Dressing for autumn is no small feat. With spells of warm sunshine punctuating the frosty breeze, it can feel like you're working with an entirely different climate depending on whether you're standing in or out of the shade. To layer or not to layer is a question I ponder every morning, and it feels like no matter which decision I make, I simply cannot get it right.
Katie Holmes, on the other hand, doesn't seem to be facing the same problem. Stepping out in New York this weekend, Holmes wore an outfit perfectly primed to tackle the inconsistent weather. Styling a cosy knit with closed-toe shoes, Holmes' outfit was off to a practical start. Putting a stylish twist on her casual get-up, she paired her easy autumn ensemble with the emerging skirt trend that has fashion people buzzing this season.
A model wears a pleated skirt on the Miu Miu spring/summer 2025 runway
Seen at Prada and stocked at Zara amongst some of our other favourite brands, the pleated skirt is the elevated style that fashion people are backing right now. Of course, this isn't the first time pleated skirts have been on our radar; about six or so years ago, the skirt scene was dominated by concertina-style pleated midis. Now, though, the trend is defined by thick box pleats; the sort seen on school uniforms.
Beyond Holmes and the pavements of New York, this version of the pleated skirt appeared across spring/summer 2025 runway shows. Whilst Prada's belted pleated skirt was a talking point amongst editors for weeks, the trend was also prominent in a big way at sister brand Miu Miu, as well as at Burberry and Bottega Veneta. Guaranteed to continue its reign well into spring next year, it's no surprise that other brands have picked up on the piece this month.
A model wears a pleated skirt on the Prada spring/summer 2025 runway
Spotted up and down the high street as well as in the collections of several designer brands, the chic skirt has been interpreted in many ways this autumn. To shop the skirt trend that comes with Holmes' stamp of approval, read on to discover our edit of the best pleated skirts.
SHOP THE PLEATED SKIRT TREND:
Such a versatile shade.
This also comes in two other colours.
Style with mules or knee-high boots.
This comes with a detachable belt, so you can style it with or without.
The chocolate-brown colour trend is taking off this autumn.
Olive green is another standout shade for the season.
The wool-blend composition will keep you cosy.
The stripe details give this a sporty edge.
This also comes in a warm red shade.
A cute denim iteration.
Simply style this with a knit and knee-high boots for an easy autumn look.
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Sorry, White Skirts—Zoë Kravitz Just Wore the 2025 Alt That's About to Be All Over NYC This FallThe perfect choice if ballet flats will be your go-to shoes for the season.
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Hold the Brown and Black Jackets—Experienced Shoppers Are Swapping Them for Ones in This Fancy ColorElsa Hosk wouldn't lead us astray.
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Not Classic Ballet Flats, Not Loafers—Everyone With Cool Style Will Be Wearing These Shoes With Black Trousers in Fall 2025As seen on Katie Holmes.
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The Chic 2-Piece Outfit Busy Fashion People Always Wear in SeptemberAwkward weather, conquered.
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Scandi Girls in Copenhagen Wore This Controversial Layering Trend With Jeans During Fashion WeekPeekaboo lace and crochet dresses are on the menu.
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Fashion People Are Elevating Boring White Tanks by Wearing Them With This Elegant Skirt Trend Instead of JeansAs seen on Zoë Kravitz in Paris.
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We're Calling It: These 5 Skirt Styles Are About to Be Cool-Girl Staples for Fall 2025We're standing on business here.
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Found: The $60 Designer-Coded Zara Skirt Chic People in Milan Will LoveIt's runway-worthy.
