For my birthday this year, one of my dearest friends gave me a precious book entitled The Little Dictionary of Fashion by none other than Christian Dior. First published in 1954, I was astonished that his fashion advice is as relevant today as it was back then. It's also interesting that one of this season's biggest trends is the peplum, a hallmark of  Dior design. Not for every figure to be sure, but super stylish nonetheless. We saw it many times on Oscar night (Michelle Williams, Angelina Jolie, and Tina Fey to name a few) and it was all over the runways of the designer fashion shows for spring 2012. Seems it's one of those cuts you either love or you hate. I'm a lover.  

Christian Dior's 1947 peplum jacket and pleated skirt  

Jason Wu's 2012 peplum interpretation

Pleating is another major trend this year and pleating is our friend. Depending upon the placement, pleats can add a much needed touch of width or girth. And they can add some swing and sass to a spring skirt too. We like sassy. 

 

Years ago, I bought a black pleated skirt by Elie Tahari and I wore it to death. Literally. Being narrow of hip, I loved it and it loved me back. Unfortunately, after five seasons and hundreds of wearings, I had to say good bye. It began to look tired and faded. Brings a tear to my eye just thinking about it. 

So, I am on a mission to find a worthy replacement. This time around, however, I'll want a pleated skirt in a neutral tan color. It will work beautifully with all my navy, white and coral things and perhaps those colorful Weitzman sandals I showed in my March Style File newsletter . . . Still thinking about those.   

Of course, come fall, I will also wear my new skirt with lots of black and grey. 

Ultimately, if all goes according to plan, I should end up with a snazzy MVP look: Modern, Versatile and Proportioned. 

Perfect. 

 

Pleats on top are also a great way to add some volume to your upper body if you are small busted or narrow in the shoulders. This silk blouse is a perfect  example of pleats done well and looking quite elegant, I think. Would be great under a suit jacket for work. Then later when you take your client out to dinner, you can remove your jacket, add the necklace and voila! You are now beautifully attired for evening. (And please don't forget to switch your purse to a little clutch bag. The devil is in the details!)