It's going to be the year of the romantic ruffle blouse
The classic white shirt is a wardrobe staple that has long been loved for its versatility. But if you're looking for an easy way to add a point of interest to a smart casual look this spring (or, indeed, year-round), there's an alternative silhouette to try. From soft silks to denim, ruffle blouses are set to be everywhere next season following the resurgence of the boho trend at Chloé's autumn/winter 2024 show.
For spring/summer 2025, the addition of ruffles and frills added an air of sophisticated nostalgia, particularly at Saint Laurent, where the 1980s-inspired collection featured ruffled tops and collars tucked under boxy, oversized jackets. Zimmermann's floaty, ruffled shirts and skirts had a more romantic look and feel, while at Chanel, ruffle blouses were layered under the brand's signature tweed jackets.
The ruffled shirt has also caught our attention off the catwalk, as Claudia Winkleman has been elevating British countryside classics with ruffles and lace throughout the third series of hit BBC game show, The Traitors. We spoke to her stylist Sinead McKeefry, who told us that the high-street has some brilliant designer-inspired pieces for less.
"I've loved Chloé's AW24 and SS25 collections, and have found the best high-street versions of those romantic blouses at Zara," she said. "Think bows, frills, chiffon...brilliant bases that you can pick up for about £40. Their Chloé-esque pieces definitely have the Traitors vibe."
Taking inspiration from Claudia, the ruffle blouse is the ideal winter layering piece that pairs well with a tweed or velvet blazer, especially if it allows some elegant frilled cuffs or neckline ribbons to show. Once the weather warms up, go for a pared-back approach by looking to ruffled styles in white cotton or delicate lace that add a soft contrast to cropped jeans and a basket bag for a relaxed, weekend look.
The best ruffle blouses to shop now
Flounced Blouse
Embroidered Ruffled Shirt
Ruffled Denim Shirt
Frilled Blouse
Pure Silk Tie-Neck Ruffle Blouse
Lyocell Shirt With Ruffles
Lace-Trimmed Ruffled Pintucked Organic Cotton Blouse
£276.00 at net-a-porter.com.uk
Silk Cotton Pinstripe Ruffle Blouse
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