I’m quite conservative and, well, frankly boring, when it comes to clothes. And interiors, for that matter. I like simple colour combinations, the minimalist look, and clean lines. I can just about stretch to wearing stripes or leopard print or a ditsy floral print, but other than those patterns I am usually drawn towards classic colours and simple, unfussy shapes. However the above £16 Topshop ruffle top has somehow made its way into my wardrobe. I think it’s the only frilly item of clothing I’ve ever owned, but I like it so much I’m tempted to buy it in blush, or even push the boat out and invest in the monochrome animal print version.

The best thing about it is the fact that it’s a subtle ruffle so it can be dressed up or down. My favourite way to wear it is underneath a cord pinafore dress but it also looks good paired with my trusty Leigh jeans or an A-line skirt and some thick black tights. It looks like there’s only a few left online but try in store or you can buy similar here or here.

Here’s some other Victoriana-inspired pieces and ideas on how to style a ruffle.

Embrace Autumnal Shades

As I sit here and type, BBC weather tells me it’s a balmy 24 degrees. Not very autumnal. But the shops tell a different story. There are so many pretty pieces in rich berry and plum tones, including the Mango trench, ruffle blouse and crop trousers combo in the slider above.

Vamp It Up

I LOVE the combination of a Frill-Hem Knit and Faux-Leather Pencil Skirt, as per the Karen Millen picks above. The Patent Mary Janes add even more texture and interest to the get-up, and I would quite happily wear the whole outfit straight from the office to dinner and drinks. I am also lusting after this Asos ruffle collar top in lace – team with a red lip for the ultimate in decadent Victoriana.

Muted Tones

From gothic style to a soft, muted colour palette…the following pieces show that ruffles work equally well in pastel pinks and mint greens.

Casual Chic

I reckon the aforementioned £16 Topshop bargain would also work well under a denim pinafore dress or dungarees, and I am all over the combination of a classy white shirt with Frayed-Hem Jeans and red heels, as shown in the Karen Millen slider above.

Do let me know if and how you wear ruffles, and if there are any other frills and flounces that I need to know about.