9 Pleated Skirt Outfits: Tips for How to Style a Pleated Skirt

A pleated skirt is a garment with vertical creases in the fabric (called pleats) that add body to the shape of the skirt. Pleats are permanent folds in cloth made by doubling the material over and ironing or sewing the fold into place to create a long-lasting crease.

Many types of pleated skirts exist, including sunray pleats, box pleats, knife pleats, and accordion pleats. A sunray-pleated skirt utilizes many thin pleats that gradually widen at the bottom, creating a flowy and flared look, while a box-pleated skirt has only a few wide pleats across the garment. You can find pleated skirts in many fabrics and cuts, including mini, midi, and maxi lengths.

You can create a business casual or informal daytime look by styling a pleated skirt with different blouses and accessories. Try these fashion ideas, from casual street-style looks to office attire.

1. 1. Create a monochromatic look. Match your skirt with your top for a chic monochrome outfit. Style your navy pleated skirt with a navy turtleneck, or wear a white blouse with a white pleated skirt.
2. 2. Layer with a pullover sweater. Throw a knitted oversized sweater over a pleated maxi skirt for a cozy, casual winter or fall outfit. You can tuck the bottom of the sweater into the skirt, or style it over your skirt, cinching your waist with a belt. Wear a pair of tights or knee-high boots to cover your legs for extra warmth.
3. 3. Tuck in a T-shirt. For an easygoing casual outfit, style your pleated skirt with a T-shirt. Tuck the ends of a loose T-shirt into your skirt, or wear a cropped, graphic tee above the waistline of your skirt. Finish this look with a pair of white sneakers and a denim jacket.
4. 4. Throw on a blazer. Pair an oversized blazer with your pleated skirt for a classic business casual outfit. You can play with color and patterns by incorporating a plaid or floral blazer with a solid pleated skirt. Complete the outfit with a pair of ankle boots.
5. 5. Wear with a button-down shirt. Style a pleated midi skirt with a white button-down shirt for a simple business casual look. Tuck the button-down into the skirt, and finish the outfit with faux leather booties and a trench coat.

For a formal pleated skirt look or a dressy date night ensemble, try these outfit ideas:

1. 1. Layer with a leather jacket. A leather jacket is a classic piece you can style for different evening looks. Pair a leather jacket with a pleated mini skirt to create an edgy outfit ideal for a party or dinner with friends.
2. 2. Play with prints. Patterns add dimension to your outfit. Make a fashion statement by wearing a floral- or leopard-print pleated skirt with a pair of heels. Create balance when playing with patterns by styling a plain white or black top with your printed skirt.
3. 3. Style with an off-the-shoulder top. Off-the-shoulder tops can turn a casual look into a chic fashion statement. Pair an off-the-shoulder blouse with a long skirt to create a nighttime look you can wear for different occasions. For extra warmth, drape a cardigan over your shoulders as a shawl.
   
4. 4. Wear a lace top. Style a fitted, lace top with a pleated midi skirt for an elegant date night look. When styling a white lace top, stick to pastel colors, such as pale pink, light blue, and lavender, and pair dark tones, such as maroon, emerald green, and dark purple, with a black lace top.

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