Hi there Glam Gals,
I have been seeing a lot of pleated skirts for sale lately. I really like them, but was wondering if I can still wear them now I am in my 50′s and a little heavier than I was when I wore them years ago. Thanks, June.
Hi June,
Many of us avoid pleated skirts because we we worry that all that extra fabric will bulk us up, and out! If you carry a lot of weight around your middle there is some truth to that and you need to proceed with caution. However, the good news is that all kinds of finer, lighter fabrics that drape the body are being used today for pleated skirts, so there are many more options now that can work. Also, different types of pleats work for different body types. Let’s take a look:
| Graphic Pleats Dowdy, traditional prints have turned some gals off of pleats, but here’s a Sinopa printed Skirt with pleats from Diane Von Furstenberg that has a fresh, modern twist. When your skirt is busy and bold like this it is best to keep the top simple. We’d prefer a more flattering neckline than this that’s scoop or v-neck if you want to look fab after 40. Also remember that if the pleats don’t lie flat, your skirt is too small and you need to go up a size. This chic skirt looks even better in person. Order it and see for yourself. We saw it at Nordstrom  |
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| Tangerine Dream! We are in love with this color this spring. It’s just mouthwatering, and so pretty against the skin. Pleated skirts and dresses like this create curves where there are none. So if you are an H- shape, that is straight up and down without much of a waist, then try a dress like this and belt it to fake a waist. This Maggy London Sleeveless Pleated Chiffon Dress will be flying out of the stores for sure, so get one fast if you like it from Nordstrom. |
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| A Lesson in Long and Lean Want to wear pleats but worried they will make you look wider instead of taller? Try this trick. Wear a monochromatic look. All one color from head to toe will make you look taller, sleeker and sensational. This Ralph Lauren Blue Label Sullivan Satin Skirt is in stock at Nordstrom NOW |
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| Tummy Tamer If you have a tummy and want to wear pleats, then try a wide drop waist to flatten out any jelly belly and slim you down. You’ll love the swingy feel of this Milly Chrystine skirt available for a limited time at Nordstrom. |
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| Fabulous Florals Wow, Love this combo of colors and prints. Stripes and florals make a very modern, youthful pairing that is perfect after 40. This Milly Bianca Pleated floral skirt has a wide waistband that makes it more flattering to wear when you have some middle age spread. (Snap it up before it is gone from Nordstrom) |
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| Low Key Pleat Not a big pleat person but want in on the look? Then how about this Ralph Lauren Surplice Fit and Flatter Cotton Dress? It’s crisp and summery and the wide flat pleats are understated and elegant. Secret:These wide inverted pleats work well for wide hips. Nordstrom has a few left. |
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| Feminine and Floaty So pretty! These are pleats at their best. This black Suzi Chin is a real Glam Gal dress. The matte jersey makes it super comfy and sexy as it drapes your silhouette. This is the perfect little black dress from Nordstrom. Get one and wow everyone! |
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| We Get a Kick Out of Kick Pleats! When accordion pleats feel like much too much, you can get a flirty effect with a skirt that comes straight down and kicks out with pleats. This cobalt blue skirt is from Nanette Lepore and is appropriately called “First Crush”. If this excites you, you can buy it online from Nordstrom. |
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| Maxi Pleats Chiffon pleats are easy, breezy and beautiful, as you can see with this Calvin Klein Print Chiffon dress. Long pleats from head to toe create a vertical effect that elongates your body and helps you look taller and thinner. Shop Nordstrom for this. |
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Style Expert Deborah Boland specializes in helping mature women to Tweak their Chic®!