Abstract: Fold is the frequently used design element of the formal dress designing. It has an important role in the design. The article sort out the concept of fold ,the classification of fold and the function of fold and refer to the effect of the characteristics of extremely light with a typical history of Chinese and foreign representatives of a number of historical periods. Comparison fold difference between Chinese and foreign cultures in shaping the way history has been the use of fold analysis of the situation, analysis using characteristics in history, combined with the modern formal dress design features, summed up the fold with the design, material quality, color, decorative elements in the annex to the other design elements.On the base of fold in the formal dress design analysis of the application form fold is combined with popular colour, fabric and style,then carry out concrete design practice. Fold is main in the design, centering on the combination between different design element, to extract the distinctive features in the design, integration into the trend and in line with the oriental elements in a series of aesthetic characteristics of dress.