A. Ruffles are one of the strongest fashion trends right now, but if not put together in just the right way, you can wind up looking like an escapee from the Can Can Review! Reference, not overindulge is absolutely the stylish way to master this trend.

The key to wearing ruffles without appearing overly juvenile or theatrical, yet young and chic is to pair ruffles with something tailored. The contrast of an item that's super feminine, like the ruffle, worn with something tailored, like lean pants or a fitted blazer, is the best way to go to achieve maximum style impact.

Think of the ruffles as an accent to your outfit and keep the focus to one ruffled element, like a frothy blouse, trim on a coat, a touch of embellishment to a pair of booties, a dash at the hem of a scarf, or a gorgeous cocktail dress. While all the ruffled pieces are adorable, you really only want to wear just one at a time to avoid drowning yourself in too much of a good thing. When you so wear something very bold as a completely tired ruffled dress, try to incorporate some bareness by way of choosing a style that strapless or spaghetti-strapped to show off your figure and minimize the bulk and potential showy, over-the-top element.

Yes, something as feminine as ruffles can even look edgy too, if worn in the right way. The idea of combining something overtly girly like a ruffled mini skirt, with a tailored jacket, and fun T-shirt is more off-handed and unpredictable, which therefore becomes far more stylish, Yet that same ruffled mini when worn in combination with a frilly blouse can look over-the-top or too juvenile. Easy does it, think out of the box, and you will be on the way to wear this trend in your own personal style!

--December 4, 2008