Easily the prettiest component of the 'more is more' mood that characterises SS16 is the return of all things ruffled, from Proenza Schouler and Oscar De La Renta's flamenco layers, to the delicate frills at Lanvin and Alexander McQueen.

But tomboys needn't be put off - you can still make waves without going all-out girly-girl.

This is how to get chic thrills on the high street...

GET SHIRTY

A ruffled shirt is the best way to add a dash of frill-seeker charm to your wardrobe while still maintaining an androgynous edge, particularly if you choose simple cuts, structured waves or acid brights.

Pair with cigarette trousers and brogues for optimum boy-meets-girl balance.

:: Madia & Matilda Cassie Sheer Top, £72; Maria Gathered Skirt, £87 (www.madiamatilda.co.uk)

:: Topshop Short Sleeve Ruffle Shirt, £35; Moto Indigo Orson Jeans, £42; Clean Leather Clutch, £35 (www.topshop.com)

:: Karen Millen Pleated Ruffle Blouse, £125 (www.karenmillen.com)

LESS IS MORE

Mixing two major trends, ruffles and cut-outs make a very seductive combination, particularly for summer.

A Bardot or cold shoulder top tucked into a high-waisted skirt or skin-tight jeans makes for a cool vintage vibe.

Add sharp court heels and shoulder-skimming earrings to highlight the subtle flash of flesh.

:: Related Lola Top, £95 (www.relatedapparel.com)

:: Coast Vienetta Cold Shoulder Top, £59 (www.coast-stores.com)

:: Simply Be Cold Shoulder Ruffle Blouse, £35 (www.simplybe.co.uk)

ONE-PIECE WONDERS

The coolest way to play with frills for evening? Anchor your look around a dress - and let it do the hard work.

Whether long and layered, or short and lacy, all you need to add are strappy sandals and a clutch.

Play up the Flamenco associations, a la the Oscar de la Renta catwalk, by teaming red ruffles with black heels and a slick of scarlet lipstick, or pair a princessy number with pastel accessories.

:: Related Carletta Dress, £195 (www.relatedapparel.com)

:: Per Una Cold Shoulder Maxi Dress, £55 (www.marksandspencer.com)

:: Oasis Multi Stripe Ruffle Dress, currently reduced to £77 from £110 (www.oasis-stores.com)

OCEAN WAVES

The ruffles trend has had a big impact on this summer's swimwear collections too, resulting in some super-cute bikinis and one-pieces.

If you've got a boyish figure, frilly bikini briefs are a great way to fake some curves, while a ruffled top helps amplify the bust, so try mixing and matching separates to find the right balance for your figure.

:: Paper Dolls Bandeau V Front Frill Edge Bikini, £29 (www.little-mistress.com)

:: Red Herring Bikini, £16 (in store June 13; www.debenhams.com)

:: Anthropologie Paloma Bandeau Bikini Top, £82 (www.anthropologie.com)

GET THE LOOK

The sporty Chloe SS16 collection has been hugely influential this season, and now New Look has perfected the same Nineties vibe, with a range of athletic joggers and track tops set to land in stores this month.

:: New Look Red Tracksuit Bottoms, £17.99; Black Ribbed Zip Front Collared T-Shirt, £14.99 (www.newlook.com)

BUY IT NOW

The new Dance by Beaverbrooks collection of necklaces and earrings features diamonds suspended so delicately that they 'dance' at the slightest movement, meaning more sparkle for your money. Prices start at £250 for a 9ct pendant.

:: Dance by Beaverbrooks 9ct White Gold Diamond Pendant, £250 (www.beaverbrooks.co.uk)

FASHION FLASH

:: DECENT EXPOSURE

If you think lingerie-like clothing is best left to celebs and youngsters, think again. JD Williams, which specialises in fashion for the over-50s, has reported a 48% rise in lingerie sales over the last year, and a 23% spike in the last two weeks alone, as women try out lacey camisole tops and night dresses, inspired by the catwalk trend.

:: HOLIDAY MODE

Women are more daring with their fashion choices on holiday, according to a new poll by Sunshine.co.uk, who surveyed 1,500 Brits. Many (62%) claim they're more 'fashion-forward' while abroad, while nearly half (48%) state they don't care what they look like on holiday - with 77% of these admitting this is because they aren't likely to bump into someone they know. Cool, carefree fashion - that's what summer is all about!

STYLE STEAL

New from plus-size retailer Yours, the Burnham Bay range features pretty prints, crochet detailing and relaxed pieces, perfect for pairing with denim. The collection is online now with prices starting at just £19.

:: Burnham Bay White Long Sleeve Shirt with Blue Nautical Sailing Print, currently reduced to £25.60 from £32 (www.yoursclothing.co.uk)