PLEASE PLEAT ME!

Pleats, glorious pleats! Here me when I say, nothing renders a garment more feminine than a generous portion of pleats. Lately, I’ve spotted them gracing the usual likes of dresses and skirts, but I’ve also laid eyes on some gorgeous pleated scarves and seen them tucked into smaller design details on tops and shorts—even lingerie. And let me tell you, I like what I’m seeing…

Now, don’t get me wrong, I love a few jumbo pleats placed on a skirt as much as the next gal (tulip skirts!), but what really gets me going is a fully pleated piece. You know… accordion pleats. Oh yeah. True, some may be scared of verging on grandma territory, but accordion pleats can be delicately beautiful—and youthful. Don’t believe? Check out some of the fresh looks I’ve picked out for you below. And hey, what about all that fabulous orange? I hear some of these pieces calling your name for spring…

Clockwise from top-left: Lipsy Pleated Rosette Dress, $99; ASOS Pleat One Cold Shoulder Dress, $81; Chloé Pleated Silk-Crepe Dress, $2,115; Burberry Pleated Silk-Crepe Dress, $850; VPL Dispersion Bra, $145; Fossil Raven Scarf, $20; Furla Scarf, $56

Clockwise from top-left: Dion Lee Knife-Pleated Silk Crepe Skirt, $730; Rag & Bone Pleated Silk Maxi Skirt, $450; Topshop Satin Pleated Skirt, $58

Clockwise from top-left: Nanette Lepore Tuckered Out Pleated Top, $278; ASOS Pleated Ruffle Blouse, $54; Theory Sylvain Skirt, $255

Extra credit: Topshop Pleated Lace Dress by Rare, $78; Urban Outfitters Cooperative Pleated Babydoll Dress, $59
–JEAN CANDIDO