Draped clothes for flattering and interesting outfits

If you haven’t already noticed, we love drapes, ruching, cinching, and asymmetry here at 40+ Style. Not only do they add interest to any outfit, but they’re also super flattering. Plus, they’re a huge trend this season. In this article, you’ll find all the best draped clothes we’ve found in stores this season, along with lots of tips on how to wear them.

Also take a look at how to wear asymmetric clothing.

Draped clothes - Rita wears a ruched co-ord outfit | 40plusstyle.com

Rita @ritapalazzi above (read her style interview here) opts for a ruffled co-ord set.

Get her look with this similar top (other options here and here), pants, sandals, clutch and earrings.

Carmen wears a ruched sleeve blazer and striped pants | 40plusstyle.comCarmen wears a ruched sleeve blazer and striped pants | 40plusstyle.com

Carmen @carmen_gimeno above shows how you can add some subtle ruching to your outfit with a ruched sleeve blazer.

Check out this graphic tee (another option here), similar blazer, pants, flats, tote and sunglasses.

Nikki adds an asymmetric bag to her outfit | 40plusstyle.comNikki adds an asymmetric bag to her outfit | 40plusstyle.com

Nikki @40notfrumpy above shows how you can add some subtle asymmetry to your outfit by choosing an asymmetric bag.

Recreate her outfit with this similar dress, pumps and handbag.

Draped, asymmetric and ruched clothes on the catwalks

Many designers chose to add draped clothes, ruching, and asymmetric hemlines to their catwalk looks this season. Below, you can see some designer inspiration.

2024 fashion trends - ruching and drapes | 40plusstyle.com2024 fashion trends - ruching and drapes | 40plusstyle.com

Alexander McQueen – Philosophy di Lorenzo Serafini – Issey Miyake

Ruched, asymmetric and draped clothes | 40plusstyle.comRuched, asymmetric and draped clothes | 40plusstyle.com

1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 / 7 / 8 / 9 / 10 / 11 /12 / 13 / 14

Ruching, asymmetry and drapes

Let’s look at some of the most stylish clothes we’ve spotted in stores. All of our choices feature ruching, cinching, draping or asymmetry.

tops

Starting with tops, choosing a ruched or draped top can be the perfect way to hide a bit of a tummy if that’s part of your body that you aren’t super keen on.

Ruched and draped top | 40plusstyle.comRuched and draped top | 40plusstyle.com

COS Asymmetric Brooch-detail BlouseSignificant Other Acacia Ruched Cowlneck TopSantorelli Ruched Tie-Dyed Crepe BlouseSea Fabiola Silk Ruched Blouse

Wearing ruching and draped clothes for the most flattering effect | 40plusstyle.comWearing ruching and draped clothes for the most flattering effect | 40plusstyle.com

Kim @kimair above (read her style interview here) opts for a ruched top with her jeans and sandals. Note how adding a new top can give your favorite pair of jeans a different, more current look.

Get her look with this similar top (another option here), jeans, sandals, handbag, earrings and sunglasses.

Jackets and coats

Look for blazers with ruched sleeves. You can also ruch up the sleeves on your blazer, giving your look a more modern, nonchalant style. Other options to create a draped effect include draped collars and tie waists.

Ruched and draped jackets | 40plusstyle.comRuched and draped jackets | 40plusstyle.com

Cinq à Sept Khloe Crepe Ruched BlazerElie Tahari Stella Ruched Open-Front BlazerCinq à Sept Dale Ruched-Sleeve JacketAvec Les Filles Drape Trench Coat

Ruched sleeve blazer and pleated pants | 40plusstyle.comRuched sleeve blazer and pleated pants | 40plusstyle.com

Cinq à Sept Khloe Crepe Ruched BlazerSignificant Other Acacia Ruched Cowlneck TopFRAME Pleated Silk Ankle wide Leg PantsCircus NY by Sam Edelman Larissah MulesSTAUD Bean Ruched Leather Shoulder BagGelConnie Leather Cord Necklace

Pants and jeans

Choose pants with ruching at the knees or pleating to give them extra volume. It’s generally best to keep your top streamlined so you don’t have too much width everywhere.

Draped and ruched pants | 40plusstyle.comDraped and ruched pants | 40plusstyle.com

Ser.o.ya Chelle Ruched JeansFRAME Pleated Silk Ankle wide Leg PantsCOS Paperbag Utility PantsCOS Gathered Wide Leg Pants

Sharryn wears a linen outfit | 40plusstyle.comSharryn wears a linen outfit | 40plusstyle.com

Sharryn @thestylishwoman above (read her style interview here) shows how you can choose pleating in your pants. A perfect vacation look.

Steal her look with this similar top, pants, sneakers, necklace, earrings and sunglasses.

Dresses and skirts

When choosing drapes or ruching in your dress or skirt, the key is to place the ruching in the most flattering place for you. You may want ruching to create some volume around the hips if you have an inverted triangle figure and you want to create balance, for example. Or, you may want to add some drapes around the tummy section to hide a belly.

Draped and ruched dresses and skirts | 40plusstyle.comDraped and ruched dresses and skirts | 40plusstyle.com

Reiss Navy Cosette Linen Blend Drape Midi DressReiss Coral Saffy Ruched Midi DressRamy Brook Mable Chevron Ruched Midi-SkirtPhilosophy di Lorenzo Serafini Ruched Stretch Hi-Lo Skirt

Halterneck top with ruched shoulders | 40plusstyle.comHalterneck top with ruched shoulders | 40plusstyle.com

Reiss Navy Cosette Linen Blend Drape Midi DressSöfft Chrissie SandalsSTAUD Bean Ruched Leather Shoulder BagOpen Edit Polished Teardrop Stud Earrings

ruched shoes

You can also add this trend to your outfit by choosing ruched shoes like any of the styles below.

Ruched shoes | 40plusstyle.comRuched shoes | 40plusstyle.com

Circus NY by Sam Edelman Larissah MulesSöfft Chrissie SandalsDREAM PAIRS Kitten Heel Sandals – AllSaints Sapphire Suede Loafers

Sheree wears a draped dress | 40plusstyle.comSheree wears a draped dress | 40plusstyle.com

Sheree @shesheshow above wears a beautiful draped shirtdress. We love the way she’s teamed orange with turquoise.

Recreate her outfit with this similar dress, sandals, bag, earrings and bracelet.

accessories

To add this style to your outfits, look for slouchy and ruched bags, or choose a draped scarf.

Ruched bags and draped accessories | 40plusstyle.comRuched bags and draped accessories | 40plusstyle.com

HOXIS Oversize Vegan Leather Tote – STAUD Bean Ruched Leather Shoulder Bagpearlzone Hand-Woven Bread ClutchGelConnie Leather Cord NecklaceEttika Crystal Drape Fringe EarringsOpen Edit Polished Teardrop Stud EarringsMicoop Infinity Pendant Scarf

Asymmetric hem top and wide pants | 40plusstyle.comAsymmetric hem top and wide pants | 40plusstyle.com

COS Asymmetric Brooch-detail BlouseCOS Gathered Wide Leg PantsDREAM PAIRS Kitten Heel Sandals – pearlzone Hand-Woven Bread ClutchEttika Crystal Drape Fringe Earrings

Draped capsule wardrobe

You can see the draped and asymmetric outfits from above together in one capsule. You can see how you could change around the tops and bottoms to create different looks, or add some ruching to your existing outfits.

Drape, asymmetry and ruching capsule wardrobe | 40plusstyle.comDrape, asymmetry and ruching capsule wardrobe | 40plusstyle.com

Continue reading:

  1. 2024 Fashion Trends: All The Best Outfits To Wear This Spring And Summer
  2. How To Wear Asymmetrical Clothing – Asymmetric Dresses And Tops To Fall In Love With
  3. How To Dress After 40 And Look Hip?

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Wearing ruching and draped clothes for the most flattering effect | 40plusstyle.comWearing ruching and draped clothes for the most flattering effect | 40plusstyle.com

Feature image by Kim @kimair

SylviaSylvia


Sylvia is 40+style’s editor-in-chief and has been helping women find their unique style since 2011. An alumni of the School of Color and Design, she is devoted to empowering women of any age to look and feel their best. Read more about Sylvia and 40+style on this page.

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