Ruffles

The trend Ruffles sprung into action all over designers’ Spring 2008 collections. The ultra-girly look showed up on daytime dresses, blouses, skirts and evening gowns, like this silk tiered long dress by Marchesa (left). We also saw tiered ruffles along hemlines, around the neck and shoulders and even full-length, frilly versions on the catwalks of many designers, including the often avant-garde Comme des Garcons and Mr. Prepster himself, Ralph Lauren.

Expert advice This is such a feminine style that it’s easy to go overboard and look like a bridesmaid. Keep it simple with a solid-colored dress. Melissa Shipley, owner of Lissa on Maxwell in University Village, says color choice is key. “A neutral hue such as white, silver, or black rather than a brighter spring color or print will tone down the girliness and instead come across as more chic and sophisticated,” she says. Dresses with a subtle ruffle detail or two are another way to go. “[Ruffle detail] is a great way for a garment to structurally convey the current floral trend without being too literal,” says Rosie Dulyapaibul, the owner of Roslyn, a boutique in Bucktown. “A little ruffle on the collar or hemline provides the perfect amount of femininity,” she says. And because ruffles are such a strong statement, go easy on the accessories: Carry a small bag and wear a simple pair of earrings. Dulyapaibul says adding too much to the outfit takes away from your flirty chic look.

On Marjorie Armstrong, a nanny/performance artist who lives in Wicker Park Eco-friendly dress with removable sleeves, $198, at Nau (2118 N Halsted St at Dickens Ave, 773-281-1363); Yellow clutch, $48 at Una Mae’s Freak Boutique (1422 N Milwaukee Ave between Evergreen and Wolcott Aves, 773-276-7002); Earrings, model’s own.

Would she wear it? “I always think of ruffles as really lacey stuff. If this is a ruffle, I’d totally wear this. It’s really comfortable. I’d even wear it camping!”