Final Answer:
"...the fluffy skirt of her white dress cascaded slowly to the floor like the petals of a large carnation" is an example of a simile.
Step-by-step explanation:
The phrase uses the word "like" to establish a comparison between two different things - the fluffy skirt of the white dress and the petals of a large carnation.
This figure of speech, known as a simile, enhances the descriptive quality of the text by drawing a vivid and imaginative parallel. Similes contribute to the reader's understanding by creating a mental image that connects the known (the petals of a carnation) with the new (the descending skirt), making the description more evocative and engaging.
In this instance, the simile adds a layer of beauty and grace to the description of the dress, emphasizing its gentle and cascading movement.