Fashion Forecast: Provocative Pleats

Emma Stone, J. Mendel, Christian Dior, BCBG Max Azria (Getty, Imax Tree)

You might typically associate pleats with school girl uniforms and modest librarian-esque attire, but accordion folds are in the midst of a revolution. The classic detail has swept the runways and red carpet in in the form of sheer chiffon, iridescent silks and revealing new cuts.

From Victoria's Secret Angel Miranda Kerr to vetted style pro Olivia Palermo, stars have been quick to join the whimsical apparel movement. With a slew of gorgeous Fall 2012 options to come, this is going to be a hard trend to resist.

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Emma Stone was one of the year's biggest breakout style stars, throwing us one fab look after another. This Lanvin Merlot masterpiece from the Golden Globes had some serious tactile allure.

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BCBG Max Azria kicked-off NYFW with a '70s inspired collection. The designer continued to feature last season's favorite (beaten to death) color-blocking trend, but breathed new life into his line with airy dresses like this one.

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It's not easy to replicate Olivia Palermo's innate sense of style, but this just-daring-enough maxi-dress would be a safe place to start. As expected, the fashion maven accessorized the heck out of it with a hot pink clutch and layered chain necklaces.

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Christian Dior's romantic fall collection of lilacs and rich plums heavily incorporated the delicate element. Karlie Kloss stormed the runway in this breathtaking eggplant number while another not-so-modest hot pink design touted the edgy potential of the trend.

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For spring, J. Mendel wooed us with a slew of Art Deco designs. He took the theme a step further for fall with entrancing pleated dresses like this beaded dark teal one. It's nice to see '20s influence is still in full force.

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Miranda Kerr makes anything she steps into hot. This deep-plunging Marilyn Monroe number, though, came with its own dose of sex-appeal (glowing tan and darling dimples not included).

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This skin-baring Bill Blass dress was highly reminiscent of Lea Michele's shimmering Valentino gown from the New Year's Eve LA premiere. Both offered the tantalizing elegance of a deep-V with a full skirt of glimmering folds.

article via StyleBistro