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.

Give me your honest opinion. What do you think about oxfords?

I’ll tell you what I thought of them before I converted. I thought they were ugly on women, as they looked like formal dress shoes for men. I thought that they were too masculine.

And then when I saw my friends wearing them, I realized that I was wrong. But the way that my girlfriends were wearing the shoes, it seemed like oxfords were the kind of footwear that I could never adapt to my personal style. They came off as preppy, which was far from the type of wardrobe I had then.

However, as I learned to be more experimental with my wardrobe, I told myself that I didn’t have to play by the rules, that I could just make them up as I go along. Sure, oxfords are traditionally masculine, but that doesn’t mean the rest of my outfit has to follow in suit.

What I discovered about these shoes is that they work just as well with my clothes as ankle boots do. Also, their exterior somewhat resembles the toughness of moto boots, yet they’re more versatile than the latter. There’s more to the oxford shoe than what meets the eye.

If I haven’t convinced you to buy a pair yet, not a problem. I’ll give you a few outfit ideas to get you started.

1. High-waist skirts

When it comes to skirts, most people probably reach for their ballet flats, wedges, or sneakers before thinking of oxfords. Just as the moto boot looks unexpectedly chic when contrasted with a floral sundress, oxfords balance out the feminine nature of skirts. Picture Lace-up slip-on flats with a striped long-sleeve crop top, paired with a high waist mini circle skirt, finished with a black fedora. Or perhaps you’d like to wear a loose tee tucked into a floral knee-length skater skirt to mix girly and boyish silhouettes and prints.

The only thing I would stay away from are longer midis and maxi skirts, considering the amount of skin peeking from both hems might look a little awkward.

Also, bodycon skirts don’t really match the aesthetic of oxfords.

 2. All-black ensembles

Do you wear too much black on a regular basis? Change things up in your dark wardrobe with Lace-up leather flat shoes, which have enough personality to hold up its own in a single-toned outfit. It’s a new texture and style you can play with, and as we’ve learned in the past, it’s important that you include various textiles in the mix so that you don’t appear to be wearing a full bodysuit.

If you do decide to wear fitted black jeans, leggings or other pants with these, don’t be afraid to show off more than your ankles. You can cuff your jeans for the cropped look.

3. Flowy dresses

With oxfords matching quite well with skirts, it’s no surprise that we included flowy dresses in this list. Because oxfords do give a sort of fall vibe, sundresses seem like a bit of a mismatch with the shoes. Sweater dresses, and generally frocks with sleeves are a safer choice. If you would like to wear your summery dresses, consider layering with a cardigan, then finish off the look with oxfords.

4. Tights, leggings, calf- and knee-high socks

Any time you find yourself wanting to wear leggings, socks or hosiery, Asymmetrical oxford loafers are a good fit. Whether you’re wearing denim shorts and tights, a high waist skirt with rolled down socks, or a t-shirt jersey dress with knee-highs, oxfords add a bit of preppiness to your outfit, which almost make the whole ensemble cleaner or more composed than say, sneakers and sandals.

5. Boyfriend jeans

You know what also looks great with these conventionally masculine shoes? A silhouette that was also originally intended for boys and men. Boyfriend jeans follow the aesthetic of the oxford shoe, but you can always stray from that direction by wearing a bodysuit, crop top, or an off-shoulder number. If you want to keep within that boyish outlook, consider wearing a white tee, boyfriend blazer with a pink scarf on top (for the contrast and pop of color, of course).

See? There’s so much you can do with oxfords! Buy a pair today, and tell us how you’d wear your shoes.