Pleats, Please: How to Wear This Summer’s Breeziest Trend

Pleats on display on Altuzarra’s Spring 2016 runway; Image: Imaxtree

Pleats walk the runway at Boss Spring 2016; Image: Imaxtree

Back in 1993, Japanese designer Issey Miyake made a dent in designers’ imaginations with his revolutionary, technology-driven Pleats Please label. Now, the great minds at Altuzarra, Boss, Victoria Beckham and Proenza Schouler, among others, are manipulating all manner of apparel into streamlined yet edgy silhouettes or creating architectural marvels that add pizzazz to once-stiff getups.

 

A photo posted by Alexa (@chungalexa) on Apr 22, 2016 at 10:40am PDT

Pleats are great for fashionably hiding yourself away (re: a wide-leg palazzo pant) or showcasing your boldest, most avant-garde self (re: anything the aforementioned Miyake puts forth). They instantly (quite literally) elevate blah monochrome ensembles — or any outfit, for that matter. Plus, to counter the summer’s humidity, they allow tons of breathing room. And even the coziest swivel chair in your office couldn’t put a wrinkle in their style.

 

A video posted by Alexa (@chungalexa) on Oct 20, 2015 at 5:27am PDT

Alexa Chung and others have made quite the case for pleats, but don’t just take it from her…take it from us. This season’s tops, tunics, pants, jackets, culottes, midi skirts — heck, even bags — all have serious wardrobe-volumizing potential. Now, we invite you to step inside the box for trend-tailoring ideas galore and, of course, a roundup of our favorite pleated everything.

Option #1: Give a midi the cold shoulder and make the most of the season’s most coveted trends.

 

A photo posted by Fashion Online Store (@lazynoon) on May 18, 2016 at 10:33pm PDT

 

A photo posted by @shades_of_shoes on May 20, 2016 at 1:16am PDT

Option #2: Pleat detailing gives a subtle flair.

 

A photo posted by miwa (@___m__w___) on May 18, 2016 at 9:32am PDT

 

A photo posted by tangers (@tangers_sg) on May 20, 2016 at 3:35am PDT

Option #3: Let a dramatic shape shine through by keeping things otherwise neutral.

 

A photo posted by Vikki | Style&Minimalism (@styleminimalism) on May 18, 2016 at 11:56pm PDT

 

A photo posted by COVET readytowear (@covet.rtw) on May 20, 2016 at 2:33am PDT

Option #4: Let’s talk lengths and layering. A pleated tunic, vest or jacket instantly adds interest to your look.

 

A photo posted by EA_fashion_establishment (@ea_fashion_establishment) on May 19, 2016 at 6:49pm PDT

 

A photo posted by MsCastroRides (@mscastrorides) on May 18, 2016 at 5:11am PDT

Option #5: Upgrade your LBD.

 

A photo posted by MINUSEY (@minusey) on May 18, 2016 at 9:01am PDT

 

A photo posted by Jyotsna ( Jyo ) (@cuppajyo) on May 19, 2016 at 7:28am PDT

Option #6: Metallics FTW.

 

A photo posted by EdgyExoticEntertaining (@fashionablyloudnyc) on May 18, 2016 at 10:34am PDT

 

A photo posted by Nicole Melbourne (@nicole.illustration) on May 18, 2016 at 7:16pm PDT

Option #7: Say “screw it!” and go all out.

 

A photo posted by NARELLE MONTAUBAN (@narellemontauban) on May 18, 2016 at 5:22pm PDT

 

A photo posted by NICOLE JAYMES (@nicolejaymesthelabel) on May 17, 2016 at 11:15pm PDT

Now for the fun part, shopping time: