A ruffle usually softens whatever it is attached to. Bind its edge in a contrasting piping and it does the opposite - the outline becomes a drawn line, and the frill reads as graphic rather than sweet.
There are three of them here: one at the hem and one at each cuff, every edge finished with the same fine contrast trim so they read as a set. The body between is completely plain and cut close, with a high round neckline and long set-in sleeves, which is what gives the ruffles somewhere to land.
It is a small dress with a very clear idea, and it needs nothing else in the room.
Details You'll Love
- Contrast piped edges - fine trim binding every ruffle so the outline reads as a drawn line.
- Three matching ruffles - one at the hem and one at each cuff, finished identically.
- Plain close-cut body - left undecorated so the ruffles have somewhere to land.
- High round neckline - closed to the throat with no opening at the front.
- Short above-knee hem - cut short so the hem ruffle sits high on the leg.
