“There is a time of year in New York when, even before the first leaf falls, you can feel the seasons click. The air is crisp, the summer is gone. And for the first night in a long time, you need a blanket on your bed.” –Carrie Bradshaw, “Sex and the City”
Well, the seasons have clicked, and just as we’ve thrown a blanket on our beds in the Northeast, fall trends are in full swing. Fashion Reverie is reflecting on the trends that the fall 2026 shows promised. The current one in focus: pleats.
Fashion Reverie took a dip back into the fall 2026’s best shows to pick up pleats and found them rampant; on slinky dresses, skirts, peplum tops, men’s skirts, and familiar places, like at Thom Browne.
We’ve been seeing pleats everywhere on the streets of New York City. Is it that we’re craving structure on our clothing as our lives get back into routine of “back to school” season? Do we miss our uniforms?
As labels like Anna Sui instruct, they pair well with plaid; and the pattern that seems like an obvious recurring fall trend is making a fierce return this season.
Here are the designers who assured us pleats would be present this fall:
Image courtesy of vogue.com
Chanel
This color blocked, drop waist number does pleats in the comfiest way we think possible. Chanel is known for the polished look, and nothing says polished like pleats.
Image courtesy of vogue.com
Alexander McQueen
We can rely on McQueen for pushing the envelope and pulling off fabric architecture like no other. This babydoll dress is no exception.
image courtesy of vogue.com
Erdem
Dramatic and dreamlike. This billowy gown makes pleats feel fun.
Image courtesy of vogue.com
Jacquemus
The addition of pleats on this Jacquemus frock reveals not only craftsmanship but an appreciation for the female form, which is one of the reasons Simon Porte Jacquemus is so beloved.
Image courtesy of vogue.com
Miu Miu
The sweetest peplum top in the richest fall plum. We couldn’t ask for more.
Image courtesy of vogue.com
Thom Browne
Quick! Pretend to act shocked that we included Thom Browne on this list! The label has made pleating one of its signatures; and we must give credit where credit is due.
Image courtesy of vogue.com
Simone Rocha
We love this men’s look from Simone. It feels punk, yet soft. A plush lined bomber with a glinty brooch and saddle shoes with buckles slung around the sock make the pleats feel unexpected.
Image courtesy of vogue.com
Sandy Liang
Sandy Liang’s sweet looks always feature school-girl structure. The pairing of bows with this pink look, define the brand well.
Image courtesy of vogue.com
Sea
Like a call-and-response, to the Simone Rocha look, Sea proves that this ensemble is not only genderless but highlights that pleats work in the most unexpected of places, and are oh-so-fun to layer.
Image courtesy of vogue.com
Alaïa
This collection was triumphant for Alaïa, simple, yet executed flawlessly. Pleats are the subtle whisper in our wardrobes that work time and time again.
Image courtesy of vogue.com
Anna Sui
Mixing prints always win for fall 2026.
A handful of contemporary brands have been doing pleats proud this season. & Other Stories provides the perfect tunic for fall layering, Max Mara doubles down on a pleated plaid skirt, and Todd Snyder’s plum pants prove that pleated pants always reign supreme.
Image courtesy of &Other Stories
Image courtesy of COS
Image courtesy of JCrew
Image courtesy of Max Mara
Image courtesy of Sezane
Image courtesy of Todd Synder
—Marley Gifford
Speak Your Mind