CLOTHES with folds, tails, ruffles and ragged hemlines all sound like the stuff worn by elves and pixies in fairy tales, but in today’s fashion scene, they are quite common.  
These design elements have become so popular that these days, even couture dresses would have them.

It is all about balance when you want to incorporate these elements into your look, and there are some great ways to achieve this. From fishtail hemlines to slashed sleeves, the “poor Cinderella” look never looked this good.

At the Rosemount Australian Fashion Week in Sydney, Australia, recently, designer brand Illuminati showcased a two-piece look which comprised a soft vest-like top and bloomer-pants. At first glance it might look like something you would wear for karate class, but I actually adore the simplicity of it.

A model presents a creation by Illuminati as part of the Raffles group show during the Rosemount Australian Fashion Week in Sydney, Australia

The overal look is soft and feminine, though perhaps the open-front neckline is a little risque. If you need to change it up to something edgier, all you need to do is put on a chunky necklace or any other cool accessories.

You could also probably wear the vest as a wrap-around top. Wraparounds are great because they flatter one’s look by giving one the illusion of a smaller waist.

Another designer at the Australian Fashion Week was Emma Mulholland, who showcased a stringy skirt paired with a tank top and jacket. The Pocahontas-like piece is really for those who are more daring with their dress sense, as the “skirt” barely covers anything. Still, there’s no harm in trying it out, and could totally work if you were to put on a pair of nude-coloured leggings.

A model presents a creation by Australian designer Emma Mulholland during the TAFE group shows at the Rosemount Australian Fashion Week in Sydney, Australia

Meanwhile, at the Fashion Philosophy Fashion Week in Lodz, Poland, designer Lukasz Jemiola came up with one design that made me think of Robin Hood and his merry men.

The umbrella top looked like a poncho, and seemed comfortable. It also looked like an item you could mix and match with to suit just about any occasion.

A model presents a creation by Polish fashion designer Lukasz Jemiola during the last day of the FashionPhilosophy Fashion Week Poland in Lodz, Poland

It was paired with skinny pants, which means that one can also wear it with tights, jeggings or jeans. It’ll work as a casual outing ensemble, but at the same time, some accessories and spiky heels might make the whole outfit seem like something you could wear to a dinner party.

At another event, French actress Clemence Poesy turned up wearing a darling yellow Chanel by Karl Lagerfeld creation.

French singer Clemence Poesy attends the presentation of the Chanel Cruise 2011/2012 Collection by German designer Karl Lagerfeld

The dress seems like it was made from hay or raffia string, and while it doesn’t look super comfortable, there’s something really classy about it.

In contrast, Clemence paired the dress with a champagne-coloured satin clutch with matching shoes, making her overall look well balanced and refined.