the ruffles do all the talking. If they’re snaking around your neck or cascading down your shoulder, pull your hair back in a sleek style so it doesn’t interfere. These oversize undulations go nicely with pumps or sandals in a complementary — yet not matching — colour.”