These are the pleated skirts and dresses that we're obsessed with and here's why you should as well

The Plisse Effect

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While plisse ⁠— more commonly known as the knife pleat ⁠— isn't particularly a new fashion utility (fashion historians discovered the use of this technique dating as early as the 10th century), it was only until the 2010s where it exponetially increased in popularity.

We dare say that Phoebe Philo was the designer that "brought" this design back. She reintroduced the knife pleat circa 2012 at #oldceline. Subsequently, Gucci’s Alessandro Michele popularised it. Seven years on, it’s a closet staple in every working woman's closet.

Here we have 13 pieces for you to choose from. From skirts to dresses, let one of these pieces stylishly bring you from boardroom to bar and beyond.

 

Photos: Gucci, Fendi

 

This article was first published on Her World's July 2019 issue.

 

ALSO READ: SPLURGE OR STEAL: PLEATED DRESSES FOR THE TIMES WHERE YOU WANT TO GET UP AND GO

1. H&M polyester dress, S$109

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We love this H&M dress, period. Reason: not only does this dress sports baroque prints, it also has an elongated v-neck line that allows you to flaunt your collarbone. Match this bold piece with gold accessories.

 

Photo: H&M

 

ALSO READ: CROCHET DRESSES TO STYLISHLY BEAT THE SINGAPORE'S HEAT THIS SUMMER

2. Zara polyester dress, S$69.90

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Don't be afraid to don a bright number. If this marigold shade is too intimidating for you, we'd recommend taming it down with either a black blazer, or a denim jacket.

 

Photo: Zara

 

ALSO READ: SPLURGE OR STEAL: PLEATED DRESSES FOR THE TIMES WHERE YOU WANT TO GET UP AND GO

3. H&M polyester dress, S$94.95

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Apart from the pleated details, this dress is all about its rich, jewel-toned colour. Let this baby pop by wearing it with a pair of black heels.

 

Photo: H&M

 

ALSO READ: CROCHET DRESSES TO STYLISHLY BEAT THE SINGAPORE'S HEAT THIS SUMMER

4. Brunello Cucinelli cotton and polyester skirt, price unavailable

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Though this skirt is made out of cotton and polyester, we're still intrigued by how shimmery it looks. Perfect for both work and weekends, wear this with a loosely buttoned white shirt for that effortless pizzazz.

 

Photo: Brunello Cucinelli

 

ALSO READ: SPLURGE OR STEAL: PLEATED DRESSES FOR THE TIMES WHERE YOU WANT TO GET UP AND GO

5. Coach metallic skirt, S$750

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Featuring a metallic blue upper detail, this Coach skirt is so versatile. It all depends on how you style it: with a blazer to exude formality or a muscle tank for a casual twist.

 

Photo: Coach

 

ALSO READ: CROCHET DRESSES TO STYLISHLY BEAT THE SINGAPORE'S HEAT THIS SUMMER

6. Zara polyester skirt, S$59.90

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We love a knife-pleat-meets-polka-dotted-print skirt ⁠— you get the best of both worlds, fashion wise. Either wear it with a simple white t-shirt, or with a dressier top.

 

Photo: Zara

 

ALSO READ: SPLURGE OR STEAL: PLEATED DRESSES FOR THE TIMES WHERE YOU WANT TO GET UP AND GO

7. Zara polyester skirt, S$59.90

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This cotton candy blue skirt is dreams come true for every pastel lover. Either go full on monochromatic with this skirt by wearing it with a pussybow blouse of a matching hue, or juxtapose it with a black biker jacket.

 

Photo: Zara

 

ALSO READ: CROCHET DRESSES TO STYLISHLY BEAT THE SINGAPORE'S HEAT THIS SUMMER

8. H&M polyester skirt, S$74.95

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While khaki greens are within the spectrum of neutral hues, it's generally quite a bold and striking shade to don for work. To tame this baby down, wear it with something monochromatic, like either a black silk blouse or a white short sleeved shirt.

 

Photo: H&M

 

ALSO READ: SPLURGE OR STEAL: PLEATED DRESSES FOR THE TIMES WHERE YOU WANT TO GET UP AND GO

9. Maje cotton skirt, S$415

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Here's what we recommend when you're purchasing skirt that sports whimsical prints: opt for one that's rather muted in colour, if you want to wear it for work. This Maje skirt features a white and blue combination, which is definitely office-friendly.

 

Photo: Maje

 

ALSO READ: CROCHET DRESSES TO STYLISHLY BEAT THE SINGAPORE'S HEAT THIS SUMMER

10. H&M polyester skirt, S$84.95

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The cheery shade of yellow on this H&M skirt is perfect for a weekend getaway to the beach (or to one of our favourite destinations, Bali). Wear it with a white crop top and a Jane Birkin inspired basket bag.

 

Photo: H&M

 

ALSO READ: SPLURGE OR STEAL: PLEATED DRESSES FOR THE TIMES WHERE YOU WANT TO GET UP AND GO

11. Topshop polyester skirt, S$89.90

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The urban utilitarian is one of the hottest S/S '19 trend, and this skirt is perfect if you'd want to rock this style to work. Complement this earthy hue with a colour that's unexpected, but not too crazy, like navy.

 

Photo: Topshop

 

ALSO READ: CROCHET DRESSES TO STYLISHLY BEAT THE SINGAPORE'S HEAT THIS SUMMER

12. Topshop polyester skirt, S$89.90

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Don't just stick to something safe and simple. Instead, opt for one that sports eclectic prints, like this Topshop piece. If this number is too funky for you, you can always mute it with a plain top.

 

Photo: Topshop

 

ALSO READ: SPLURGE OR STEAL: PLEATED DRESSES FOR THE TIMES WHERE YOU WANT TO GET UP AND GO

13. Sandro polyester skirt, S$415

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If you'd want to venture into the world of prints, but don't want to dabble too much into those that are ostentatious, this Sandro skirt is definitely perfect for you. Despite featuring eclectic and bold prints, it still has a very tamed colour palette. Wear it with a pinstriped shirt.

 

Photo: Sandro

 

ALSO READ: CROCHET DRESSES TO STYLISHLY BEAT THE SINGAPORE'S HEAT THIS SUMMER