This Year Pleats are in Fashion again

Invariably, every season something hits the catwalk that's pleated. But what particular types of pleats should you be on the look out for in 2011?
Most dominant as a2011 fashion trend are knife pleats and their cousin, the sunray pleat. Knife pleats are single pleats that all go in the same direction; sunray or sunburst pleats are knife pleats that are cut to start smaller and get wider towards the bottom, creating a flared-out effect.http://www.harpersbazaar.com/cm/harpersbazaar/images/hbz-pleats-trend-spring-2011.jpg
When you're looking for a statement, pleated item we're tipping our hat towards dresses. In particular, the maxi dress and the very-on-trend long shirts. If a pleated maxi dress isn't your thing, look then to midi and knee-length dresses.

You'll note that we've excluded shorter hem length so far. They can work, but this is a trend that is about early 20th century influences and a sense of elegance, or a contrasting sense of 70's glamour. Shorter pleated items will come back in, but it's too early for a school-girl skirt revival just yet.