Pleated Pants

If you look up the fashion trends diary over centuries and look up the different trends with regards to trousers and pants, you will observe that pleated pants have been a favorite for many years now. While earlier, these pants were sewed in such a manner that the pleats were created inwards and tucked inside the pants, over years the lack of elegance associated with outward pleats came to a stop. Pleated pants fashion were a huge fashion trend for a long time till in the 50's and 60's preferences changed and more and more people started opting for flat front pants. In the eighties, though, the pleated pants, out of style till then, came back with a bang and today they have been revived once again. This only goes to prove how cyclical fashion trends are. In this article, we tell you what are pleated pants and which body type these types of pants suit the most.

What are Pleated Pants?

First and foremost, it is important to know that pleated pants can be worn by both men and women, provided that they fit well. It is possible to buy pleated pants for both casual and formal occasions but it is generally more suited to formal wear. So, if you are looking for business formal attire, then it may be a good idea to opt for a pair of pleated pants. If you are looking for a pair of casual pleated trousers, then opt for khaki pants.

Pleated pants are stitched in such a manner that they have either single folds or double folds. If your pair of pleated pants have double folds, then be rest assured that the pleat that is located next to the zipper will be deep and long. The pleats are folded in such a manner that they face outwards, situated facing the pockets. If you prefer though, you can also opt for a pair of pants that have inverted pleats. Generally pleats are added to pants or any other apparel to give it a slight design detail but it also has a functional utility that it adds room and width to the silhouette of the pant. This helps because when the folds of the pleat open up, it allows for an expansion of the width of the hip. If you want to avoid allowing this expansion to be visible to the naked eye, then you can easily add a straight stitch along the line of the fold. This causes the width to seem much lesser than it actually is.

Pleated pants are perfect for people who are on the heavier side, as it makes one's front look much flatter, especially when compared to flat front trousers that generally tend to draw focus to the waist area. Pleated pants are also great for men and women who have larger rears, legs or thighs as with pleats in the pants, there is more width that the pant allows for when the folds are opened. Also the pleats allow for a waistband that can open up and create room for you. With a job that involves a lot of physical activity, it may be a good idea to opt for clothing, especially a pair of pants with pleats that will allow you to move well. With thinner and more petite people, pleated pants add bulk which can be ungainly in many ways. While trying to learn how to iron pleated pants, remember to always turn them inside out and then iron the waist band first, before ironing the pleats towards the pockets.

It is a fashion trend that keeps coming back and refuses to go away completely. If you do opt to wear pleated pants, if you are sure that they suit you, then choose a silhouette that suits you well. For men, the best style are straight cut pleated pants but for women, depending on your body type you can choose between slouchy, loose pants with pleats, and tapered skinny pleated pants that hit your ankle. Choose the style that suits you the most, and wear it with panache.

What is Dressy Casual?

Life was so simple when the world was not obsessed with dress code. There were only two types of dressing styles, casual and formal. Formal was something you used to wear to office, weddings and evening parties. Casual clothing comprised of T-shirts, shorts, jeans which people used to wear for fishing trips, picnics or informal gatherings. However, with the increase in social events and the diversity in their nature, the demand for particular dressing style also increased. Newer terms were incorporated into the original definition of dress code. Apart from formal and casual, new dress codes such as business casual, smart casual, dressy casual, semi-formal, etc. were also introduced. This invariably added to the existing confusion of dress codes. In this article we are going to demystify dressy casual dress code, which is comparatively a lesser known dressing style. So, let us see what is dressy casual attire all about.

What is Dressy Casual Attire

If you ask the same question 'what does dressy casual mean?' to ten different people, you will get 10 different answers. This is one dress code, which does not specify stringent rules regarding dressing. Although, it is open to interpretation, one must use common sense while decoding this dress code. Degree of formality of the occasion is of prime importance whenever you consider dressing for any event. Morning events are usually the least formal, followed by brunches and afternoon events. Evening events are the most formal and demand stricter adherence to the dress code. Events that usually demand dressy casual attire are usually evening events that are more social and less of business type. Retirement parties, class reunions, promotion parties, inaugurations, exhibitions, etc. are some of the occasions which demand dressy casual dress code. The whole idea is to let the guests be comfortable in their clothing while still maintaining the required level of professionalism. Dressy casual attire is more or less similar to smart casual dress code, however, the fabrics become richer when you move towards the dressier style.

Dressy Casual Attire for Men
As mentioned above, there are no rules regarding what to wear when the invitation says dressy casual. Yet, there are some general guidelines which you can follow to minimize the risk of fashion faux pas. There is a lot of controversy regarding the inclusion of jeans as dressy casual attire. If you are unsure whether or not you should wear your designer jeans to an event, we offer a simple solution. If the event is a morning or an afternoon affair or if the occasion is relaxed and casual, sure go for your favorite pair of denims. Otherwise, it is better to stick to khakis, chinos and dress pants for men's clothing. Wear polo shirts, turtlenecks, button down shirts with or without jacket. Loafers or comfortable slip-ons are a good option for footwear. By all means avoid wearing your running shoes or sneakers to a dressy casual event. Maintaining a groomed look is a must, hence make sure your clothes are clean, crinkle free and your face well-groomed.

Dressy Casual Attire for Women
Dressy casual attire for women is open for interpretation and imagination. Simple, straight fit jeans with a dressy top in rich fabric such as velvet, silk or satin is a good women's clothing idea for dressy casuals. You can also wear long or short skirts with satin blouses and throw a jacket. Pants and jackets also give you the desired look. You can also team up your attire with cardigans, sweaters or vest coats. Accessorizing your attire is a must for women, hence make sure your bag, jewelry is in sync with your attire. Open toe shoes should be avoided with a dressy casual outfit. Instead trust your formal party shoes while dressing up for a dressy causal event.

If you are still unsure about what is dressy casual attire then we suggest you talk to the hosts, who may brief you regarding what exactly they expect. In other cases, it is alright to assume a look of an overdressed person rather than under dressing for an occasion.