Hi, there. Pleats to meet you.
That’s right, pleats. Pleats are everywhere right now. They’re all over the high street. Pleats are trending.
For a long time a good pleat was hard to find. The gold standard, of course, being the somewhat unaffordable Issey Miyake. Like Goldilocks I tried to find a cheaper alternative but they were too big, too small, too pleated or not quite pleated enough.
Pleats Please was launched by Miyake in Paris in the early 90s. The clothes he produced then have proved to be timeless, they’re made from Polyester, can be machine washed and somehow don’t crease. They’re simple, effective and, dare we say it, chic. Not the sort of chic that requires lots of effort, no, the sort of chic you can literally throw on and instantly look like an adult.
It was only a matter of time until Miyake-style micro pleats appeared on the high street. That time is now. Here’s your pleated cheat sheet in which we bring you some pleats which are just right:
1. The very legit H&M one
This is an Issey Miyake dress in all but name. It will take you anywhere – work, dancing, dinners, weddings. Buy it now. Buy two. Buy three. They also have it in red. Pleats, pay attention.
Dress £29.99
2. Totes pretty in pink pleats at And Other Stories
If Carrie Bradshaw was a skirt.
3. Polka Dot Pleats from Zara
Why buy into one trend when you can have two.
4. The 'weird but kinda like it' shiny pleated disco pants from Zara
A wildcard but actually pretty into it.
5. Oh pleattts stop Topshop
Nailed it. These trousers go with absolutely everything. A plain white tshirt, a jumper, a smart top, a nice top…trainers, heels, sandals…dress em’ up, dress em’ down. The pleats are on point, they are basically an exact copy.
I tried the same pair on in navy blue in case you, like me, wear too much black and are trying to branch out.
6. The oddly satisfying pleated velvet wrap dress from Topshop
One more from Topshop because they’re really running with this trend. It’s dark purple, velvet and pleated. It’s sort of like wearing Christmas.
Dress, £38.00
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This article originally appeared on The Debrief.