Pretty, Pretty, Pleats

Hello lovely ladies (and gents), Kikelomo from Style from {9 to 5} here, and I am quite excited to share my first article as a member of the Delightful Dozen!

As a lover of classic and ultra-feminine clothing pieces, two sartorial staples in my wardrobe are pleated skirts and bow blouses. Since Terra from Stylish White Female recently shared a creatively stylish piece on blouses that tie, I will highlight the versatility of pleated skirts.

Pleated skirts come in many varieties, with the most common styles being accordion , knife, and box pleats. These varieties certainly lend themselves to being greatly versatile, which means that they can be dressed up or down, depending on your personal preference.

So here are some tips for personalizing your pleats:

Belt It: Update classic accordion pleats with a wide, eye-catching belt. A belt will add visual interest to your overall look, and also serves to define the waist and provides structure to an otherwise flimsy garment.

Go Bold: Further add personality into your look by adding a bold top, sexy patterned tights, or lively shoes. A pleated skirt in a solid color will offset a large scale print, while still producing a well-balanced look, that is still full of impact. Polka dots, houndstooth, chevron, or an ikat print are lovely current trends to pair with a pleated skirt.

Unusual Fabric: The easiest way to infuse new life into an old classic is to use an unexpected fabric. A fun metallic or foil print is perfect for a night out on the town; an intricate jacquard or rich brocade skirt lends an air of formality, suitable for a formal event such as a wedding or business environment; a flowing chiffon or soft silk can be either formal, spiced up with heels, or dressed down with cute flats and a simple t-shirt.

Another Layer: In my personal style journey, I've found that one of the simplest, but most effective ways to finish a look is to don a blazer, jacket, or a cardigan. Whether your aim is to look formal or casual, fabulous is all in the details.