How To Wear Pleats Over 40

As always, the first tip is: wear pleats if you like them. I do like them, and have a couple of pleated skirts, as well as a cool pleated scarf by Issey Miyake. And here are some fabulous women from Visible Monday, inspiring us with pleats of varying depth and width and fabrication. Pleats do tend to widen our silhouette, not that there’s anything wrong with that, but if you are aiming for a narrow silhouette, a few strategic pleats will serve you better than an all-around.
Always room in my closet for a couple of pleats:

Nicole of High Latitude Style goes all-out with a full knife-pleated skirt. It’s dressy and I love the way she made it more casual with her denim jacket. She’s going for full swoosh-factor, which means a slightly longer length, as Nicole did here. Gorgeous with classic pumps:

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Linda of A Labour Of Life chose a box-pleated skirt in a gorgeous print. these pleats are easier to style, but still add a lot of movement and personality to a dress or skirt. Love the scenic print on this one too:

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Bogi of  Red Redicule does a gently pleated shirt dress that gives structure and interest to a classic shape. An easy, super-flattering way to incorporate pleats. And much cooler on a summer day than a pencil dress. Bogi has a gorgeous collection of heels, too:

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Kirsten of The LIFB Issue gives her pleats a youthful vibe in this darling jumper (American meaning) with a pleated skirt. Wear your pleated pieces shorter, like Kirsten did here, if you want to keep it playful and casual:

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Emma of Style Splash takes her pleats to maxi length and makes a super-feminine look with a soft pink sweater. Her whimsical shoes and sunglasses add a more feminine feel while the pleats add texture and interest:

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How do you like your pleats, please?

Stay fabulous,

Here’s more fab pleated pieces to inspire:


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13 Comments

  1. Had it not been for a Fab 40s theme, Patti, I doubt I’d ever have worn pleats, in any shape or form. Thanks to the mandate, however, I can now safely say I’ve worn pleats, not once but twice (I know, right??). I love mine paired with something completely contrasting like leather or denim. A textured fabric to play up the juxtaposition. And Bogi’s dress draws my attention because the fabric used isn’t what one would expect in a pleated number 🙂

    p/s I love Miyake. He was the very first fashion god I worshipped, when I was 7 🙂

    • you had a fashion god when you were seven! no wonder you are such a cool fashionista. xo

  2. Fantastic examples. I only have only one pleated skirt, similar to Nicole’s beautiful skirt but in camel colour. And it needs a couple of more styling exercises. I need to invest in shorter jackets/tops. As the ones I have now are good on trousers but too long for skirts. I am more of a trousers/jeans girl, but love skirts and dresses too. As you say, you are never too old for pleats.
    Greetje

    • Love to see you wearing your camel knife-pleated skirt, Greetje, with one of those shorter jackets. xox

  3. I love these photos of real women looking great! Pleats are wonderful because they aren’t restricting, but are a little more serious than gathers.

  4. I’m in love with Nicole’s look. Wow!

    Funny enough I just bought a full pleated skirt yesterday while thrifting and will be taking it back. It just made me look too “full” for my tastes. Shame since it was such a well made pretty floral.

    bisous
    Suzanne

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