Ruffle Collar
You thought ruffle collars were too theatrical for the office — well, this season they prove they can in fact emphasize a serious silhouette. The FW25 runways turned the ruffle from excess into definition — and when done right, that sophistication reads less “Baroque” and more “Boardroom.” Chanel, Dior (all above), and Patou didn’t soften their silhouettes with ruffles — they sharpened them.
This season’s collars were dramatic — oversized, sculptural, and made from delicate fabrics that seemed barely able to hold their shape. Not exactly boardroom-friendly. But what’s worth noting is not the extravagance, it’s the function: every designer used the ruffle collar as a way to pull together an otherwise classic, even utilitarian, look. At Dior, a crisp ruffle framed the face above a trench coat — transforming a pragmatic staple into something quietly commanding. Patou paired its frilled neckline with a navy officer’s coat, letting delicateness punctuate structure. Chanel doubled down on contrast: cloud-like collars rising from strict black jackets and boucle minis. The takeaway? The ruffle draws the eye upward and elevates the basics.
Obviously, we love that logic for work. The idea of introducing softness and texture around the face to bring coherence to rigid silhouettes fits directly into our vocabulary of modern polish. A ruffle at the neckline, when it’s tight, structured, and high, acts like a frame that assuredly directing the viewer to look straight in the eyes of the wearer. Scaled down, that same idea becomes incredibly usable Monday through Friday. You don’t need (and shouldn’t wear) the runway volume. What you borrow is the tension: romantic detail trapped inside disciplined tailoring. A controlled ruffle emerging from a blazer neckline. A small pleated collar inside a camel knit vest. An ivory micro-frill against a navy suit.
And because the collar itself carries identity, the rest of the outfit can go quiet. No print. No statement earring. Just one precise, structured flourish at the throat, and then restraint everywhere else. That kind of restraint is why this works in real corporate life — it’s unexpected, but not loud. It’s memorable, but not risky. It’s softness, but weaponized. Above (left-right, top-bottom) FW 2025: Dior, Chanel. ©NowFashion.
How to Work It
KSF
✔ Choose micro-ruffles or pleated necklines that frame the face rather than engulf it.
✔ Keep fabrics crisp (poplin, silk-blend organza, cotton voile) to avoid romantic collapse.
✔ Stick to light neutral palettes — white, ivory — to let texture do the talking.
✔ Treat the collar as a built-in neck accessory: no necklace needed, just subtle earrings.
✔ Maintain a contrast balance: pair the delicacy of the collar with strong tailoring or structured knits.
Deal Breakers
❌ Floppy or collapsing chiffon that loses definition.
❌ Oversized ruffles spilling over lapels or shoulders.
❌ Prints or loud colors competing with the collar.
❌ Styling with additional “feminine” elements (bows, pearls, lace) — it’s about edge through control, not excess.
Ease of Integration: ★★★★☆ — Easy if you already wear crisp white or ivory shirts — it’s a straight swap that upgrades the neckline. Works seamlessly under blazers, vests, and crewneck knits; plays well with minimal jewelry.
For more options, click here.
