Wear Now: Return of the Ruffle

No, we're not referring to the same breed of ruffles your five-year-old self would've begrudgingly sported at birthday parties. In fact, you can stall your skepticism entirely, as we've been preparing for the return of the ruffle since the peplum became ubiquitous last spring. Cue an influx of flamenco-style ruffles on the runway—as expertly executed by Nicolas Ghesquiere at his last show for Balenciaga, and seen similarly at Gucci, J.W. Anderson, Chloé and Givenchy's spring shows—and we're suddenly finding ourselves ready to ring in the ruffle's new reign. Rather than frilly, precious folds, we're finding ourselves increasingly drawn to cooler, more dramatic and sculptural ruffles that maintain a look that's anything but juvenile. Whether it be a side panel on a skirt, the subtle opening seam of a cropped jacket, or the flounce of a dropped-waist dress; the ruffle really is back—no frills about it.

House of Cards dress, $159, thegrandsocial.com.au.