Ruffle Dress

Frill, Ruffle or Flounce?

• Frill. The smallest of the three, a narrow trim that traces a seam, a yoke or an armhole.
• Ruffle. Wider and gathered, so it stands up and moves on its own.
• Flounce. A deep band at the hem, often cut on a curve so it flares without bulk at the seam.

Brands use the three words loosely, so trust the photos as much as the name. Size is what matters: a frill is a detail you notice up close, while a flounce changes the whole silhouette.

Up High, Ruffles Frame the Face

A ruffle at the neckline, across the yoke or along the straps puts movement right next to your face, which is the quickest route from a simple dress to a dressed one. A ruffled strap widens the shoulder a touch, and a ruffle edging a split neck pulls the eye in toward the center. Any ruffled edge also softens a square or V neckline. Keep the earrings small and let the ruffle stand in for the necklace. If you are petite, a ruffle up high also keeps the eye near your face and the proportions neat.

Down Low, Ruffles Add Swing

At the hem a ruffle is all about motion. A dropped flounce that starts low on the hip keeps the body of the dress straight and saves the swing for the bottom, and a ruffle at the ankle of a maxi makes a long skirt kick when you walk. Layered tulle takes the idea furthest, with ruffles stacked deep enough to bob at every step. Deep hem ruffles look wonderful on taller frames that can carry volume low, and a dropped flounce flatters almost anyone who wants a straight top and a lively hem.

Ruffles From Daytime to Dressy

Ruffles are wonderfully adjustable in mood. On a ditsy floral or white poplin they read sweet and sunny; on acid wash denim they slip a wink of party into a casual fabric; in layered sky blue tulle they travel all the way to wedding guest territory. Match the size of the ruffle to the occasion: small frills for the office or brunch, deep flounces and tulle for celebrations. That one rule makes a ruffle dress easy to place on the calendar.

Keeping Ruffles Crisp

Ruffles look best fresh, and a little care keeps them bouncing.

• Steam, then shape with your fingers. Once the creases are out, ruffles fall back into waves on their own.
• Press cotton ruffles with the tip of the iron. Work from the seam outward so the gathers stay soft instead of flat.
• Leave tulle to the steamer. Hold it a few inches away, because netting dislikes direct heat.
• Store it with room to breathe. Crammed into a full closet, ruffles crush; give the dress a hanger's width of space.

Ruffles and tiers often travel together. If you love the swing, the tiered dresses build it into the whole skirt, and for a sleeve with the same playful lift, try the puff sleeve dresses.