Ruffles come in so many satisfying styles: big and fluttery, small and bunched, gathered, pleated, wide, narrow, tiered and edged.

Ruffles come in so many satisfying styles: big and fluttery, small and bunched, gathered, pleated, wide, narrow, tiered and edged. This ultra-feminine detail is not just for after five or "dressy" pieces.

And it's not just for clothing.

Accessories from shoes to hats to handbags have ruffles this spring. And so do swimsuits. "I think ruffles are hot for a couple of logical reasons. Well, logical for fashion, anyway," said New York trend consultant David Wolfe, who works for the Doneger Group. He calls ruffles "eye candy detail" that satisfies "the desire women have for value with lots of detail and trim."

Ruffles are so feminine they are almost a cliche, he said. "But I believe women today are anxious about appearing too strong. Therefore, a ruffle sort of makes them feel fragile and young, too," he said.

Linda Burton, owner of the clothing shop Eccentricity in Wichita, Kan., said she's never really cared for ruffles. But you can bet you'll find several items in her store featuring ruffles at the neck, the hem and on the sleeves.

That's what makes this year's ruffles so wearable, even for those who don't like the "girly girl" touch. No flounce, no bounce, if that's not your taste. Gently gathered ruffles add texture to hems and sleeves without fluttering in the breeze.