How To Wear Ruffles Without Looking Like George Washington

Ruffles are a quick way to add texture and femininity to any outfit, but they can be tricky. When placed in the wrong areas, ruffles can add on volume–in a bad way. And if you wear too many ruffles at once, you look you’re dressed in a Colonial Willamsburg costume.

To pull of a ruffled top, stick with a lower neckline. This will open up the torso and prevent that stuffy George Washington look. To add shape, go for a skinny belt in a metallic color that won’t get lost in the ruffles.  Keep the bottom pieces simple with a pencil skirt and a suede platform pump.

Whether you’re busty and want to downplay your chest, or smaller and want to add some volume, this Newport News Ruffled Top ($39) works for both figures. The ruffles are apparent but not overwhelming, and the length of the top makes it perfect for belting or tucking in.

A black pencil skirt should be a staple for all women, and this

Wearing a skinny belt is a perfect way to add color and shine to an outfit, and this Tahari Bronze  Snake Print Skinny Belt ($25.99) will give the ruffled top some shape.

We usually don’t suggest wearing more than one ruffled piece at a time, but the ruffle details on this How To Wear posts, then check out our buying guide to Spanx and the top five dresses that flatter all figures.

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fashion, ruffles