Controversial take coming in hot: No other piece of clothing reflects this period in fashion quite like pleated skirts. Although it's easy to pass this off as a silly little skirt trend, it has surpassed being solely associated with adolescents' school uniforms and apparel worn on the tennis court. Pleated skirts have played a pivotal part in defining some of the most popular fashion aesthetics in the past year, including geek-chic fashion, tenniscore, and even the quiet luxury movement. But that's not the only reason these skirts have become a cultural phenomenon in their own right. We've also seen them into some of the most celebrated runway collections in recent seasons.
One could argue that Miu Miu's S/S 22 collection ushered in the return of the pleated miniskirt thanks to its viral khaki micro minis. Since then, we've seen the skirt silhouette continuously reinvented on the runway and in real life. The latter has particularly proven how versatile this skirt trend can be, as we've seen the style set remove its formerly preppy connotations through creative styling. No longer are pleated skirts limited to the tennis court. They've become the secret to making everyday staples feel a bit more polished. But you don't just have to take our word for it.
Ahead, we've compiled 11 pleated-skirt outfit ideas to show the various ways fashion people have been wearing them. Plus, we rounded up the best pleated skirts to shop at every price point with styling tips. Trust us when we say these outfits will no longer make you associate pleated skirts with school uniforms.
Plaid Pleated Miniskirt + T-Shirt + Oversize Leather Jacket + Sneakers
Contrary to popular belief, you can get a tad edgier with how you embrace this skirt silhouette. Try styling it with an oversize leather jacket, a T-shirt, sneakers, and rimless sunglasses. The look will be sporty and spicy at the same time.
Cool girls, apply here.
Olivia Rodrigo, WYA?
It doesn't get much cooler than these kicks.
Pleated Miniskirt + Cropped Tank Top + Sneakers
Clearly, leaning into the sporty aesthetic is an obvious way to style the pleated miniskirt. But you can make it feel more stylish by taking inspiration from the look above. Pair an athletic pleated skirt with a cropped tank top, a stretchy headband, sunglasses, and a trendy pair of sneakers.
Even if you're not on the court, this headband will keep your flyaways in check.
You'll never regret investing in a quality tank top.
Score!
Pleated Miniskirt + Blouson Jacket + Loafers
You can tap into the sporty aesthetic without looking like you've just stepped off the tennis court. The key is to style this pleated miniskirt with polished items, such as an oversize blouson jacket, socks with loafers, and a quilted shoulder bag.
A light jacket is a must-have for spring.
Such a steal.
Although we're impartial to black, these loafers do happen to come in four other colors.
Pleated Miniskirt + Cardigan + Socks + Slingbacks + Shoulder Bag
If you're uninterested in attaining the Sporty Spice aesthetic but live for geek-chic fashion, the outfit above is right up your alley. Styling a cardigan with a matching pleated skirt and slingback heels will always earn you brownie points with the teachers.
Warning: You won't want to take this cardigan off because it's so cozy.
Aritzia's pleated skirts are popular among the fashion crowd.
Très chic.
Plaid Pleated Miniskirt + Sweater + Peacoat + Moto Boots
Don't want your pleated skirt to read too schoolgirl coded? Pair a plaid skirt with a contrasting peacoat, an oversize bag, and moto boots. It will strike the perfect balance between formal and casual.
The bold hardware on this bag will provide the perfect contrast to your plaid miniskirt.
Checkmate.
Moto boots are made to be worn year-round.
Pleated Miniskirt + Matching T-Shirt + Belt + Thong Sandals
Are you not into printed skirts? Go monochrome with your ensemble by pairing your favorite T-shirt with a pleated miniskirt in a matching shade. It's arguably the easiest way to make this staple feel a bit more elevated this spring.
Meet your new favorite T-shirt.
Peak prep school vibes.
Spicy.
Pleated Miniskirt + Button-Down Shirt + Blazer + Sneakers + Shoulder Bag
Have you ever seen a miniskirt look so professional? Probably not. When styled with a button-down shirt, sneakers, and a trendy shoulder bag, this outfit is living proof that pleated skirts work for all purposes.
You'll wear this black blazer for years to come.
No work wardrobe is complete without a black pleated skirt.
Business casual done right.
Pinstripe Pleated Miniskirt + Matching Button-Down Shirt + Ballet Flats + Quilted Shoulder Bag
One of the most effortless ways to elevate your button-down shirt this spring is to style it with a matching pleated miniskirt. Finish off the look with a pair of ballet flats and a quilted shoulder bag, and you'll be the embodiment of elegance.
Add a quilted bag to your look for a quintessentially posh ensemble.
It's not blue, but it's just as beautiful.
Ballet flats pair perfectly with pleated skirts.
Pleated Miniskirt + Turtleneck + Cardigan + Belt + Cowboy Boots + Snakeskin Bag
Who said you had to get all matchy-matchy with your look? Sure, we love how well a turtleneck pairs with a pleated mini, but it's even better when it's contrasted with a pair of cowboy boots and a snakeskin shoulder bag.
White turtlenecks are seasonless.
Chic, chic, chic.
Giddyap.
Pleated Miniskirt + Cropped Polo Shirt + Vintage Bag + Retro Sneakers
If you can't possibly imagine wearing cowboy boots with a pleated miniskirt, then go for a more "traditional" pairing with a twist. With a cropped polo, a vintage shoulder bag, and retro kicks, you'll make this skirt stand out without having to take too many style risks.
We love a polo with a cropped hemline, especially one that's likely to break the dress code.
It's a need, not a want.
Sublime. No notes.
Pleated Miniskirt + Sweater-Vest + Loafers + Bowler Bag
When in doubt, you can't go wrong with styling a pleated skirt with other preppy essentials—a navy-blue sweater-vest, socks, chunky loafers, and a bowler bag. It's a failproof formula for making any ensemble look fabulous this spring.
The perfect layering piece for spring.
Are you even embracing preppy fashion if you don't have a Miu Miu purse?
You can wear this skirt off the court too!
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