I have many minimalist-leaning friends who wince at the sight of a ruffle. Not me. I like a feminine frill here and there, and now it looks like I may be even more ruffled up, thanks to designers like Isabel Marant and Chanel, who have anointed the ruffled top as the next big thing. Yes, they're unabashedly feminine, but not at all princess-y. Alexa Chung executes the trend perfectly, sporting a cropped Chanel, above, and tempering its fancifulness with a simple midi skirt and tough ankle boots. I like an everyday-ready ruffled top, such as the one, below, to elevate a pair of jeans or shorts. More pretty possibilities include this asymmetrical day to night , this organza lace , this cropped and fluttery , and this elegant silk camisole.

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