This ensemble was inspired by some outfits I put together for a client who wanted more than just a basic semi-tucked T-shirt to wear with straight or flared cropped jeans. The top had to be comfortable, covered, easy to launder, and casual. Enter the ruffle hem top. Romantic, on trend, and interesting. 

I’ve put together three versions to get you started. The rendition on the left is very casual. The next two renditions are dressier, and more work appropriate. Choose any colour palette in solids or patterns. 

Here are the components: 

Ruffle Top: You’re after a woven or knitted top with a ruffle on the hem. Choose any sleeve style. Tops can be as casual as a tee, or dressier like a blouse. Fits can be snug or roomy. A peplum top with a defined waist will do just fine. 

Bottoms: Think cropped jeans with straight or flared hems. Straight leg jeans or streamlined boyfriends with rolled hems. Streamlined culottes. Dressier ankle pants, or a pencil skirt. 

Footwear: Wear ankle accentuating footwear to balance the cropped lengths of the jeans and pants. Sandals, pumps and flats with ankle straps are fab, as are oxfords, loafers and mules. 

Accessories: Finish off the look with a bag of your choice. Throw on a neckerchief if you like. Add jewellery, eyewear and watch as desired. 

You can also combine a ruffle hem top with long flared jeans or trousers. Add pointy toe heels or heeled sandals and you’re in business. 

I love the outfit on the Shopbop model up top and am eyeing that top to wear with white or faded blue denim straight crops and gold loafers. I did a slightly dressier version with a boho-lite peplum eyelet shirt last year in Arizona.