Enter the Fold: What to Wear with Pleated Skirts

Seeking new ideas for how to wear pleated skirts this season? You’ve come to the right place. Consider this your cheat sheet for mastering pleated skirt outfits for every occasion

Content editor

Dulcie Emerson

Woman wearing grey polo sweater with a brown checked pleated midi skirt by Hush

The basics: how to style a pleated maxi, midi or mini skirt

How to style a pleated mini skirt: whether you're hitting the tennis court or just nodding to the tenniscore trend, a pleated mini skirt looks suitably sporty teamed with a polo shirt or simple T-shirt. Further channel the preppy look with an oversized striped rugby shirt or a cricket jumper draped around your shoulders.

How to style a pleated midi skirt: a midi is the most versatile of hem lengths, providing coverage for daily wear alongside plenty of styling options. For day, you can't beat a lightweight knit with a pleated midi skirt: try a cropped cardigan to accentuate your waist or try a sweater vest over a girlfriend-fit shirt for a more layered look.

How to style a long pleated skirt: maxi-length midis are a must for summer holidays, pairing effortlessly with cami tops, Bardot blouses or even over statement swimwear. Long pleated skirts add drama to evenings out when styled with a fitted roll-neck top and a full-length coat to complement the sweeping proportions.

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Look chic in a pleated skirt with a blazer and shirt for work

How to style pleated skirts for the office: refresh your workwear after your summer holiday with a pleated skirt and a crisp cotton blouse or shirt – an easy outfit idea to recreate with just a few key pieces. Keep things interesting with proportion play and a standout print or design. If you buy one blazer this season, make it a multitasking jacket to go with all your simple-shirt-with-a-pleated-skirt outfits. Knee-high leather boots offer a sophisticated alternative to trainers for more formal settings.

How to wear a pleated skirt from desk to dinner: a pair of silver slider-style sandals make the perfect accompaniment to a pleated skirt with a blazer for casual office environments, while pointed court shoes will elevate for important meetings. The best bit? You can hit cocktail hour the moment you clock off. Knot a cashmere sweater or cardigan around your shoulders to see you through the day and don't forget a trench coat to keep you warm on the way home.

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Discover what shoes and boots to wear with a pleated skirt

Deciding your outfit is infinitely easier when you know in advance what shoes to wear with your pleated skirts. Having a couple of options will save you decision-making time before your first coffee in the morning. Make a note of your favourite go-to boots, trainers or sandals and consider how the hemline works with your proportions for the most flattering look.

Our ultimate one-and-done footwear option to wear with skirts is the humble ballet pump, which isn't just practical but is having a major fashion moment, too. When it comes to wearing pleated skirts with boots, reach for a pair of knee-high leather boots to wear with opaque tights, or a pair of chunky Chelsea boots to style with ribbed socks – ideal for kicking up leaves in the park, pumpkin spice latte in hand.

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Woman wearing black sheer mesh top, black leather-look pleated skirt and a pair of black boots

What to wear with a black leather pleated skirt for evening

Whether it’s drinks or dinner on the cards – a pleated skirt outfit dials up the drama after dark. Choose dressy flat pumps for a practical take on partywear, or up the ante with a pair of embellished heels. A party top (or a mesh bodysuit if you're feeling brave) and eye-catching jewellery add a sense of occasion.

When considering what to wear with a leather pleated skirt, bear in mind that the tough-luxe fabric will make a rock 'n' roll statement all by itself and therefore you might wish to keep the rest of your outfit simple. For black pleated skirts in more delicate fabrics such as lace or chiffon, reverse the process by adding a leather biker jacket or chunky boots for instant edge. A clutch bag adds the final flourish while carrying your essentials in style.

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What shoes to wear with a pleated skirt