Each week on my Instagram stories I upload my “SAVED” moodboard, a collection of outfits I have added to my SAVED folder on Instagram to use for my own outfit inspiration.
Recently I shared this picture below and one of my lovely followers dropped into my DMs, she asked: “ARE PLEAT-FRONT PANTS FLATTERING? CAN I GET AWAY WITH THEM IF I AM SHORT?”
Generally speaking the pleat-front trouser is flattering on most body shapes. Traditionally a style of pant associated with menswear, the pleat-front pant was designed to conceal a belly. The thinking was that if he pants fastened above the belly, the pleats would allow room to fall over a rounded tummy unlike a flat-front pant style which would hug the tummy and accentuate it’s roundness.
However, when it comes to women’s pleat-front pants, the size and type of the pleat matters and there are styles and fits better suited to different body shapes.
In fact, one of my favourite pairs of pleat-front trousers are a vintage pair of men’s wool trousers. They suit my more pear-shaped figure because they sit super high on my waist, highlighting my narrowest part, and have a tapered leg which helps to create balance.
SO WHAT DO YOU WEAR YOUR PLEAT-FRONT TROUSERS WITH?
As I have shown above, fitted tops, shirts and tees tucked in look best with pleat-front trousers. If you are confident you could wear with cropped tops - either fitted or loose. The key is not to hide the waist. This style of pant is all about highlighting the waist. You can play with your footwear choice too. A pointed pump will always look sophisticated and help to elongate the leg line, but for a more edgy, urban vibe team with a heavy boot.
So if you are in the market for a pair, keep these tips and see my pics and shopping picks below for some ideas to get your hunt for the perfect pair underway.
PEAR / CURVY:
Choose high-waisted, pleat-front pants. The key to this style of pant being flattering is to make sure you highlight the narrowest part of your mid-section.
ZARA, $139
Remain Birger Christensen, $221.77
camilla and marc, $499
Oroton, $329
2. APPLE:
Choose a style with small pleats and cropped, tapered leg. This style of pant will add some volume to your tummy area, so small pleats will be most flattering and the tapered leg will create balance as it highlights your narrow bottom half.
Alex Mill, $203.70, from Net-A-Porter
Zara, $59.95
Arket, $219
Oroton, $279
3. RULER:
Take advantage of this curve-creating style of pant and opt for large and exaggerate pleats - particularly if you are tall as you will have the height to carry it off. Also consider a wide-leg style for a play on proportions.
Anna Quan, $480, from Net-A-Porter
Witchery, $149.95
SABA, $249
Oroton, $379
I'm a fashion enthusiast with a deep understanding of style and clothing trends. My knowledge extends to various fashion concepts, including garment styles, body shapes, and outfit coordination. I stay updated on the latest trends and offer insights based on practical experience and a keen eye for fashion.
Now, regarding the article you shared from May 12, 2020, it discusses the flattering aspects of pleat-front trousers and provides tips on how to style them based on different body shapes. Here's a breakdown of the key concepts mentioned:
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Pleat-Front Trousers for Different Body Shapes: The article suggests that pleat-front trousers are generally flattering on most body shapes. Originally associated with menswear to conceal a belly, these pants have evolved for women. The size and type of pleats matter, and there are styles and fits better suited to different body shapes.
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Styling Tips for Pleat-Front Trousers:
- The author recommends wearing fitted tops, shirts, and tees tucked in for the best look with pleat-front trousers.
- Confidence allows for pairing them with cropped tops, either fitted or loose.
- Emphasizing the waist is crucial when wearing this style of pants.
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Footwear Choices:
- Footwear options are discussed, with pointed pumps suggested for a sophisticated and elongated leg line.
- Alternatively, heavy boots are recommended for a more edgy, urban vibe.
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Body Shape-Specific Recommendations:
- For Pear/Curvy body shapes: High-waisted, pleat-front pants are recommended to highlight the narrowest part of the mid-section.
- For Apple body shapes: Styles with small pleats and a cropped, tapered leg are suggested to add volume to the tummy area while creating balance.
- For Ruler body shapes: Large and exaggerated pleats are recommended, especially for taller individuals. Wide-leg styles are also suggested for a play on proportions.
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Brand and Price Recommendations:
- Various brands and price ranges are mentioned for each body shape, providing readers with options for their preferences and budgets.
In conclusion, the article serves as a guide for individuals looking to incorporate pleat-front trousers into their wardrobes, offering valuable insights on styling based on body shapes and providing specific product recommendations.
