When you think of frilly sleeves, your mind probably jumps to ultra-feminine, delicate, and maybe even a little romantic. But let me tell you—those frills can do so much more than just sweeten up an outfit!
Our Thrifty 6 prompt was “Cheap Frills” so I figured that I would showcase 3 unexpected ways to wear frilly sleeves.
Quote of the day: “Action is the foundational key to all success.” Pablo Picasso
If you’ve ever admired a blouse with ruffled or voluminous sleeves but hesitated because you’re not into an overly girly aesthetic, then this post is for you.
I’m here to show you how to wear frilly sleeves with masculine elements, with modern denim, and with edgy pieces like leather and combat boots.
Insider tip: To make my green frilly sleeve blouse work for the cooler weather, I layered it over a white frilly sleeve blouse. Don’t forget that layering can add a whole new dimension to any look.
So let’s get into it and give those frills a whole new attitude!
As much as I love my site, Jodie’s Touch of Style, I really enjoy putting together my daily emails. I consider my emails an extension of my blog that is chocked full of positive inspiration that one friend calls a “Variety Show.”
I include articles, videos and posts that strike my fancy and since I have no siblings to share with, I share with you.
Insider tip: The green sheer top was found when friends thrifted for each other. Notice how I changed up the ties at the neck with each outfit.
One of my favorite ways to balance out the ultra-feminine nature of frilly sleeves is to pair them with structured, masculine-inspired pieces. Think about borrowing from the boys—trousers, loafers, or even a menswear vest. The contrast of sharp tailoring against the softness of the ruffles makes for a fashion-forward look that exudes confidence.
How I Styled It:
Why It Works: The juxtaposition of structured, masculine tailoring with the delicate femininity of frilly sleeves creates a balanced and stylish outfit.
Denim is always a go-to when you want to keep things casual, but pairing it with frilly sleeves brings a whole new energy. The key here is to make sure your jeans have a modern feel. I opted for a pair of ecru wide leg jeans, but there are many other options that would be perfect too.
How I Styled It:
Insider tip: Yes, you can style white and ivory together.
Why It Works: The clean lines of modern denim keep the frilly sleeves from feeling too old-fashioned or precious. This is an easy, everyday way to style ruffles for any aged woman.
Now this is where things get interesting! Frilly sleeves don’t have to mean soft and dainty. In fact, when paired with edgier pieces like a leather skirt, or combat boots, they take on an entirely new personality. The contrast between delicate and tough makes for an unexpected and ultra-stylish outfit.
How I Styled It:
Why It Works: This look plays on contrasts—the softness of the frilly sleeves against the toughness of leather and combat boots makes for a truly unexpected pairing. It’s a great way to incorporate ruffles while keeping your style strong and statement-making.
Facts: Jodie’s Touch of Style is supported by my readers. I partner with affiliate platforms where commission may be earned based on your purchases. If you decide to buy anything I’ve promoted, I appreciate you using my link. These links help bloggers like me to fund the content that we provide, plus it tells companies that blogging marketing works. Thank you for your ongoing support.
Frilly sleeves are such a fun detail, but they don’t have to be synonymous with ultra-feminine, princess-like outfits. By pairing them with masculine tailoring, modern denim, or edgy pieces, you can completely transform their vibe to fit your personal style.
Fashion is all about experimenting, as I truly believe we don’t have to follow the rules of yesteryear. Therefore, don’t be afraid to play with different textures and styles to make frills work for you!
With the fashion and textile industry being a major contributor to landfills and other environmental pollution, we decided to make it the mission of this little group to focus on second-hand items.
Since the prompt for this month was cheap frills, there should be a large variety of options to enjoy below.
Insider tip: If there aren’t many wonderful secondhand shops near you, I included a list of online shops that I love at the end of this post.
Check out the other members of the Thrifty 6 group for all kinds of ideas about cheap frills.
“I am not a frilly type so I had to dig deep into my closet to find a preloved something with a hint of frills. This thrifted floral dress has a bit of frill connecting each of the tiers as well as frilly flutter sleeves. I added a super frilly scarf which was not preloved but was definitely cheap! I bought it for a few dollars from a New York City street vendor about 25 years ago, making it just as budget- and environmentally-friendly as buying secondhand!”
“Cheap frills…..okay, just had one item and no time to search for something on Vinted. So how to make it work! I actually like frills on blouses, picture Prince back in the days. Or even further back: Adam and the Ants!! But no frill blouses in my closet, say what? So I came up with this look and I have to say, I am loving it. Can’t even be bothered with all the lines you see through the silky skirt. But I am wearing a dress! I also wore it for the https://nancysfashionstyle.com/animal-prints-but-no-leopard-the-thrifty-six/ theme last year!”
“I love anything frilly…and if it’s a bargain I love it even more! I bought this orange frill blouse on Vinted for about £4. The navy Marks & Spencer jacket is also pre-loved, from a charity shop. Oh, and the hat is second hand too! A very thrifty outfit!”
“I’m shameless…
The T6 theme for February is ‘Cheap Frills’, so how could I not slip into a cheeky pair of vintage frilly knickers…
These frivolous frills were never designed for show, but I like to shimmy them shamelessly on the outside for all to see!”
“I’m not a frilly girl, but I do like a feminine floral print in a skirt with a bit of flounce to it, like this thrifted Talbots skirt that I styled for winter with a black top and textured tuxedo jacket (both also thrifted). My look has its usual maximal vibe with a layered necklace (all made by me) and two scarves – a print infinity scarf with a thrifted pink striped scarf wrapped around it. The structured black pieces help offset the sweetness of the pink florals for a fun juxtaposition of an outfit.”
If you don’t have great secondhand stores near you, then another great option is online thrifting. These are the ones I’ve used more than once (except Swap, but it comes highly recommended by a friend)
thredUp—this link gives you $10 (and me in return).
Poshmark — here is the post about how to shop the site.
Preworn–10% off with code JODIEFILOGOMO
Etsy
ebay
Swap
Uncommon Closet— nonprofit to help women.
Gild the Lily–a local Michigan store that sells online.
I hope I thank you enough because your support allows me to continue this journey which I LOVE!!!
Supporting a blog can be easy and free. Just visiting my pages, clicking my links (especially for Small Businesses and sponsored posts), and sharing the things you like on your social media make a huge difference. Spreading the word is how I can reach more wonderful people like you!
Or feel free to “buy me a coffee” which is a monetary way to tell me that you enjoy reading my blog.
Welcome to Jodie’s Touch of Style. I’m here to prove that it’s never too late to look great. Clothing and style are meant to showcase your inner personality. So let’s have fun and try new things.
The post Unexpected Frilly Sleeves-3 Ways To Style Them appeared first on Jodie’s Touch of Style.
Notifications
