Long before I became a fashion blogger, I was fond of wearing tops with gathered sections of fabric. I didn´t know what they´re called, other than they either gave me additional volume on my chests or created a nice curve around my waist. I was too slim during the time, which earned me a “stick” nickname from the bullies. Thanks to the gift of ruching, I was able to hide my skin-bone slimness while looking deliciously curvy in them. 
Crepe Side Ruched Top, found in AnnTaylor.com. Currently sold out due to its utmost popularity.
Ruching is a fashion term I only learned when I started fashion writing. It´s a trimming made by pleating a strip of lace, ribbon, net, fine muslin, or silk so that it ruffles on both sides. It is made my stitching through the center of pleating.
When I paid more attention to ruching details, it impressed me even more. It´s not only a way to flatter a slim figure, it´s also a cover-up for anything unwanted such as tummy or apple midsection. Ruching gives you just enough curves while it hides unnecessary curves and delivers a sophisticated, flattering look.
Shop Ruched Tops
Check out this slideshow for a list of ruched tops I digged around just for you. It includes ruched styles for the slim, the average size to plus size women.
Ruched tops are generally to be worn untuck. They´re best to wear with skirts that fit around the waist to hips such as pencil skirts, or those that fit and flare such as the A-line and trumpet skirts.
They also look great with jeans for casual affairs or with trousers for work. On my next “what to wear” post, I will feature a selection of ruched dresses.