Fashion 101: The ruffle shirt

FLIRTY AND FEMININE: Jacket and blouse from Australian brand Simona.

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Ruffles first reigned during the Elizabethan period when used to lengthen and widen the upper body in order to make the waist appear as small as possible. Today, relaxed ruffles perform similar tricks but in a much more subtle way.

Why you need it now

Ultra-feminine, the ruffle shirt (RS) has become a modern wardrobe staple. Quietly creeping into collections each season, the RS versatility can take you from the boardroom to lunch with the ladies with the simple snap of a button.

What to look for

The seduction of the modern ruffle can be seen aplenty at Givenchy, where gothic romance meets minimalism in soft fabrics sporting flattering mini-ruffles atop skinny leathers (check out the pre-autumn collection). Stella McCartney's collection includes a collarless blouse with a floating ruffle, Marc Jacobs favours ruffles in grey and blue hues, while Lagerfeld's creamy, dreamy ruffled-silk collars and cuffs at Chanel are the ultimate sigh-inducing statement. The softness of sheer silk is classic, satin is luxe, cotton is fuss-free, organza is slick and tartan is punk (a la Vivienne Westwood).

Style to suit you

Petite shapes, look out for a sharp shirt with a single strong ruffle down the front to give it structure and elongate the torso. Match the colour to a straight skirt or pop on with your favourite jeans.

Pear shapes, wear your ruffles wide at the collar and-or shoulder and nipped in at the waist. Go gypsy with a full skirt or wear with relaxed silk pants for a polished feel.

Busty shapes, seek a bunch of smaller ruffles lined up together at the front. Larger ruffles simply add bulk without showcasing your shape. A fitted, sheer ruffle shirt over a slim tank teamed with a pencil skirt screams va-va-voom.

Larger shapes, look for delicately placed ruffles running down each side of your shirt front in a soft flow that streamlines and camouflages any telltale tummies.

Tall and slim shapes, go tailored with cotton ruffles on a classic shirt cut or do a take on the tux with a ruffled bib. Team with a pair of cigarette pants and some slick heels for a fierce look.

Where to shop

Kate Sylvester has a dove grey with micro-ruffles, Viktor & Rolf always knows how to frill and Review has quite a few options. For those who love a ruffle without buttons, check out Portmans for fresh styles.

Five more ways to wear

Modern = RS with leather pants, platform ankle boots and slick clutch.

Victorian = RS with cropped coat, long skirt and lace-up boots.

Preppy = RS with fine-knit sweater, jeans and ballet flats.

Slick = RS with vest, blazer, pencil skirt and platform heels.

Boho = RS with patterned skirt, wide belt and flat boots.

- © Fairfax NZ News