Chapter two: Body Shape… Leave it to the Pleat
Welcome back to chapter two on exploring the wonderful world of the extraordinary pleat! As promised it’s time to learn the art of illusion dressing through styling the fold to flatter each female form, delivering you your autumn 2020 must-have detail that is sure to spark a fierce confidence from within!
Lets begin…
When it comes to pleats there are three considerations that will impact how you feel when styling your look…. the type of pleat, the proportion and length of the pleat and the fabric the pleat has been crafted in.
Let’s take a closer look at the seamstress technique…
A knife or accordion pleat have a defined edge sharply flaring backward, capturing your eye and chasing it down the crisp line. Pleated garments featuring this technique will always work to elongate the silhouette, styled best high-waisted with longer cuts as your eye can’t help but be compelled.
In contrast box cut pleats sit flush, creating volume to the silhouette as your eye wonders outwards along the width of the fold. Box cut pleats are often seen on skirts that seal the waist with a cinch for definition and glide outward for fuller hips…. My bluebell ladies, this pleat would look just fabulous on you!
As a stylist, I always refer to styling pleats like styling vertical stripes… working with finer stripes to lengthen the body and wider stripes to add volume and accentuate, balancing the silhouette.
Once you know your pleats it’s time to contemplate their proportion and length….
My style tip here is simple! As a pleats natural form gently tapers out… the thinner the pleat the slenderer the silhouette, the longer the pleat the more elongated the silhouette.
And lastly, the fabric…
Pleats are crafted in an abundance of beautiful fabrics all having the ability to flatter the figure. When it comes the accentuating your curves, slip into a finely knitted thin pleat that delicately hugs the body. For pleats that glide over your hips opt for a structured fabric with a longline silhouette for an ultra-flattering fit and not to mention your answer to easy-chic dressing.
Now you know my stylist secrets for styling the versatile fold it’s time to start experimenting! And you’re in luck as the pleat is proving to be the trend of-the-moment this autumn, from flowing midi skirts to statement blouses and even adorning the classic trench coat…. a must-have style this season!
Contact us today for a style consultation where we can discover which pleat best flatters your unique body shape and be sure to stay connected as we curate the pleated look that sparked UMUN jewellery Studio’s ‘Pleats in Solitude’ diamond ring.
