From caked-out top to bottom, designers are carrying over the fall 2010 trend of ruffles and tiers into the 2011 season. This spin-friendly aesthetic can be worked into almost any kind of silhouette – from A-line to mermaid, ball gown to cutesy tea length. Utilize the following guide to ensure tiered ruffles will not get the best of your feathers.
the truth about tiers
For Fall 2010, the Judd Waddell collection put luscious tiers front and center. Traditionally, tiers are an optical illusion of sorts, used to help add shape to lackluster skirts for a fuller, wider, more sensual silhouette. When it comes to complimenting your own unique body type:
DO opt for tiers if you are a tall and lithe lady – the extra flounces will not overwhelm but radiate outwards
DON’T pursue this trend close to the hem of your skirt if you are a petite sweet. Horizontal tiered lines will cut a silhouette and disturb any possible illusion of height
DO opt for the vertical ruffle trend if you are petite or pear-shaped (think Oscar de la Renta’s spring collection). Ruffles add the touch of height tiers may have overshadowed
a bag of ruffles chic
Photo by Sheena Jibson
Easy-breezy tulle and fluttery petals of organza add an overall whimsy to a bridal gown on the verge of being too formally stern. Tiered ruffles are not just for an Old Hollywood-summoning skirt. Think cascading softness coming from a plunging neckline or elegant collar. For feathery fluttery love, look for:
Kenneth Pool’s “Fashionista” gown
Vera Wang’s “Fairy Dust” delight of a dress
Carolina Herrera’s “Columbine” creation
put a spin on it
Photo by Melissa Diep
A flowing of extra-touchable silkiness can come from just about anywhere. Consider pairing a drop-waisted tiered skirt with a bit of ruffle on top. Think:
A frothy film of ruffles along a fitted bodice
Edwardian pouf along the collar of an elegant bolero
Just a smattering of embellishment à la Alfred Angelo
