Ruffle dresses with flounced hems and puffed sleeves

Satin and muslin frills for the hottest days

Silk-look satin is the summer fabric we use most for ruffles. It’s smooth with a soft shine in the sun, and on the wrap styles the ties let you pull the waist in as much as you like. One light blue mini with red flowers hangs on thin straps, leaves the back open and has a flounce stitched to the hem. Flat sandals. A straw hat. Done.

Muslin is cotton, and it’s breathable, so it’s the one for a heat wave. The pink muslin wrap mini is made of two layers, which means it isn’t see-through, and there’s a muslin midi with a V-neck and a flounce that works for a summer office as well as a walk. All of these are warm-weather pieces. They drop out of the catalog in September and show up again in March.

Rib knit and angora with ruffles once it’s cold

For winter we cut ruffle dresses from knits that hold heat. The rib knit minis in black, mint and light blue have long sleeves, a round neck and a ruffle along the hem, and rib knit stretches enough to sit close to the body. Wear the black one to work with a long blazer and opaque tights. The mint one is happier with white sneakers and a puffer.

Angora-blend knit is softer still. The red mini, with its ruffles gathered at the hem, is our pick for a holiday dinner, and you won’t need a sweater over it. On the black angora mini the ruffles sit on the shoulders, so small earrings are plenty. The white one has enough volume from its ruffles. Put a straight coat over it.

Prefer jersey? The black and burgundy minis have two tiers of flounces and come in three lengths, 80, 88 and 92–94 cm.

Picking a frill for your shape

Stand sideways to the mirror. If the ruffles land on your hips, they add width there, and if they’re on the hem or the sleeves, they just add movement. A tiered skirt under a fitted top balances broad shoulders with narrow hips, while a belted waist with ruffles and a loose skirt suits a pear figure.

Frequently asked questions

Is the satin stretchy?

A little. Several floral satin styles are made with a small share of elastane (2 %), enough for a slight stretch.

Can I wear a ruffle dress to the office?

The black rib knit mini with a long blazer and thick tights looks fine at a desk. In summer, the muslin midi is the safer length.

How do I care for the angora ones?

Wash it by hand in cool water, or use the delicate setting, with a soft detergent. No rubbing and no twisting. Spread it out on a towel to dry, and if pills show up later, a fabric shaver takes care of them.

Need more ideas? Browse the full range of short dresses, the playful cute styles or the mini dresses with flowers.