If you’re a regular Who What Wear UK reader, you’ll know that French style is our gold standard. With an innate ability to elevate even the simplest items (from jeans to capris and loafers), Parisians have long been my go-to source of inspiration whenever I’m in a styling rut or facing a wardrobe dilemma. Which is why, on my search for a new top to pair with my current denim rotation of stovepipe jeans, cigarette cuts and low-rise pairs, I discovered that French fashion people appear to have a new favourite replacing their usual spring broderie anglaise blouses: sculptural pleated tops.
Crafted with intentional folds and tucks, pleated tops have long been synonymous with refined elegance but with an edgier, more directional twist. If you’ve been a follower of fashion for a while, you’ll know that pleated tops aren’t exactly new. Issey Miyake’s autumn/winter 1993 runway show, where the aptly named Pleats Please line was first launched, revolutionised the way the industry saw the possibility of pleats. And so for decades, sculptural, pleated styles have become synonymous with the brand—and minimalist chic.
(Image credit: Getty Images)
I think this is why it’s fascinating that French women are turning to pleated tops this spring. The move feels like a direct departure from the laissez-faire romanticism we tend to picture when we imagine French style. But when I think about all the hallmarks that make French fashion such a market leader, modern pleats feel like the logical next step.
French women often lean into textures when dressing, especially those with an inherent sense of “femininity”. From lace to tulle—and now pleats—these details always feel imbued with a carefree attitude. Whether rendered in a button-down shirt or a sleeveless silhouette, the best-dressed French women on my feed are proving that pleated tops are the newest hero in the modern capsule wardrobe (with no ironing required). And the styling couldn’t be chicer. From jeans and glove flats to fluid midi skirts, each outfit interpretation I’ve seen is inherently French.
If, like me, you’ve fallen for the idea of a pleated top for spring, scroll down to shop my picks.
Shop the French-Coded Pleated-Top Trend:
M&S
Linen Rich Waisted Top
Glassworks
Pleat Ribbed Short Sleeved Top
This would pair well with tapered trousers or a cream miniskirt.
Anthropologie
Rib Waisted Top
This Anthropologie iteration is also available in black and blue.
Leem
Plisse Batwing Woven Top
I’d personally style this opulent batwing top with capris and kitten heels.
ARRANGE
Volume Sleeve Pleated Cinched Waist Top
I’ve been loving everything ASOS Arrange has been doing lately.
PLEATS PLEASE ISSEY MIYAKE
Skyline Top Black
Can it ever get any better than the original?
CULT GAIA
Annemie Asymmetric Ribbed Cotton Top
The lace midi-skirt pairing is also very French.
Vince
Pleated Sleeveless Top
This one look almost identical to Claire’s (pictured above).
The Fold
Ellesmere Pleat Blouse Ivory
Dress this down with capris and some wedge heels.
Joseph
Cedre Pleated Satin Top
This teal blue colour will be everywhere this spring.
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