Check your wardrobe. Is there a pleated skirt in there? We assure you that you’re going to need at least one this summer!
Don’t rule out pleats because you assume you’re the wrong shape. It’s true that they can add bulk, so if you’re conscious of hip size, stick to knife pleats and light fabrics, and go easy on layers (yes, we know that’s hard). The general rule is to draw attention away from features that you’re not happy with. Those with hourglass figures can please themselves, really! Petite types will shine in wide-waisted box pleat minis, while maxis will suit anyone.
Choose wool or linen for evenings al fresco, cool cotton on warmer days, blends for versatility, or silk at any time. Chiffon pleats float, but stay forever grounded. Move freely, and your skirt may swirl around you, but it will never leave you.
So what works with pleats? Tank or cami tops should hug, in any length from cropped to tunic. Try knitted beanies or straw hats, flip flops or boots, blazers or bretons. In a cardigan over a fitted top and trim skirt, you’ll seem quite the career woman, although you might need to add a focal point, such as jewellery or a scarf.
Don’t be afraid to mix materials. That cardigan will take on a more individual look if you add sequins, for instance. Pull a shrug over a t-shirt, or a linen vest over a plain shirt. A military-style jacket will finish off the latter nicely.
A belt adds a unique touch, whether it’s narrow to top high waists, or wide to offset thin pleats. In this case, consider a fancy belt with embellishments.
Pleated pastels are gorgeous with a statement bag, but why not let colour have its day in the sun? Taylor Swift leads the way with mustard yellow! Red’s smart for daytime, but becomes a killer for playtime with heels or platforms. Or reverse the concept with blood-red accessories for white concertina pleats!
Hijack the monochrome trend and press it into black and white service here, or go for a stunning all-black ensemble. Bicolours provide a fantastic retro touch, or pick a floral pattern to bring in another of this season’s favourites.
So there’s a pleated skirt for everyone, it seems, with just a little thought. But we urge you to start thinking – summer’s just around the corner!
The featured photo is of Camila Coelho Wearing Jimmy Choo Shoes, Pleated Skirt By Zara, Top By BCBG, Bag By Le Postiche And Carera Sunglasses
Caroline Daur shows us a cute and pretty way to wear the pleated skirt trend, pairing this pink midi skirt with a polo neck top and a cropped leather jacket.
Pullover: Vila via Edited, Jacket: Edited, Skirt/Shoes: Asos, Bag: YSL.
Tamara Kalinic is wearing a white skirt with pleats from TopShop, pink jumper from 360, denim jacket from Bershka and the bag is from Gucci
Rachel Parcell is wearing a peppermint top from J. Crew, white pleated skirt from TopShop, shoes from kate Spade, clutch from Saint Laurent, and sunglasses from Karen Walker
Veronica Ferraro is wearing a pale purple pleated skirt from ASOS, white crop top from Forever21 and a boy bag from Chanel
Janni Deler is wearing a sunglasses from Tilda, white pleated skirt from Chicwish, shoes from Miami and the multi coloured bathing suit and the bag is from the local market
Maria Alejandra is wearing a pleated neon skirt from Sheinside, white top and clutch from Primark and shoes from Lovely Shoes
Kim Le is wearing a top from Forever21, purple pleated skirt from ASOS, shoes from Christian Loboutin, sunglasses from TopShop and the hat is from Morning Lavender
Peace Love Shea Is Wearing A Black Top From Balenciaga, Beige Pleated Skirt From Parker And Leopard Print Shoes From Schutz
Atlantic Pacific Is Wearing Grey Top And Pleated Skirt From Equipment And JW Anderson Respectively And Karen Walker Super Duper Sunglasses
Sirma Markova Is Wearing Black Croptop Top From Sheinside, Nude Coloured Skirt With Pleats From Pull & Bear, Bag From Bershka And Hat From H&M
Angeles Y Diablillos Is Wearing A T-Shirt From Sheinside, Black Skirt With Pleats From Stradivarius, And Bag From Oasap
Anouska Is Wearing Black Blazer By Beneton, White Pleated Skirt And Black Top From Jovonna, Boots From Sigerson Morrison And Sunglasses From Céline
Make Life Easier Is Wearing Striped Top And Light Green Palette Pleated Skirt
Johannaeo Is Wearing Pleated Black Skirt From H&M, Bag From Chanel, Leather Jacket From FWSS, T-Shirt From Pull & Bear, Sunglasses From YSL And Shoes From Max Kibardin
Angela Blick Wearing Two Tone Outfit, Top From Zara, Pleated Skirt From H&M, Sandals From Black Ivy And Rayban Sunglasses
Fashion Blogger Atlantic Pacific Wearing Dress From Marna Ro And Top From Zara. Chanel Bag And Sunglasses From Karen Walker
Maffashion Wearing Skirt And Top From Yosh, Blazer By Rina Cossack, Shoes From Wojas and A Chanel Bag
Tuula Vintage Wearing White Skirt, Red Top And Shoes
Style’d Avenue Wearing Top From Zara, Skirt From French Connection, Handbag From YSL
Style Heroine Street Style April 2014
Scent Of Obsession Wearing Blouse And Skirt From Choies, And Michael Kors Bag