You won’t go too wrong following those—particularly the ones pertaining to fit. They are oftentimes needlessly restrictive, though. “Avoid pleats” is perhaps better than no guidance at all—but there are pleated pants that look just fine, and flat front can have issues too; fit is far more important.
Regarding pleats in particular, some general guidelines:
1) They are more likely to work if they’re cut to hang from the waist than from the hips (unfortunately far more common on store shelves).
2) Shallow pleats are probably going to look better than deep pleats.
3) They are not currently “in”, I believe. OTOH, that’s been cyclical over the last few decades with a relatively short period, and most people won’t look down on you for wearing pleats if they don’t look bad on you (there will be a few that are invested in their opinions on both sides).
4) If you are very slim, flat fronts are more likely to suit you. If you are very large, pleats are more likely to do better.
In either case, if they’re not being cut for you (which shouldn’t be the case, if you’re just getting your feet wet in dressing nicer), try them on first. Walk around a bit. Sit down. Move like you’ll be moving in the pants. If the pleats look really “puffy”, don’t get that pair of pants. If flat front pants aren’t hanging well on you, pleats might be worth trying on.
You won’t go too wrong following those—particularly the ones pertaining to fit. They are oftentimes needlessly restrictive, though. “Avoid pleats” is perhaps better than no guidance at all—but there are pleated pants that look just fine, and flat front can have issues too; fit is far more important.
Regarding pleats in particular, some general guidelines: 1) They are more likely to work if they’re cut to hang from the waist than from the hips (unfortunately far more common on store shelves). 2) Shallow pleats are probably going to look better than deep pleats. 3) They are not currently “in”, I believe. OTOH, that’s been cyclical over the last few decades with a relatively short period, and most people won’t look down on you for wearing pleats if they don’t look bad on you (there will be a few that are invested in their opinions on both sides). 4) If you are very slim, flat fronts are more likely to suit you. If you are very large, pleats are more likely to do better.
In either case, if they’re not being cut for you (which shouldn’t be the case, if you’re just getting your feet wet in dressing nicer), try them on first. Walk around a bit. Sit down. Move like you’ll be moving in the pants. If the pleats look really “puffy”, don’t get that pair of pants. If flat front pants aren’t hanging well on you, pleats might be worth trying on.