No, this column is not about how you feel when shopping for a bikini…!  Ruffles are a huge trend for spring that have already been popping up left and right throughout the winter. I recently wore a cream silk racer-back top with chiffon and satin flat ruffles down the center, tuxedo-shirt-style. And tonight I will be wearing a backless, bright Kelly green silk chiffon tunic from Walter, with exuberant ruffles covering the entire front. These feminine details are adorning tops, dresses, skirts, jackets…even bags and shoes.

The key, though, is that they are truly modern…more architectural than frilly and more like origami folds (another current trend) than poufy dance-recital wear. Another important factor that makes these looks super sophisticated is what you pair them with.  Don’t go for anything cutesy or overly girly…instead, pair a ruffled dress with black patent platforms, and cover a ruffled top with a shrunken motorcycle jacket…these pieces will balance out the preciousness of the ruffles. If you feel like ruffled clothing isn’t for you, try the trend in an accessory like a handbag or pair of shoes. Just remember to then keep your outfit simple and streamlined to keep the focus on the ruffled piece. And when buying anything with a ruffle detail, make sure the silhouette has a touch of sexiness to it…too many ruffles with too little skin can make you look like you’re trying to be six years old again!

Lastly, how do you wear these floaty, lightweight looks when it’s still 20 degrees out?  It’s all about what you pair them with. Ruffled dress? Go for black tights, even if the dress is off-white or the palest pink. It will winterize the whole look. Brightly colored chiffon ruffled top? Wear it with your darkest (or black) skinny jeans and boots. Once it’s warm out, you can wear the dress on its own and the top with white pants and peep-toe heels. You can also use the trend in a jacket or wrap – since they are both outerwear, you don’t have to fully commit to the trend…you can take those pieces off once you’re inside!

Of course, I can’t leave you without some specific examples of the best of the best for this trend…

This saturated purple top is a fantastic color to take you from winter into spring. It’s equally gorgeous with dark denim or a white skirt, and shows enough skin for summer but doesn’t look overly bare for evening in winter. The ruffles are contained and fall flat on the bodice, which is important since they are right next to your face…

Want to keep the ruffles below your waist? Try a mini-skirt like this one. Even though the ruffles add depth, the short length and close-to-the-body drape of the ruffles don’t add bulk. My suggestion would be to pair this with black tights to create a longer line and a fitted, tucked-in top in a bright color. When it’s warmer, simply ditch the tights and go for a fitted, tucked-in tank instead…

This hot-pink dress effortlessly combines the ruffle trend with the one-shoulder trend. Perfect for a big night out, it’s fashion-forward silhouette is great with black tights and a short fur jacket now and stunning with gold heels and a tan in summer…

I mentioned that ruffles have shown up on outerwear too, and these are both perfect examples. The jacket is amazing over a simple white shirt and any shade of denim. It can also add edge to a sheath dress and pumps. The gold wrap instantly elevates the level of sophistication of any evening look and gives you that “look-at-her” moment when you walk into a party…

Not sure if you are ready to commit to any garment with this trend but don’t want to miss it altogether?  Use it for a bag or pair of shoes. The black patent leather of the bag makes it work all year…let it pop against an all-white outfit in warmer weather, and use it’s dressy shine to add visual interest to your bundled-up winter looks. The charcoal grey of the shoes tones down their feminine detailing, and their peep-toe shape is perfect with black tights in the winter or against bare skin in spring. Just don’t forget…when you use trend-driven, eye-catching pieces like these ruffled ones as accessories, don’t make the rest of your outfit compete with them – keep it simple and sophisticated, but do feel free to add in some contrast with tougher pieces like a leather jacket or a tangle of chains at your neck…