12 ways ruffles can be the flirty, feminine wardrobe staple you crave this summer

By Janet Kinosian

July 13, 2017 8 AM PT

Rufflemania is on prominent display this summer. Frills, flounces, flutters – whatever the term you use, the decidedly feminine ruffle is front and center again this season.

“Like everything, there is definitely a way to make ruffles your own,” says Caroline Constas, whose self-named New York-based brand features heavy use of ruffles. “It really depends where the ruffle placement is. You just have to find that style that is right for you.”

And if they’re your thing, you’re in luck. Designers and brands are using ruffles for edgier lines or, in some cases, bold one-shoulder or cold-shoulder looks (or in some combination), which offer a chic vibe.

“I love femininity, [and] ruffles are the essence of femininity, romance and sensuality. And that is very much my style,” Constas says. “I think they’re graceful, feminine and fun. And feminine is never going to go out of style.”

Without question, ruffles are also joyful to wear. “They have personality,” she says. “You feel like you are wearing something special.”

Here, brands and designers, including Constas, put their spin on the ultra-feminine ruffle.

Caroline Constas

New York-based Canadian designer Caroline Constas’ smocked off-the-shoulder Appolonia dress in green gingham poplin with drama-filled flared ruffled sleeves. Made in New York of 100% cotton with a 15% donation to global warming causes. $495, also available in black, coral, navy, orchid and periwinkle gingham. Available at CarolineConstas.com.

Emilio Pucci

Classic graceful lines of Emilio Pucci’s lilac satin-and-crepe off-the-shoulder, long-sleeved ruffled halter-neck blouse show off a low back and ties at the neck. $1,050, www.SaksFifthAvenue.com.

Rosie Assoulin

Brooklyn, N.Y.,-born Rosie Assoulin’s chic oversized ecru hemp summer hat is embellished on the rim with brightly colored Swarovski crystals. $995, www.Farfetch.com.

Tory Burch

Vineyard green ruffles alongside white shoelaces help elevate Tory Burch’s low-top, white leather sport sneakers. Also available in navy sea, Nantucket red and cotton pink. $225, www.TorySport.com

Adriana Degreas

Brazilian designer Adriana Degreas’ red ruffled bikini is a nod to Elsa Schiaparelli’s infamous lobster gown and has high-rise briefs with an adjustable triangular top that ties at the front. $315, www.Net-a-Porter.com.

Sea

New York’s Sea shows off a soft and breezy off-the-shoulder ruffled neckline that sits atop a sand-colored crisp cotton-gabardine with a vibrant contrasting navy-and-ivory striped jersey bodice. $385, www.Net-a-Porter.com.

Jonathan Simkhai

Jonathan Simkhai’s love of the ruffle is showcased in this oxford-stripe, blue-and-white cold-shoulder button-down shirt with tiered bracelet sleeves. $385, www.SaksFifthAvenue.com.

Milly

New York-made Milly’s black-and-white dotted Italian silk georgette crewneck top has double layer flutter ruffled sleeves and a keyhole back closure. $355, www.Milly.com.