Weekly Obsession - Pretty Pleats

Is it just me or is the best spring trend the total revival of ladylike glamour? From the use of peplums at Jason Wu and Thakoon to the gold lame with ultra feminine accents at Nanette Lepore to the traditional a-line dresses and swing coats with lace at Marc Jacobs prissy reigns supreme. And I'm loving it! What's better than a return to pencil skirts, lace and pastels with the arrival of warmer weather?

I'm thinking the easiest way to get in on this trend is with some pleats. They instantly soften any look and some flirty femininity. You can go all out with a pastel skirt or reign it in with a simple pleated black maxi. Pleats look good on everyone and give a fresh preppy feeling to any outfit. Simply put - pleats are my new bows.

Here are some standout choices for me from the Spring 2012 shows :

1. Christian Siriano's pairing that gorgeous chartreuse (totally my favorite word) maxi with that clean boat neck tee. Such a youthful take on the trend. Also great for people who aren't ready to go to work in gloves and a stole.

2. The cotton candy pink and blue with the contrasting black pleated dress from Prada is in my opinion the height of easy, pretty chic. Doesn't this dress look like something you can throw on and be fabulous in? Plus the neckline is gorgeous.

3. I've always loved Jill Stuart for its simplicity. This little number combines pleating, sheer fabric, and color blocking - 3 hot trends for spring. Yes, please.

4. The light as air look is always very ladylike, but they shook things up at Burberry with the below the knee pleated skirts in heavier fabrics. This look, while still adorable is more forgiving and also great for transitioning into fall. Note : The pom-pom hat is totally optional.

5. This pleated dress from Christian Dior is the perfect spring dress for any body type. Throw a cardigan over it and you can rock it at work. Also it's simple design will surely be copied by mass market national chains so you can pick it up on the cheap and I love that it reminds us that pleats are not just for the bottom half.