It is a truth universally acknowledged that a person in possession of an event invitation (like, say, a date) must be in want of a suitably romantic outfit… Enter the Peppermint Valentine Ruffle Top! This floaty, flirty number will ruffle all the right feathers, and is designed to steal hearts, snag phone numbers and claim a permanent spot in your wardrobe.

PHOTOS: KELLEY SHEENAN  MODEL: JAYA KING, REBEL REBEL SHORTS: MODEL’S OWN LOCATION: FELONS BARREL HALL, BRISBANE, PINK/BLUE ARTWORK: MULGA

Not for nothing are these off-the-shoulder cuties sometimes referred to as ‘Bardot tops’ – the icon that is Brigitte turned the silhouette into a symbol of effortless chic during her screen siren days in the 60s and 70s. Wear it on-shoulder or off for the perfect mix of elegance and ease – this pretty pattern will shimmy its way into your heart, guaranteed.

The Peppermint Valentine Ruffle Top is the perfect project for an adventurous beginner: no fiddly fastenings like zippers or buttonholes, while still being a satisfyingly creative sew. Its relaxed fit, elasticated neckline and playful ruffle create a silhouette that’s equal parts dreamy and wearable.

For this make, we turned to Spoonflower’s Essex Linen in Confetti Rainbow Opal A, a dopamine-boosting print designed by Australian surface-patter artist Lauren Kelly of Thistle and Fox. The blend of linen and cotton gives this fabric just the right amount of structure while maintaining a lovely drape – ideal for showcasing those ruffled details. Plus, the dreamy pastel confetti pattern? Joy in textile form! Try cotton poplin or mid-weight cottons for a more structured top, or get flowy and floaty with silk, viscose, rayon or seersucker.

Speaking of Spoonflower, we couldn’t love them more! As one of the largest marketplaces for designs by independent artists from around the world, Spoonflower offers everything from fabric to wallpaper to home decor, all printed on demand with water-based inks and thoughtfully sourced materials. Not only does their process help reduce environmental impact, but every purchase directly supports the artist behind the design – with up to 15 percent royalties going back to the creator. So, when you pick a Spoonflower print, you’re not just making something beautiful for yourself – you’re championing small, independent artists too. 

Need more ruffles? (Frankly, who doesn’t?) May we introduce you to your perfect match: the Pasadena Rara Skirt. Another ruffle-packed Peppermint pattern, this playful tiered skirt is just the thing to pair with the Valentine Ruffle Top for maximum flounce factor. Wear them together for a co-ord look that’s equal parts fun and fabulous, or mix and match them with other me-mades to keep things fresh.

Ready to ruffle some fabric? We can’t wait to see your creations! Be sure to tag #PeppermintPatterns and #PeppermintValentineRuffleTop when you share your make – we’ll be swooning over them all!