Pleated Skirts for Every Woman

A godet (/ɡoʊˈdeɪ/ or /ɡoʊˈdɛt/) is an extra piece of fabric in the shape of a circular sector which is set into a garment, usually a dress or skirt. … Adding a godet to a piece of clothing also gives the wearer a wider range of motion.

What’s your take on the pleated skirt?

Although we love a wide range of pleats here at Pretty Me, not everyone shares the same sentiments as we do.

Opinions are mixed, and the fashion industry can’t seem to make up their mind on whether they should be considered a wardrobe staple. Along with the flapper dress, pleats were ubiquitous in the 1920’s, coming back again in the 1940’s, only to fade into obscurity. The early 2000’s saw their return in the form of mini skirts, as celebrities donned them in music videos and at red carpet events, but even that revival couldn’t shed its stereotypical association with school uniforms and Scottish kilts.

It wasn’t until about a decade later that designers began falling back in love with the vintage style. They joined the ranks of florals and pastels as a spring essential, which does make sense considering the skirts do seem to “bloom” if you look at the silhouette.

But even its newfound calling as a springtime must-have didn’t stop the world from having mixed opinions on the matter. Its ultra feminine appearance makes it seem like it probably won’t bode will with various styles, or so you may think.

While pleats are girly by nature, there are still tons of ways to wear them, matching the skirts with the unlikeliest of separates.

Check out our guide below to see how you can tone down the femininity of pleated skirts:

Knife Pleats

Probably one of the most popular, or at least well-known among the general public, pleats is known as knife pleats. These pleats are pressed in the same direction, and can be either thin or thick. Mini knife-pleated skirts were all the rage in the 2000’s, and while they never quite made it back to the spotlight like the 1940’s pleated midi, they’re still a great piece to have in your wardrobe.

There’s nothing wrong with channeling the classic catholic school girl, pairing a white button-up with the George Pleated Plaid Skirt, but this isn’t the only way to style a pleated mini. You have plenty of options, from a fitted off-should short sleeve to a turtleneck, and even a plain ol’ tee. If you’re a lover of graphic tees, wear it with a pleated skirt, wrap a shirt around your waist and finish it with moto boots for that grunge vibe. Feel free to throw on a leather jacket to complete the look, or perhaps replace the plaid pleated skirt with a leather one instead.

Godet Pleats

A little less boxy and more low-key of the pleats is something known as godet pleats. A godet is a circular fabric that’s attached to dresses and skirts and gives them a wider range of motion. Similar to a Tailored Flounce Skirt, to godet detail give it a slightly more formal appearance, which makes skirts like this make it perfect for the office. Besides, there are only so many pencil skirts you can put up with in a week.

What’s great about this skirt in particular is that it’s a subtle pleat that works across various wardrobes. Pair this skirt with your work blouses, or go for a plain tee and style with a statement necklace and blazer. Over the weekend, wear the skirt with wardrobe basics to make it more casual.

Cartridge Pleats

Plaid isn’t the only pattern made into pleated skirts. If you aren’t to crazy about plaid, check out a Premium Pleated Printed Midi Skirt. It’s subtle, as the white masks the pleats while the black polka dots add a touch of eccentricity to the whole thing.

In terms of length, it’s the most wearable of all pleated skirts. Although the waist makes it suitable for tucked in blouses and crop tops, you don’t always have to follow the crowd. Try wearing loose tanks with it and sneakers for a relaxed, not overly feminine look. You can also wear a sweater over the skirt, or if you’re thinking of wearing a baggy tee, considered tying it at the waist.

Accordion Pleats

The ethereal one out of the bunch, accordian pleats are small and can be pressed in either direction to be knife pleats. Normally, these are made with chiffon and other delicate fabrics to make it light and dressy. Remember, you don’t have to go the formal route with something like a Pleated Long Skirt. You can pretty much style this skirt as above, with loose tanks, sweaters and sneakers. Denim is also an interesting way to dress it down, either with a denim jacket or jean vest.

---