Recently, during the rift around shopping malls, I noticed that all the shops had one item in common. While plaid clothes are occasionally seen, the surplus of them was a clear indication that the style is once again in the headlines. This microtrend ideally fits into the upcoming fall-winter season with its size and styles. Additionally, a plus point about Plutts is that it is luxe-looking. Similar to leather and animal skin, pleats have a very distinct look that makes your outfits look gorgeous.
Pleats, or more specifically known as plissé, are a material with a crinkle effect characterized by micro-pleats on it. There are three common types of plates – box, knife and accordion. To help you differentiate:
- Box pleats- on the skirt are usually folded in opposite directions, similar to the school uniform.
- Knife pleats- neatly pressed tricks that face the same direction.
- Accordion pleats- a miniature version of knife tricks, the most complex type.
You can find pleats in all styles of clothing. Add elegance to your skirt with vaulted skirts, dresses, shirts, pants and even jumpsuits. The ripped effect is a way to instantly refresh your look and make your entire ensemble more interesting. In addition, the shrinking feature of the fabric lends itself to a look-at effect that appears as wrinkles, making sure to keep your outfits together all day. This is an ideal way to add some drama and movement to your look!
Look at luxury brands such as Plutz Please Issey Miyake who feature this microtrand as the star of their collection. Also, high-street retailers such as Mango and Zara are stocked with crinkle styling as well, for more affordable options.
To get started, take a look at our 6 favorite pleated items:
1) Midi-skirt
The midi-skirt is a staple item that is perfect to start your plots journey with. There are endless ways to style this beauty for the months ahead. However, to wear a pleated skirt correctly, pay attention to your body proportions to avoid looking bulky. For example, if you are pear shaped, avoid wearing complex pleats on your butt area as this can cause a heavy confusion. For more flattering, pair a slim-fit top with your box-pleated skirt. This helps balance the volume that adds to your silhouette. Once you nail the basics, look for an option by up or down your skirt with a blouse or t-shirt to fit the occasion. Also, have fun with your shoes because pleated skirts with heels and boots look great!
2) Printed dress
Expensive looks that add to an outfit make it wearable for an office as well as an evening. Juxtapose some beautiful patterns on a beautiful dress and make yourself a beautiful and fashionable dress. If you have a slim body type, then there is a dress that runs along a defined waistline that will help you look curvy. Alternatively, if you are already shapely, choose a fit-and-flamboyant dress with stripes down the middle. Make a statement with fewer additions to your dress that will help you stand out. For instance, inspired by the look below – a belt at the waist, a neckline scarf and high boots will show you straight out of the fall-winter catalog.
3) Top + Pants set
No one does it like Isse Miyake, and his brand Pleats Please Issey Miyake is the perfect platform to experiment with unique costume beats. If you like its vibrant colors and funky style, the brand’s wide-legged pants, and one-shoulder top are unique and fashionable. The diagonal pattern is energetic and vibrant with pleats in one direction. As a result, adding volume to the overall design. When styling this look, keep it to a minimum with a neutral color or no accessories. In addition, the top and pants will look well-styled as each other.
4) Stylish Top
For those who are not confident about wearing pleats, try the trend by beginning with a top. We love the design below in George Hardig with cut-out shoulder, ruffles and accordion pleats. The combination of many of the top details makes it so attractive and stands out from the rest. Styling this is relatively easy as the top does most of the work. All you have to do is pick a bottom that will match the top. Consider going for a similar fall-autumn palette of rust and sawdust that work well together.
5) Jacket + TrackPaint
We all have lazy days where we want to be on-trend, without any effort. And for those times, a pleated sweatshirt and track pants do the trick. The texture of the plates and the rich chocolate brown shade upgrade the casual to luxe. Keep it simple and tuck a white or black color inside, accessorize it with some gold ornaments and you’ll look fashionable enough to hit the city.
6) Mini-skirt
Reminiscent of our school days, a pleated mini skirt is a fun and flirty game. Protect it with black paint in a sturdy leather fabric that allows it to become a wardrobe staple for the seasons ahead. If you are going for an old school vibe, match a graphic tee and chunky sneakers. Otherwise, for a more sophisticated look, a delicate, pleated skirt with a lace blouse and some block heels would look great. Depending on your vibe, a monochromatic pleated mini looks great when styled with different options and jackets. It can serve as a fashionable fix in winter by throwing a sweater and some knee high boots for those hasty days.
What is your favorite style? Let us know in the comments below.