Ruffled Collars

J. Crew was yet another line boasting delicate neckline ruffles in pieces such as the Gayle Ruffle Trench.

This past year, romantic looks of soft fabrics coupled with neutral and pastel tones and delicate accents adorned the racks of our favorite local boutiques. And the trend is still going strong. Face-framing ruffles and pleats on the collars of blouses, dresses, and coats popped up on just about every designer’s spring ready-to-wear line. “The lighthearted spirit of the spring 2008 collections felt so refreshing after a fall season that was about boldness and intensity,” says Ruth Caldwell the buyer for Capitol. “Designers showed sherbet colors and playful styles with details like ruffles. Lanvin was covered in ruffles!” In fact, almost all of the forty looks from Lanvin’s spring RTW collection included perfect pleats or an over-the-top ruffle at the neckline such as the Marilyn dress ($3,440 at Capitol).

Lucky for us, the trend is easy to sport and looks good on just about anyone. Try the Ruffled silk blouse by Stella McCartney (pictured, top left, $695, Neiman Marcus), which is so sleek and tailored you can pluck it from the runway and easily wear it in the office. For a night out, go with the Paul and Joe Ruffle Wrap Dress ($220, Luca Lu), which is sophisticated, fun, and eye-catching.

Photograph provided by Neiman Marcus