Ruched up fashion (from Burdastyle.com)

Ruched clothing is extremely tricky terrain. If properly executed, the technique can magically flatter all body types and make for some cool, avant-garde texture. However, if not, it can create a seriously tacky eyesore. That’s why I’ve pulled together some figure flattering and fashion forward ideas for how to incorporate ruching into your garments, as well as a few patterns that utilize the look in a simple, non-distracting way.
Give these four patterns, each with different ruched detail, a try:
The Dress with Side Gathers helps camouflage your mid-section with both a cross over bust detail and ruched sides.
If you want to err on the side of simplicity, both the Jersey Dress and Jersey Top incorporate only subtle ruching from the neckline down through the waist.
Or if you want to be a little more daring, the Draped Knee Skirt is a more creative way to incorporate the ruched/draped look on a simple silhouette.

Images clockwise from top left: dresses by Catherine Malandrino, Michael Kors and Alexander Wang, sweater by Surface to Air, skirt by 3.1 Phillip Lim, BurdaStyle’s Draped Knee-Length skirt, top by Rick Owens DRKSHDW, dress by Burberry Prorsum.

article courtesy of Burda Style website