15 Celebrities Teach Us How to Rock Ruffles (without Looking Too Girly)

By Andrea Cheng
Updated May 15, 2016 @ 6:00 pm
Credit: Michael Loccisano/Getty Images

My last memory of wearing ruffles was in the early aughts. I owned this cloyingly sweet bubble gum-pink tiered ruffle mini skirt and now, every time I think about my fashion regrets, I land on this particular cringe-worthy piece. Like, what was I thinking? But guess what, ruffles are back as one of this season's biggest trends, and I hate to say it, but I'm now rethinking the flouncy finish.

It helps, too, that this time around, the pretty detail boasts a level of sophistication that stops it from crossing into too-twee or too-girly territory. Some takes are even sexy, like a plunging red-hot dress with just the teeniest ruffly flourish that subtly hints at a softer side (see: Selena Gomez's Giambattista Valli number, above). While others are plain cool. How neat was Emma Watson's dress-and-pant Osman pairing? The ruffled floral embroidered dress was perfectly offset by a pair of tailored pants underneath. Modern-day fashion perfection right there. 

For more convincing, scroll through to see how all 15 stars are rocking ruffles, all without looking too girly.

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Selena Gomez

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Gomez gave ruffles a sexy spin with this plunging red-hot Giambattista Valli number with the teeniest flourish for a subtle hint at a softer side.

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2 of 15

Cate Blanchett

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Blanchett worked it in a sexy corset-inspired Louis Vuitton knit number that not only clung to her curves, but outlined them, all of which was nicely balanced out with a sweet flouncy hem.

3 of 15

Emma Watson

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Watson expertly united romance with menswear when she wore a pretty floral-embroidered ruffled Osman dress that opened to reveal a pair of tailored pants underneath.

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4 of 15

Sarah Jessica Parker

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SJP drew inspiration from Hamilton for the 2016 Met Gala in a custom Monse ensemble with a tailcoat that ended with frilly lantern sleeves.

5 of 15

Lily Collins

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A ruffled trim doubles as sleeves on Collins's Burberry number.

6 of 15

Lea Michele

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Michele made a statement with an exaggerated ruffle that ran along her LBD.

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7 of 15

Ciara

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The navy hue and Ciara's minimalist accessories stop her tiered ruffle dress from looking too sweet. 

8 of 15

Naomi Watts

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The star was angelic in allover ruffles by Valentino. But the contrasting black trim details ground the look and keep it from looking too delicate.

9 of 15

Emma Roberts

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Roberts gave her cropped flouncy cami modern-day appeal with a sleek pair of culottes and sky-high Charlotte Olympia sandals.

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Demi Moore

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The easiest way to rock the ruffle trend? With teensy baby frills along the neckline and sleeves. The effect: A look that's slightly Victorian, yet completely chic.

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Lily Aldridge

Got a ruffled bandeau? Style it with a high-waist skirt to reveal just a tiny sliver of skin. (A ruffled bandeau bikini top works, too). 

12 of 15

Gwyneth Paltrow

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Perfect for the minimalist, Paltrow's streamlined black separates boast just enough of a ruffle at the sleeve for interest.

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13 of 15

Lupita Nyong'o

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If all-over, head-to-toe ruffles is a touch too much, find a dress lined with them (versus sweeping tiers) for just the right amount. Moderation is key, after all.

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Jaime King

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The star tapped her arty-intellectual side in a wonderfully offbeat pajama-style set that featured a rich plum hue, a tie-neck detail, and flouncy hemlines.

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Keri Russell

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Russell found the goth version of the ruffled dress—a black one with delicate pleated frills.

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By Andrea Cheng