Pleated skirts and dresses are making their way into fashion’s most enviable wardrobes. It is a spectacular way to bring about a small vintage charm into modern dressing. If you don’t already have pleats in your collection, you best update your closet. 

Pleats have been common in women’s fashion for almost one hundred years. There are dozens of different types of pleats from a textile perspective, but to the eye, a dress appears much like an accordion. The most famous pleated dress, indeed one of the most iconic fashion dresses of all time, is Marilyn Monroe’s pleated dress that she wore in The Seven Year Itch. That white halter dress with the full pleated skirt remains one of the most replicated dresses of all time. 

With such an iconic dress, designers have been creative about how they modernise and update the style.  French fashion house Rochas, founded by Marcel Rochas in 1925, created a knee length summer pleated dress. The crew-neck piece features navy, orange and deep purple stripes. The matching navy skinny belt is also reminiscent of 1950’s fashion – making the piece both classic and modern at the same time. 

One of the newer Italian fashion houses, Giambattista Valli, brought a more gothic view to the style. He created a full-skirted pleated dress made of black sheer silk fabric. The peak of each pleat features a thick white line, giving the piece a very artistic feel. The loose fitting bodice further defeminises the iconic trend, making it more fashionable. 

New York label Proenza Schouler, one of the most coveted names in fashion, created a stunning pleated gown. The top of the dress features a thick crossover bodice, leaving a small cut out above the waistline. The skirt is a tea-length full polyester pleated style made out of crème fabric with strips of exquisite shiny metallic. 

From royals to politicians to celebrities – pleats are making waves. Rihanna, during a shopping trip around New York City, wore a provocative wardrobe choice: a high-low sheer pink skirt with a mini-bandeau matching top. She paired with converse sneakers and a black purse. 

On the other side of the spectrum, Kate Middleon, also known as the Duchess of Cambridge, has worn a variety of pleated dresses. One of her best is a blush pink long sleeve wool dress with thick knife pleats. She paired with nude shoes and a matching wide brimmed hat. 

Victoria’s Secret model and mom to Orlando Bloom’s son Finn, wore an enchanting J. Mendel white pleated dress. The cut outs added a bit of seduction, while the sheer overlay kept it from being too risqué. And – as everyone’s favourite first lady - the beautiful Michelle Obama wore a pleated skirt to her interview on The View a few seasons ago – showing that she is ahead of her time!

This season’s pleats tend to be a bit softer – so go with a fabric such as silk or chiffon. To keep from looking like a 1950’s librarian, make sure to pair with a modern trend as well: such as a cut out top, or illusion neckline. 

That’s the fashion scoop for this week. Got a thought? Trend? Style you hate? Send it my way. 

Rachel Breaux is an American living in Rwanda