With so many -cores trending, it can feel like we’re all in our own little fashion flocks with little in common. After all, there’s not a lot of shared ground between Coastal Grandmother, Barbiecore, and the latest Cluttercore. But one item shows remarkable versatility and has been popping up everywhere: the pleated skirt. The preppy piece is back in a major way, thanks to designers like Miu Miu and Peter Do showcasing them on the catwalk last spring. Since then, plenty of brands have jumped on the bandwagon with skirts that range from demure to daring.
They pair perfectly with so many timeless styles, like golf and tenniscore. You can also style them to be oh-so-Y2K, whether that means Cher Horowitz or Meg Ryan in You’ve Got Mail. After TikTok fashion creators helped surge the trend by sharing their favorite styles, like the viral skirt from Chopova Lowena. Now, fashion enthusiasts are embracing the timeless design and tapping into the full academia look with the skirt as the essential piece. It’s also the perfect piece to style in the warmer months with light cardigan sweaters and daily sneakers for breezier spring days and polo shirts with airy sandals for summer.
Whether you’re already fully into the trend or prepping for spring attire, we’ve rounded up the best pleated skirts. There are faux leather variations, denim styles, and breezy cotton knit options along with micros, minis, midis, maxis in plaid prints, stripes, and a rainbow of colors. It’s your turn to find the perfect option for you.
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Pleated Micro Skirts
Take on the daring micro mini skirt with pleats for a sultry flair. An oversized sweater does the trick if you want to tone it down. However, consider pairing it with a seamless bodysuit and cropped blazer for a bonafide fashion-forward look.
Shop Free People
Free People Pleated Micro Mini Skort, $, available at Free People
Jaded London Ludlow Denim Mini Skirt, $, available at JADED LONDON
Kitten Kenzia Skirt, $, available at Lisa Says Gah
edikted Washed Denim Pleated Micro Skort, $, available at edikted
Pleated Mini Skirts
Not only do pleats add an eye-catching style factor to your mini skirts, but they allow more airflow, which is essential for warmer months. Plus, the accordion pleats create a stylish flared silhouette that gently cinches your waist.
Shop Reformation
Reformation Billie Pleated Denim Mini Skirt, $, available at Reformation
COS Pleated Wool-Blend Mini Skirt, $, available at COS
Bardot Vegan Leather Pleat Skirt, $, available at Revolve
Mango Plaid Mini Skirt In Mono, $, available at ASOS
Sandro Short Skirt With Stitched Pleats, $, available at Sandro Paris
Pleated Midi Skirts
Dress in a pleated midi skirt for social events, from the office to bridal showers to family dinners. The best part of this timeless piece is that the length is appropriate to wear to various events, so you don’t have to change and can style it for the majority of the year.
Shop Aritzia
Aritzia Twirl Midi Skirt, $, available at Aritzia
J.Crew Pleated Cotton Poplin Midi Skirt In Bristow Gingham, $, available at J.Crew
PROENZA SCHOULER WHITE LABEL Women’s Faux Leather Pleated Midi Skirt, $, available at Amazon
Eloquii Ombre Pleated Midi Skirt, $, available at Eloquii
Khaite Levine Denim Skirt, $, available at Shopbop
Ashley Stewart Pleated Crepe A Line Skirt, $, available at Ashley Stewart
Calvin Klein Pleated Mixed Print Midi Skirt, $, available at Nordstrom Rack
Pleated Maxi Skirts
Sashay in an airy pleated maxi skirt this spring and summer, whether you’re shopping in the city or lounging by the beach. We’ve chosen a chic black style for date night, a floral number that exudes spring vibes, and a tropical, summery design.
Shop Maeve At Anthropologie
Maeve Silky Pleated Skirt, $, available at Anthropologie
Aiifos Salma Pleated Satin Maxi Skirt, $, available at Saks Fifth Avenue
Arna York Women’s Plus Size Knit Pleat Skirt, $, available at Target
Free People Women’s Luna Convertible Maxi, $, available at Amazon
Free People Honey Pleated Skirt, $, available at Free People
Eloquii Faux Leather Pleated Mini Skirt, $, available at Eloquii
Wild Fable Low-Rise Pleated Mini Skirt, $, available at Target
Urban Revivo Mini Tailored Pleated Skirt With Buttons, $, available at ASOS
Club Monaco Double Layer Pleated Skirt, $, available at Shopbop
H&M Pleated Skirt, $, available at H&M
Zara Pleated Skirt With Faux Leather Belt, $, available at Zara
Mango Checked Pleated Skirt, $, available at Mango
Madewell Sage Green Pleated Skirt, $, available at Madewell
Uniqlo Satin Pleated Skirt, $, available at Uniqlo
Reformation Mattia Cotton Knit Mini Skirt, $, available at Reformation
J.Crew Pleated Chino Mini Skirt, $, available at J.Crew
Kin By Kristine Pleated Satin Skirt, $, available at Nordstrom
Urban Outfitters Paisley Belted Mini Skirt, $, available at Urban Outfitters
Nikita Mhaisalkar Asymmetrical Skirt, $, available at Anthropologie
Aiifos Kenny Pleated Skirt, $, available at Saks Fifth Avenue
Superdown Evy Pleated Buckle Skirt, $, available at Revolve
Frame Denim Pleated Tennis Skirt, $, available at Intermix
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