3 min readOne standout trend this season is the pleated skirt, but not the schoolgirl, mini version you might be thinking of. These pleated skirts are longer and fuller and come with a grown-up, modern twist. On the runway, Tory Burch elevated the collegiate uniform, showcasing belted pleated skirts styled with leather coats and ladylike jackets, a standout look at Altuzarra featured a swishy A-line pleated skirt with metallic studs, and Sacai and Prada routinely include pleated skirts in their runway collections. Off the catwalk, we spotted the silhouette throughout street style during Fashion Week, as showgoers styled them with many fall layering essentials, such as crewneck sweaters and barn jackets.
Below, see 10 polished ways to style pleated skirts to the office, during the weekend, and beyond.
The Updated Khaki
Pair Róhe’s khaki pleated skirt with Éterne’s burgundy polo sweater for a polished nod to collegiate dressing. We suggest styling it with a pair of cream ballet flats and a cinched-waist utility jacket to keep the look sharp yet comfortable.
Róhe Pleated Wool-Blend Skirt
Toteme Croc-Embossed Flats
Toteme Croc-Embossed Day Tote
Schoolgirl Edge
Give preppy pleats a rebellious twist with a distressed leather jacket paired with a gray midi skirt and a cream tie-neck blouse. Add a sleek pair of knee-high boots and a suede tote to complete your office-to-happy-hour look.
Kallmeyer Billie Cotton-Poplin Shirt
Nour Hammour Clint Distressed Bomber Jacket
Loeffler Randall Gia Knee-High Boots
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Heritage Remix
Lean into fall’s collegiate codes with a red pleated skirt and an argyle cashmere crewneck. Keep accessories otherwise sharp and minimal with pointed-toe ankle boots and a large top-handle tote.
Prada Cashmere Argyle Sweater
Cos Circle-Cut Midi Skirt
Emme Parsons Minori Leather Boots
Banana Republic Canvas Chore Coat
Simkhai River Suede and Leather Bag
Walk on the Wild Side
Take pleats into statement territory with Norma Kamali’s sleek leather midi skirt layered over a plain white tee and topped with & Daughter’s chunky V-neck sweater. Khaite’s leopard-print knee boots bring a touch of festivity to any night or special celebration.
&Daughter Glenn Wool Sweater
Norma Kamali Faux Leather Midi Skirt
Agolde Adine Shrunken Tee
Julietta Bombe Gold-Plated Onyx Earrings
Khaite Ona Knee-High Boots
Texture Clash
Double down on texture with a pleated suede midi skirt layered under a chunky cable-knit cardigan and a sharply tailored leather blazer. Add sculptural accessories such as Bally’s ladylike two-toned pumps and Sophie Buhai’s jade pendant necklace.
Ami Paris Paneled Suede Midi Skirt
Acne Studios Yak Cotton Flannel Cardigan
Sophie Buhai Tiny Egg Silver Jade Necklace
Bally Samya Two-Tone Leather Pumps
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Countryside Core
For a day spent leaf-peeping or grabbing lunch with friends on a picturesque fall day, style a pleated plaid skirt with a Fair Isle cardigan. Layer on a khaki barn jacket and a pair of suede knee boots for a country-meets-city finish.
Gabriela Hearst Wesley Midi Skirt
Tory Burch Cap-Toe Knee-High Boots
The Row Aurelius Zip Jacket
Saint Laurent YSL Vanity Bag
Downtown Cool
Shake up classic pleats with a faux-leather midi, an oversize flannel shirt, and a biker jacket for a grungy downtown spin. Add a playful edge with Valentino x Vans’s checkered sneakers and a burgundy top-handle tote.
Dunst Vintage Leather Jacket
Valentino Garavani x Vans Sneakers
Poplin Perfection
Pleated skirts can take many shapes, like your favorite white poplin one from summer. Keep wearing it through the fall by styling it with a turtleneck and a suede jacket. Add a pair of croc-embellished driving loafers and sculptural gold earrings for a polished day-to-night look.
Tibi Mier Pinstriped Turtleneck
Jacquemus Triana Pleated Poplin Skirt
Staud Natalie Suede Jacket
Stuart Weitzman Britt Croc-Embossed Loafers
Lié Studio Franka Earrings
Classics Reimagined
Elevate a classic gray pleated skirt with a bright crewneck sweater in cherry red, then layer on a khaki car coat and a slouchy white shoulder bag for an easy fall outfit idea.
Róhe Oversize Wool-Blend Sweater
Maria McManus Pleated Tweed Midi Skirt
The Frankie Shop Perth Studded Leather Belt
& Other Stories Belted Car Coat
Haute Hues
Let fall’s trending colors take center stage in your outfit by pairing a classic black pleated midi skirt with a butter-yellow draped top and a rich chocolate-brown blazer. Add a pair of burgundy ankle boots and a python-effect clutch to complete your outfit.
Cos Scarf-Detail Silk Top
Toteme Pleated Crepe Maxi Wrap-Effect Skirt
Diotima Marcus Wool-Twill Blazer
Proenza Schouler Uma Ankle Boots
