From time immemorial, popular couturiers have extravagantly used pleats in many of their exquisite prêt collections.  For those of you, racking your brains on how to choose the right pleats for the right fabrics, here's the low-down on varieties of pleats and the way they can be used on ensembles.  

Knife pleats

These are the most common kind, and are formed when the fabric is folded flat in single direction (like you fold paper fans). You can have 2-3 of such folds stitched on formal trousers. These comfy and uber-cool trousers are ideal for corporate wear, when clubbed with an appropriate shirt.

In case, these knife-pleats on trousers give you the 'been there, done that' feel, then try these pleats on salwar duppatas and scarves! For this, you need to get 4-5 teensy knife pleats stitched across the length of the veil/scarf, on either side. Now, as you enjoy the dramatic difference, get ready to garner some compliments! If you're looking at more exclusivity, try miniature version of knife-pleats on handbags, belts and shoe-uppers.

Accordion pleats

They are somewhat like a bunch of knife-pleats, stitched closer to each other. They resemble the 'pleat-like' part of accordion, the musical instrument. You can have these pleats stitched vertically or horizontally on gossamer-textured tops. Since these pleated tops have a tad detailed bodice, the best bet would be to sport them on structured skirts. Say, if you're a teenybopper, endowed with washboard abs, then you can straight away wear them on mermaid, tulip or pencil skirts.  You can even try these tops on slim-fit jeans. Those of you with rotund frames can choose the ankle-length A-line skirts that complements all body forms.

Rolled pleats

They are the tubular pleats, which are nothing but rolled sections of fabric. These pleats aren't commonly spotted on ensembles, owing to the bulk it creates. But, a good bet to use them would be to make them run all along the hemline of floaty floor-length skirts.

Since sarees could be recycled, just ferret out from your wardrobe, some old pastel coloured chiffon/georgette sarees with small prints. Next, get these rolled-pleated skirts tailored, and don them along with matching form-fitting tops, or cropped tees. Glam up your looks further with chunky accessories.

Box pleats

They are an arrangement of two parallel creases (folding in alternate directions), forming a raised band/strip. Though you can box-pleat virtually all fabrics, yet, they look more dashing on denim skirts, especially with snap-button closures and other buckle details.

Choose the length of the skirt according to your comfort levels. In case you're able to carry off the short skirts, then try them along with rib-crunching tees or high-hemmed halter-neck tops. Usher in more flare with knee-high boots.

Inverted box pleats

They are the box pleats viewed from the wrong side! Which means, you should box-pleat on the wrong side, so that the opening falls on right side! These pleats look simply gorgeous on plaid (checkered) designed skirts in thick fabrics. Go for raven black or mustard yellow checks on tomato red backdrop.

Alternatively, purple or magenta checks on white background. You can sport this short n' sizzling skirts on matching tank/tube tops with boleros. Pep up your looks with a pair of swanky boots and quirky accessories.

Shallow box pleats

They are very much similar to box pleats, but with relatively less fabric going into the folds. You can get these pleats sewed on any thick textured cotton fabrics, tailored into knee-length skirts. Opt for some interesting prints in darker shades on lighter background (or vice versa) to bring in a world of difference.

For instance, choose paisley prints (teeny curvy pattern) or chota parasol prints (umbrella pattern). You can even go for cherry red or tangy yellow polka dots on white background. You can drape this skirt with matching sleeveless or noodle-strapped tops.

Stacked pleats

They are the dual box-pleats, one piggy-backing the other! A great way to flaunt them is on voile or chiffon full-length slinky skirts. Make them run vertically, all around the skirt in 3-4 places, or use just a solitary strip in the centre at the skirt's front side. Let the width of these pleats be not too wide to avoid kind of raffish look.

Choose the skirt colours in appealing monochromatic hues like pista green, powder blue, etc. Blend in more pizzazz by having a fluted or scallop-edged hemline for the skirt. These skirts paired with breezy tops, look impressive on willowy-framed women, since it visually adds volume, apart from facilitating movement. Deck out in bead accessories to have the picture of sensually feminine woman complete!                  

Tucks

They are the chota pleats of about a centimetre long. Pin-tucks are the minutest, where a millimeter of fabric is pinched and stitched! Generally they are used to form lovely textures on outfits. You can make cool fashion statement by flashing these pin-tucks on sleeves, cuffs, collars and lapels of delectable tops. Since they seamlessly weave beauty and style together, you can even flaunt them on sling evening bags, spiffy clutch purses, etc.