We love nothing more than when a cult buy becomes a bona fide fashion staple—especially when it's one we love. This happened with slip skirts last year; they were so popular they transcended their place in the wardrobe from temporary to forever. Now, this has happened with pleated skirts too. We think it's because the outfit possibilities never run out. In fact, they just keep getting better and better. But we'll get to that in a minute.
A year ago, we would not have thought that we'd see pleated skirts dotted all over street style photo galleries or across our Instagram feeds this autumn, but here we are. They're everywhere. There are, of course, numbers to support this claim: searches for long pleated skirts have risen 45% on Pinterest in September, according to their business trend report, while Google reports a 60% rise in its search engine. Yes, its popularity is undeniable.
This past fashion month, we saw so many innovative ways of wearing a pleated skirt; they were equally adored by minimalists and maximalists, and every style in between. There were some particularly stand out versions we loved but it just feels like it's a difficult look to get wrong. Plus, it's the perfect piece to layer up with knits, blazers, coats, and boots for winter styling. And, as ever, we also noticed that there are so many fab vintage ones on Vestiaire Collective too.
Keep scrolling to see the 11 new ways to wear a pleated skirt and to shop the best ones we could find.
Style Notes: We always keep an eye out for Erika Boldrin's street style looks. Here she pairs her bright-pink jumper with a metallic pleated skirt and simple kitten heels.
Style Notes: Head-to-toe white was a popular styling trick we saw across New York, London, Paris and Milan. For a cosier vibe, swap sandals for chunky boots and add a cosy knit.
Style Notes: Deborah Reyner Sebag's barely there micro pleats work so well with her snake-print Jimmy Choo boots—a cult buy of fashion month. We love how her coat matches the hem of her skirt too.
Style Notes: Wearing a skirt and peplum jacket by A.W.A.K.E., we love the asymmetrical silhouette on this otherwise rather classic-looking ensemble. Topped with an Alighieri anklet and Bottega Veneta heels, of course.
Style Notes: A pink version of any outfit formula is always a good idea in our books. What brings this look to earth is this showgoer's Nike kicks.
Style Notes: Checks on checks gets all the checks from us. If you have a printed pleated skirt, for a minimalist take go for a simple tank and gold chain like Felicia Akerstrom. Add a check coat for one more layer.
Style Notes: The stick-of-butter look (the aesthetic coined by Man Repeller's Harling Ross) is still going strong this fashion month. It works so well with this pleated number. Just add an oversized coat.
Style Notes: Super-stylist Sissy Sainte-Marie Chacon's magic lies in the details of her minimalist looks. We love the warm hues of her accessories in contrast with her all-white outfit.
Style Notes: There's so much to love about this outfit. The buttoning of the jacket deserves a paragraph of its own. As do those boots. But that two-toned skirt is what draws the eye first.
Style Notes: We love the oversized pleats of Amy Sall's skirt suit and how it matches with her hair bow. So timeless and beautiful. Plus, it could work as such an elegant party outfit.
Style Notes: This showgoer opts for a more trend-driven look, pairing her pleated skirt with a fitted waistcoat. And it works! For the winter version, just a roll neck.
Shop the Best Pleated Skirts
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