18 Pleated Skirt Outfits That Are Simple But Chic

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Whether long or short, a pleated skirt is a great year-round wardrobe staple. If you’re in a style rut, browse these ideas to discover the best way to wear them!

A pleated skirt is a great piece to add to your capsule wardrobe. It’s versatile and can be dressed up or down, and can be worn casually or to the office. Of course, all this is dependent on how you style it. 

Pleated skirts come in many different types of pleats, too! What you’ll be used to seeing on short tennis skirts is a regular pleat; knife or box pleats are similar to these and are narrow pleats which are all folded in one direction. Accordion pleats are common on both a pleated midi skirt and a long pleated skirt. These are a zig-zig fold pattern and are fluid and feminine; great for day to night.

Now that you know about the different types of skirts, we must move on to how to style the perfect pleated skirt outfit. To make it as easy as possible, we’ve put together our favorite pleated skirt outfit inspiration and style ideas. Without further adieu, here is how to wear a pleated skirt!

What To Wear With A Pleated Skirt

1. Chunky Knit

An oversized sweater is a great option for styling a pleated skirt for the colder months. You can pair this with a pair of boots and a shiny or embellished skirt for the holiday season or a winter date night.

If you don’t like the oversized look or prefer a bit more shape, you can either tuck the sweater into your hem or tuck the sweater into a sports bra underneath your sweater.

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Free People Cutting Edge Cotton Cable Sweater
Free People

Cutting Edge Cotton Cable Sweater

At Nordstrom

A.L.C. Tori Pleated Metallic Vegan Leather Midi Skirt
A.L.C.

Tori Metallic Leather Midi Skirt

At Neiman Marcus

Khaite Hooper Calfskin Ankle Booties
Khaite

Hooper Calfskin Ankle Booties

At Neiman Marcus

2. Black Bodysuit

The easiest way to wear a pleated skirt is with a black top, and for any body type, a body suit is perfect. It’ll show off your body whilst still being chic.

This is also a great outfit to wear during the warm summer season evenings as the skirt can be a lightweight material, and you can wear a bodysuit in a short-sleeved style.

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Abercrombie & Fitch Cotton-Modal Ruched Shell Bodysuit
Abercrombie & Fitch

Cotton-Modal Ruched Shell Bodysuit

At Abercrombie & Fitch 

Sanctuary Everyday Pleated Satin Midi Skirt
Sanctuary

Everyday Pleated Satin Midi Skirt

At Nordstrom

Schutz Lou Lo Pointed Toe Pumps
Schutz

Lou Lo Pointed Toe Pumps

At Nordstrom

3. Matching Knit

From summer to the colder months, a pleated skirt can be styled in many ways. A simple sweater matching your skirt in neutral colors if you’re going for a ‘quiet-luxury’ aesthetic is a great look.

You can pair this with kitten heels or ballet flats during fall or boots and tights during the winter for extra warmth.

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Abercrombie & Fitch Tuckable Easy Turtleneck Sweater
Abercrombie & Fitch

Tuckable Easy Turtleneck Sweater

At Abercrombie & Fitch 

J. Crew Pleated pull-on midi skirt
J. Crew

Pleated Pull-on Midi Skirt

At J. Crew

Oryany Flor Mini Leather Top-Handle Bag
Oryany

Flor Mini Leather Top-Handle Bag

At Neiman Marcus

4. fitted Blazer

Blazers are a classic wardrobe staple, and it’s not surprising that they look good with a pleated mini skirt. It’s the perfect look for a girly day out.

For fall, pair this with knee-high boots and a fine knit top for an extra cozy layer.

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Majorelle Rhea Blazer
Majorelle

Rhea Blazer

At Revolve

AllSaints Azura Pleated Mesh Skirt
AllSaints

Azura Pleated Mesh Skirt

At Nordstrom

Coconuts by Matisse Alina Reptile Embossed Knee High Stiletto Boots
Coconuts by Matisse

Alina Knee High Stiletto Boots

At Nordstrom

5. knit Vest

For those transitional periods of fall and spring, pieces like a knitted vest work as perfect layering pieces with a pleated skirt.

This is also a fantastic office-friendly look with a pair of heels and a simple leather tote bag.

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J.Crew Cashmere Crewneck Sweater Shell
J.Crew

Cashmere Crewneck Sweater Shell

At J.Crew

Sea Beatriz Plaid Pleated Midi Skirt
Sea

Beatriz Plaid Pleated Midi Skirt

At Nordstrom

Christian Louboutin Nicol is Back Red Sole Slide High-Heel Sandals
Christian Louboutin

Nicol is Back Slide High-Heel Sandals

At Neiman Marcus

6. Matching Set

It’s difficult to go wrong with a matching set. A matching set with a pleated top with a long skirt is chic and dreamy, perfect for vacation or even a special occasion.

For an everyday look, pair this with flats, or for the evening, go for heels and a statement clutch bag.

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L’IDEE Vacances Strapless Top
L’IDEE

Vacances Strapless Top

At Revolve

L’IDEE Vacances Skirt
L’IDEE

Vacances Skirt

At Revolve

JW PEI Joy Faux Leather Shoulder Bag
JW PEI

Joy Faux Leather Shoulder Bag

At Nordstrom

7. Longline Blazer

Fashion trends are changing, and oversized outerwear with an oversized or slouchy outfit is in! For your midi skirt outfits, don’t think this means sticking towards a fitted or cropped top.

Wear a midi-length pleated skirt with a matching longline blazer (black always works well) it adds structure but can also work in place of a coat. Keep the accessories chic, as well as hair and makeup, for the ultimate cool girl look.

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Abercrombie & Fitch Lightweight Suiting Blazer
Abercrombie & Fitch

Lightweight Suiting Blazer

At Abercrombie & Fitch

MILLY Rayla Faux Leather Pleated Skirt
MILLY

Rayla Faux Leather Pleated Skirt

At Revolve

Vince Doris Calfskin Slip-On Loafers
Vince

Doris Calfskin Slip-On Loafers

At Neiman Marcus

8. White Button-down Shirt

A classic piece for any outfit is a white structured shirt and paired with a pleated skirt; it’s a match made in styling heaven.

A great option for an office outfit is to go for a monochromatic look; depending on how formal your workplace is, you could even wear classic white sneakers to be comfy all day long!

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Abercrombie & Fitch Long-Sleeve Cropped Cotton-Blend Shirt
Abercrombie & Fitch

Long-Sleeve Cotton-Blend Shirt

At Abercrombie & Fitch

Sanctuary Everyday Pleated Satin Midi Skirt Nordstrom
Sanctuary

Pleated Satin Midi Skirt

At Nordstrom

Nike Cortez Sneakers
Nike

Cortez Sneakers

At Revolve

9. Fine Knit Top

If you’re eyeing up a pleated mini skirt, but the weather isn’t looking favorable, you can create some warmth with the rest of your outfit. 

A fine knit top creates perfect balance with a mini skirt, and to add an extra wintery element, a pair of knee-high boots works perfectly.

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J.Crew Ruffleneck merino wool-blend sweater
J.Crew

Ruffleneck Wool-blend Sweater

At J.Crew

Helmut Lang Pleated Skort
AllSaints

Pleated Skort 

At Revolve

Larroudé Kate Pointed Toe Knee High Boots
Larroudé

Kate Pointed Toe Knee High Boots

At Nordstrom

10. Trench Coat

The best option for a stylish outfit is always a long trench coat. A pleated skirt is great, but isn’t the most structured garment, a trench coat will replace this slouchiness.

As the perfect juxtaposition, a white t-shirt will result in the perfect ‘vanilla girl’ outfit.

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Abercrombie & Fitch

Essential Body-Skimming Tee

At Abercrombie & Fitch

J.Crew Relaxed heritage trench coat
J.Crew

Relaxed Heritage Trench Coat

At J.Crew

Max Mara Leisure Ribbed Knit Straight Wool Midi Skirt
Max Mara Leisure

Ribbed Knit Straight Wool Midi Skirt

At Neiman Marcus

11. Black Waistcoat

The recent business core trend means fashionistas around the globe are looking for ways to incorporate their wardrobes into their everyday lives.

A pleated skirt is super feminine, whereas a waistcoat is traditionally a masculine piece. Pairing these together will look extremely on-trend.

This is a great summer office look, which can also be worn to your happy hour plans!

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Equipment Charlie Vest
Equipment

Charlie Vest

At Revolve

Lafayette 148 New York Pleated Poplin Skirt
Lafayette 148 New York

Pleated Poplin Skirt

At Nordstrom

Santoni Pegasus Double Buckle Sandals
Santoni

Pegasus Double Buckle Sandals

At Neiman Marcus

12. Asymmetric Hem Top

For formal events, go for a longer-length pleated skirt, paired with an asymmetric top for an eye-catching high-fashion look.

The hemline of the top will draw the eye to this element, perfect for hiding any lumps and bumps.

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A.L.C. Jones Top
A.L.C.

Jones Top

At Revolve

Loro Piana Gonna Gaiole Cashmere Pleated Midi Skirt
Loro Piana

Gaiole Cashmere Pleated Midi Skirt

At Neiman Marcus

Veronica Beard Manuela Metallic Ankle-Strap Wedge Sandals
Veronica Beard

Manuela Ankle-Strap Wedge Sandals

At Neiman Marcus

13. Black Tank Top

Pairing a pleated skirt with a tank top is a chic look to stay cool in the warmer months, or if you’ll be dancing all night!

Pair a metallic pleated skirt with black pumps or high heels. If your skirt has no interesting details, you can use a chunky statement belt here too.

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Abercrombie & Fitch Cotton Seamless Fabric Squareneck Top
Abercrombie & Fitch

Cotton Seamless Squareneck Top

At Abercrombie & Fitch

 Ungaro Kennedy Pleated Metallic Midi Skirt
Ungaro

Kennedy Pleated Metallic Midi Skirt

At Neiman Marcus

Christian Louboutin Jenlove Ankle Strap Pointed Toe Pumps
Christian Louboutin

Jenlove Ankle Strap Pumps

At Nordstrom

14. Slouchy Sweater

Sweaters are an underrated garment, often associated with looking frumpy or misshapen. The major key here is to make sure you’re creating a silhouette with a belt or by tucking it into the waistband of your pleated skirt.

Even if your skirt is long, don’t be afraid to pair it with tall boots. Not only will this add warmth in the winter, but is a favorite look of many celebrities.

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Autumn Cashmere Funnel Neck Sweater
Autumn Cashmere

Funnel Neck Sweater

At Revolve

J. Crew Pleated pull-on midi skirt
J.Crew 

 Pleated Pull-on Midi Skirt

At J.Crew 

Valentino Garavani VLOGO Leather Belt
Valentino Garavani

VLOGO Leather Belt

At Neiman Marcus

15. White Tank Top

For the warmer weather, nothing beats a classic tank top. There’s a misconception that t-shirts and tanks need to be part of a casual outfit, but this couldn’t be further from the truth.

Wear your pleated skirt with a tank top, boots, and a blazer, for a perfect brunch look (which may spill into the evening).

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J.Crew Vintage rib shelf-bra tank top
J.Crew

Vintage Rib Shelf-bra Tank Top

At J.Crew 

 LAMARQUE Juliana Mini Skirt
LAMARQUE

Juliana Mini Skirt

At Revolve

Tony Bianco Apollo Heeled Boot
Tony Bianco

Apollo Heeled Boots

At Revolve

16. Oversized Top

Influencer wearing a colorful pleated midi skirt with an oversized top and classic white sneakers
via @peexo

An oversized shirt is a great way to dress down a pleated skirt for the daytime. If you’re likely to spend some time outside in the sun, this is great, as a pleated skirt is lightweight and allows air to circulate through your outfit.

This is great to pair with a skirt with an elasticated waistband as it means you’ll be super comfortable all day long.

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 Amanda Uprichard Sleeveless Fabienne Top
Amanda Uprichard

Sleeveless Fabienne Top

At Revolve

BCBGMAXAZRIA Pleated Handkerchief Hem Midi Skirt
BCBGMAXAZRIA

Pleated Handkerchief Hem Midi Skirt

At Nordstrom

VEJA Esplar Leather Logo Sneakers
VEJA

 Esplar Leather Logo Sneakers

At Neiman Marcus

17. Wool Coat

An oversized coat with a pleated skirt makes a great outfit, whether the skirt is long or short. 

So not to be drowning in fabric, pay attention to the overall silhouette. If your skirt is short, you can experiment with a slouchy top, however, with a maxi skirt, go for a bodysuit or fitted top.

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J.Crew New Daphne topcoat in Italian boiled wool
J.Crew

Daphne Topcoat in Italian Wool

At J.Crew

ALAÏA Wide-Belted Circle Eyelet Mini Skirt
ALAÏA

Wide-Belted Circle Eyelet Mini Skirt

At Neiman Marcus

Larroudé Cindy Pointed Toe Boots
Larroudé

Cindy Pointed Toe Boots

At Nordstrom

18. Chunky Belt

If you feel like your pleated skirt outfits are just missing something, or if you’re an accessories girl, a chunky logo belt will work really well.

This is also great if you’re wearing a slouchy coat or blazer, a belt underwear will add some structure and shape to your outfit. 

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House of Harlow 1960 Peyton Turtleneck Sweater
House of Harlow 1960

Peyton Turtleneck Sweater

At Revolve

J.Crew Pleated pull-on midi skirt
J.Crew

Pleated Pull-on Midi Skirt 

At J.Crew

Gucci Blondie Wide Belt
Gucci

Blondie Wide Belt 

At Gucci

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