Florals and Ruffles for the Non-Frilly Female

I’m not what you would consider a “girly girl”. I wanted to give wearing these textures their moment to shine, but I needed to figure out how to wear florals and ruffles as a non-frilly female. These designs have been popping up all over the runway, like in the Spring/Summer 2020 shows of Valentino, Giambattista Valli, and Prabal Gurung.

Valentino Spring 2020 (Left), Giambattista Valli Spring 2020 (Center),
Prabal Gurung Spring 2020 (Right)

Testing my redheaded color limits, I snagged this pink and maroon floral and ruffled dress from Nasty Gal. It is a strong misconception that redheads can’t wear those colors that “clash” with their locks. Whoever decided that it was okay to tell redheads this was 100% incorrect!

Luckily, we’re in an era where looking pale in outfits is chic. Thankfully, skincare is important to people now more than ever. So we don’t need to worry about looking pale in pastel colors (like pink).

I love how the layers of this tiered dress accentuate the body and make the torso look longer. At first, I honestly thought this dress was going to look too… how do I put it… Baby Spice? But I realized that the layers help elongate the waistline as well as give fun movement when walking!

The biggest obstacle of wearing a floral print is making sure you don’t look like your granny’s drapes. To combat this, don’t wear head-to-toe floral. I recommend showing a little leg with a high necked long sleeve dress (like the Nasty Gal dress shown) or wear an off-the-shoulder midi or maxi, like the blue floral dress shown here. It breaks up the pattern while also showing your form.

If you wear a shorter floral dress, I recommend partnering it with a pair of heels, to elongate the legs. Depending on the season, you can also pair it with knee high boots.

Truly, I didn’t think I was going to be into wearing a floral look. But, as long as the right techniques are in place, it can be a great Summer look that will turn heads!

GET THE LOOK: Nasty Gal Tier We Are Floral Dress

Spring Trend: Ruffles

Wearing Ruffles Without Looking Like Bozo the Clown

Ruffles, Erin Leigh of She's Red Haute redhead smiling and wearing blue ruffle outfit in front of water fountain with brown circle bag

Spring Trend Alert: Ruffles are in!  These feminine frills are all over the runway, as seen in the Marc Jacobs, Chanel Couture, and Giambatista Valli Couture Spring lines (below).  However, wearing ruffles can be a difficult task.  The last thing you want to resemble is Bozo the Clown.  When wearing ruffles, you either need to make a statement with large ruffles, or go for a more subtle, delicate look with smaller ones.

Ruffles, Marc Jacobs ss19, Chanel Couture Spring 19, Giambatista SS19
Marc Jacobs SS19 (Left), Chanel Couture SS19 (Middle), Giambatista Valli Couture SS19 (Right)

In all honesty, I’m more comfortable wearing sleek looks than the “girly” vibe .  But I like to push the limits with my style and try new things!  So, venturing outside my comfort zone, I started shopping around to attempt the style.  Luckily, I was drawn to the “Without a Square in the World” gingham set by Nasty Gal.

Ruffles, Erin Leigh of She's Red Haute redhead wearing blue ruffle outfit

I love the gentle ruffles on the top and bottom of this CROP TOP because since the tousles aren’t overbearing.  Plus, you can’t go wrong with an off-the-shoulder fit.  It allows your neck and collarbone to be visible which elongates your overall appearance.  Also, I will always and forever be a fan of a high-waisted bottom, which gives a lengthening effect, as seen on this SKIRT.  It shows just a little leg, which is perfect for the summer months.  Ladies, this set is currently on SALE too!

Ruffles, Erin Leigh of She's Red Haute redhead wearing blue ruffle outfit and rattan circle bag sitting in front of purple flowers redhead

To round out the outfit, I chose some natural toned pieces, starting with this incredible rattan circle bag!  The natural weave of the bag is a perfect accent, especially as the weather gets warmer.  You can snag this one on Amazon.

Ruffles,Erin Leigh of She's Red Haute redhead wearing blue ruffle outfit and brown circle bag

MVMT has been a well known mens watch brand for years. At last, they now have MVMT for Her!!  I got The Lexington watch with the rose gold metal strap and a white face.  I’m literally living my best Springtime life with this watch.  It’s adjustable (thank God, because I have infant wrists) and feels like a lux jewelry piece!  You have to check out their sunnies too! 

Here’s an exclusive link and code so you can shop and receive 15% off!  Trust me, WORTH IT!!!!  LINK HERE.  Use code: SHESREDHAUTE15.

Ruffles,Erin Leigh of She's Red haute wearing MVMT watchRuffles,

To finalize the outfit, I paired my MVMT watch with the Ronaldo Power of Prayer bracelet.  There are seven orbs in the center to remind you to pray every day!

Ruffles,Erin Leigh of She's Red Haute redhead wearing blue ruffles Nasty Gal top

The whole ensemble is complete with these Studded wrap booties, which highlights the white color within the outfit.

Ruffles,Rattan circle bag and white booties with blue ruffle skirt

I’m mixing a little gingham country style, a city point of view, and a confident on-trend ruffle look.  What more could a Philly girl ask for?

Ruffles,Erin Leigh of She's Red Haute redhead wearing blue ruffle outfit and brown circle bag looking out at Philly skyline

Click the Images on the right to get the look!  Don’t forget about 15% off MVMT watches with code: SHESREDHAUTE15!

Photo Credit:  The amazing Nicole Marie Photography

Laid Back in All Black

Erin Leigh She's Red Haute Redhead Smiling laid back in all black and looking away

This spring season’s weather has been crazy!  When it’s 80 degrees and sunny one day and 60 degrees and raining the next it’s difficult to judge what to wear!  Luckily, no matter what season, you can’t go wrong laid back in an all black look!  The fun part is spicing it up to show off those red locks!

Erin Leigh She's Red Haute Redhead laid back in all black shirt with arms out

I chose to sport this laid back look with a light H&M cold shoulder top with bell selves and a pair of high waisted H&M black jeans.  Unfortunately, I have short legs, so I often wear bottoms that are high waisted in order to give them an elongated feel.  I chose to pair them with these killer Calvin Klein Elin loafers.  Patent leather is making a huge comeback!  Additionally, the shine gives the ensemble a little texture.

Erin Leigh She's red haute Redhead laid back in all black and looking down at Calvin Klein flats

SIDE NOTE: All black really makes red hair pop don’t you think?

Erin Leigh She's Red haute Redhead smiling and looking down laid back in all black top

My favorite part of this outfit is hands down this western floral Nasty Gal belt bag.  The new age fanny packs are back on trend, and I couldn’t be more happy! Who wants to carry a purse all the time anyway? lol. Together, this outfit is comfortable and classic with a modern twist.

Nasty Gal floral belt bag - Erin Leigh Laid back in all black blog on She's Red Haute

GET THE LOOK: H&M Cold Shoulder Top (Similar at SHEIN), H&M Black Jeans, Nasty Gal Belt Bag (Similar at Macy’s), Calvin Klein Elin Loafers