Think back to the sartorial leaders of spring 2014, and you’ll get a fond recollection of pleated skirts. Seven years ago, pleats made a cool-kid comeback thanks to the runway shows of Proenza Schouler and Timo Weiland, and as predicted, the elegant ’50s silhouette flooded the high street, too, with brands from Zara to H&M stocking iterations of the style. Everyone owned one and wore it proudly with a white tee all summer.
Well, if you were savvy enough to cling on to your pleated skirt, pat yourself on the back because pleats are making a surprising resurgence this year. Instagram’s best dressers are making strong cases for pleated skirts once more, adding a few styling updates. Whether you prefer your pleats in midi or mini length, below, we’ve rounded up our favourite pleated-skirt outfits to inspire your next look. Sashay away…
Style Notes: Stop a pleated miniskirt from looking schoolgirl with the addition of a bright knit and a pair of retro-looking cream boots, just like Molly.
Style Notes: Eternally sleek, Lydia works her sophisticated magic on her staple black pleated skirt by pairing it with a tailored blazer, a high-neck top, and interesting heels.
Style Notes: Make like Abi and tick off two summertime trends in one—turns out, polka dots and pretty milkmaid blouses look exceptionally great together.
Style Notes: This summer marks the triumphant return of monochrome outfits, and Jessica gets the trend so right with her combination of a white pleated skirt and black jumper.
Style Notes: Earn yourself a sartorial match point by styling a white pleated tennis skirt with a matching hoodie. Then, finish with gold jewellery for fashion-insider appeal.
Style Notes: A look we always come back to, we love Brittany’s colour palette of green, cream and black. Leave your shacket untucked to achieve her effortless styling vibe.
Style Notes: Preppy but make it cool, Chrissy navigates her pleated miniskirt with flair, styling it with on-trend chain-detail loafers and a sweatshirt. Very 2021.
