There's something a little frivolous going on in fashion at the moment. A wisp of fabric here, a fringe of threads there - it's a whimsical antidote to the harsh realities of the real world.
And what could be more whimsical than a playful ruffle attached to your new blouse or frock? Seen at loads of fashion shows for autumn/winter 2008-09, the ruffle was used to diffuse harsh trends such as gothic, black and leather, making them a little more palatable for all those girly girls out there. While ruffles are classically seen on romantic, often historical-inspired clothing, this season the ruffle is all about dark, unnerving romance with a little bit of punk thrown in for good measure.
If you want to wear this trend, opt for ruffles on dark fabrics such as black or slate grey. Silks and finely knitted wools look great with ruffles, and carry off this light-as-a-feather look with aplomb.
Of course, like everything in fashion, pretty ruffles come with a twist. This season, to make them look cool, you'll want to wear them with a pair of high heels, smoky eyes and, if you're feeling particularly brave, a pair of slim leather trousers. If that doesn't sound very appealing, try black trousers or denims instead.
For more ideas have a look at our three outfits on the right.
If you fancy ruffling a few feathers this autumn and trying out this most beautiful of trends, set your sights on this great cardigan from Marks & Spencer's Limited Collection (£29.50). The dark grey colour and structured ruffles down the front of the top make this a must-have item for the winter season. And don't forget that this little number is practical as well as trendy. To create a simple trans-seasonal outfit, pair the cardigan with this floral top from Marks & Spencer (£39.50) and these great cream trousers from Jigsaw (£124). Wear the cardigan unbuttoned for a relaxed look.
Marks & Spencer 0131 225 2301, 0141 552 4546; Jigsaw 0141 552 7639/ 0131 225 4501.
To create an outfit that works for the day-time all you need to do is temper those ruffles just a little. Taking the same Marks & Spencer grey ruffle cardigan, try pairing it with something a little more simple. This black-and-white check pencil skirt , also from Marks & Spencer's Limited Collection (£29.50) will go perfectly with the dark grey cardigan. Keep things simple by popping this white, v-neck Jigsaw T-shirt (£27) underneath the cardigan.
You could also try revving up this look for evening with a pair of seriously high heels.
Marks & Spencer 0131 225 2301, 0141 552 4546; Jigsaw 0141 552 7639/ 0131 225 4501.
Let's get down to brass tacks, folks. If you're looking for serious fashion this autumn it's going to be all about dark gothic drama, and those new ruffles are a key part of that. With your new M&S cardi , try vamping up your look to create something a little dark and dangerous. For starters, try pairing the cardigan with these great grey, three-quarter-length jeans from All Saints (£80). Part of the 1980s revival, these jeans will work perfectly in the autumn months. Finish off the look with this fab metal and leather studded belt , also from All Saints (£60).
All Saints 0141 248 6437/ 0141 285 7970.
Why are you making commenting on The Herald only available to subscribers?
It should have been a safe space for informed debate, somewhere for readers to discuss issues around the biggest stories of the day, but all too often the below the line comments on most websites have become bogged down by off-topic discussions and abuse.
heraldscotland.com is tackling this problem by allowing only subscribers to comment.
We are doing this to improve the experience for our loyal readers and we believe it will reduce the ability of trolls and troublemakers, who occasionally find their way onto our site, to abuse our journalists and readers. We also hope it will help the comments section fulfil its promise as a part of Scotland's conversation with itself.
We are lucky at The Herald. We are read by an informed, educated readership who can add their knowledge and insights to our stories.
That is invaluable.
We are making the subscriber-only change to support our valued readers, who tell us they don't want the site cluttered up with irrelevant comments, untruths and abuse.
In the past, the journalist’s job was to collect and distribute information to the audience. Technology means that readers can shape a discussion. We look forward to hearing from you on heraldscotland.com
Comments & Moderation
Readers’ comments: You are personally liable for the content of any comments you upload to this website, so please act responsibly. We do not pre-moderate or monitor readers’ comments appearing on our websites, but we do post-moderate in response to complaints we receive or otherwise when a potential problem comes to our attention. You can make a complaint by using the ‘report this post’ link . We may then apply our discretion under the user terms to amend or delete comments.
Post moderation is undertaken full-time 9am-6pm on weekdays, and on a part-time basis outwith those hours.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article