The ivory pleated cutout dress that Mischa Barton wore to the Women For Women International Gala in London last night teaches a valuable lesson in fashion: that given the right circumstance, any trend can be fabulous. Take for example cutouts; when on a super-tight minidress, they can scream tacky, but pair cutouts with accordion pleats and voila, they instantly become classy. What we appreciate most about Mischa's chosen frock is that the silky fabric and accordion pleats make it sophisticated, while the side cutouts lend much-needed sass and youthfulness. Together they make a dynamic duo worth dabbling in. Inspired by Mischa's look, we set out to find equally classy-cum-sassy pleated cutout pieces to add to your wardrobe. Shop your favorite below.

If you've ever wanted to experiment with pretty pleats, now's the time. Accordion pleats are cropping up in unexpected places. They're a classic take on texture, but don't think these pleats signal school girl. They're playful and fresh in other fabrics, like chiffon, à la
