Ruffles

I'm on vacation with my family in Miami, Florida.  Something I love almost as much as Miami are ruffles.  The black racer back lace dress* is adorable on it's own, but with the two layers of chiffon ruffles at the bottom, it's a show stopper.  I spent the entire evening walking around with a little extra swing in my step, because of the movement of the ruffles.

Ruffles can add to any outfit.  I'm a bit small chested, so I absolutely love bikini tops with ruffles.  They add a bit of illusion that my barely B's might be teetering on a C.  Ruffles around your hips can also add some curves to a more boyish figure and strangely, they can also hide large hips too.  My favorite ruffle is one around the waist (called a peplum).  It hides any belly paunch and adds a feminine dimension to any look.

To avoid looking like a little girl when wearing ruffles, keep them to one focused area on the body.  Ruffles head to toe can look ridiculous.  Also, keep your accessories edgy and sophisticated.  Pairing ruffles with cute flats and pearls can make you look like you're trying to look 5 years old.

*The black racer back lace dress is from HAVANAIAS on Lincoln Road in Miami.  The shoes are from Famous Footwear.