I already went on about thigh highs, and now it’s time to tackle my other wardrobe essential: the pleated skirt!

Pleated skirts are an incredibly versatile piece, that can be very flattering. While pleated skirts are often thought of as being short and flirty, there are very chic knee-length versions, that are just as fashionable. Find one that makes you feel fabulous, and take inspiration from some of the style pairings below!

SPORTY Factor

Sporty meets Baby meets Ginger Spice in this fiery ensemble.

Make a pleated skirt effortlessly ‘cool’ by pairing it which chunky shoes, a high ponytail, and a crop top. If it’s cold out, consider a cropped cardigan or sweater in place of the tank top.

Not a fan of midriff? A chunky turtleneck would be a great swap with this fun look!

WHERE TO WEAR

Karaoke
Discoteque
(Alcoholic or non) Drinks
Informal photoshoot

Details:

Top: Aritzia
Bralette: Natori
Skirt: Divided (Thrifted)
Tights: Hue
Shoes: Buffalo London
Choker: Osewaya (Japan)

ARTSY Factor

Play up the flirtatious-yet-coy nature of the pleated skirt by pairing it with a beret, oxfords, and a romantic top.

I deliberately mixed only two natural hues in this ensemble, to keep the focus on the texture and movement of the pieces, rather than the patterns. Fun!

WHERE TO WEAR

Art gallery
Pottery class
First date

Details:

Hat: Thrifted
Shirt: Aritzia
Skirt: Aritzia
Tights: Capezio
Shoes: Thrifted
Purse: Coach (Consignment)
Sunglasses: RayBan - Clubmaster

Hello

A harness over a translucent top is a fun way to punch up a basic pleated skirt. This look is quirky, but still feels grounded, since pop of colour is focused in one clothing item.

The ultimate final touch? A bold purple lip. Anyone else suddenly crying currants…?

WHERE TO WEAR

Cinema
Video game bar
Brooklyn Bridge (clearly)

Details:

Shirt: Burlesque (Tokyo Boutique - Harajuku)
Belt: Sevens (Tokyo Boutique - Harajuku)
Bralette: Boux Avenue
Skirt: Aritzia
Socks: Sheertex
Shoes: Wishbone
Sunglasses: Ollie Quinn

Hello

There’s something so romantic about a plaid pleated skirt.

This particular item, a thrifted find from a Scottish brand, takes centre stage in an ensemble with otherwise solid-hued pieces. Don’t be afraid to let the pleated skirt itself stand out, by keeping the rest of the look neutral!

WHERE TO WEAR

Bookstore
Getting chips at an outdoor market (literally what I was doing that day)
Gothic manor

Details:

Shirt: Wonder Rocket (Tokyo boutique - Harajuku)
Skirt: Thrifted (UK)
Tights: Hue
Shoes: Artica
Body belt: DIY

CUTE Factor

Play upon the inherent cuteness of a pleated skirt, with thigh highs, a frilly top, and chunky sneakers.

There are so many permutations of this outfit - just grab a cute top, and pair with a basic pleated skirt. If your shoes match your thigh-highs, it’ll help elongate the leg. To ensure it’s not too messy, try to keep it this look to three colours, maximum!

WHERE TO WEAR

Meeting with friends
Shopping
Concert
Karaoke
Ice cream shop

Details:

Shirt: Aritzia
Shirt: Aritzia
Thigh Highs: American Apparel
Shoes: Buffalo London

Chic

Pardon my French, but don’t pardon the French inspiration for this outfit.

Pleated skirts looks oh-so-chic when paired with THE French girl essentials: white sneakers & a striped shirt. Bonus points if you’re IN France!

WHERE TO WEAR

Day trip
Coffee shop
Day out with friends

Details:

Shirt: Saint James
Shoes: Adidas - Evelyn
Skirt: Aritzia
Socks: Primark
Sunglasses: Ollie Quinn
Hat: Esprit

Funky

You’re the sassiest, baddest, and most fabulous person ever. Prove it in a controversial look, featuring the item du jour (a pleated skirt, in case you forgot in the past 12 seconds).

Make your pleated skirt stand out with some unusual yet intriguing touches, namely platform combat boots, a half-open cardigan, and space buns. Allow your fun fashion flag to fly, and try out a daring look!

WHERE TO WEAR

Karaoke
Clubbing
TikTok video shoot

Details:

Cardigan: Thrifted
Shoes: Doc Martens - Jadon
Skirt: Divided (Thrifted)
Sunglasses: Maui Jim
Hair ties: Ardene
Purse: Coach (Consignment)
Necklace: Accessorize UK

Artsy

The kooky touches - oversizes red glasses, a beret, a harness - make these thigh highs feel more kooky and fun, rather than sexy.

To recreate this look, play around with a traditional bottom half (same colour pleated skirt/ thigh high/ Oxford shoe), mixed with quirky additions up top (perhaps a bow-tie, a beret, pigtails… whatever tickles your fancy)!

Inspiration

WHERE TO WEAR

Book club
Autumnal walk
Class

Details:

Hat: Espace Kiliwatch
Shirt: Narnia, Toronto boutique
Belt: Sevens Harajuku
Skirt: Aritzia
Socks: American Apparel
Shoes: Wishbone

Hello

You’ve been invited to a fancy date, in which you will be sipping tea, and politely picking at pretty pâtisseries. What do you wear? You don’t want to overdress, or underdress, so you settle on the perfect uniform - a classic pleated skirt + a lace top!

Bonus points if you have delightful socks.

WHERE TO WEAR

Picnic
Coffee shop
Pâtisserie

Details:

Outfit 1

Hat: Esprit
Shirt: NAF NAF
Skirt: Aritzia
Socks: Tutu Anna
Shoes: Adidas - Evelyn

Outfit 2

Earrings: Osewaya
Shirt: Thrifted (Irish boutique in Dublin)
Skirt: Aritzia
Socks: Tutu Anna
Shoes: Roots

French Connection

Thigh highs + Blazer = Modern AF.

Parisian cobblestones are no fun, so a pair of white sneakers are a must in the French capital. Pair them with a monochromatic ensemble that bares a hint of leg, which will keep you cool and comfortable.

To replicate this look, try pairing a pleated skirt and top with a blazer, and a pair of thigh highs. You can easily swap the white sneakers for black ones, or high-heeled booties!

WHERE TO WEAR

Nightclub
High-end boutique
Museum
Divorce lawyer’s office
Shopping

Details:

Shirt: Bershka
Jacket: Kookai
Skirt: Aritzia
Thigh Highs: American Apparel
Shoes: Tommy Hilfiger
Purse: Coach

Wildcard

These looks are anything but safe.

If you’re a bit more adventurous with your fashion, try pairing a ‘cute’ pleated skirt + blouse ensemble with translucent thigh high, or socks. This is a more futuristic take on the trend.

Beware: You might have people doing a double-take as you walk by!

WHERE TO WEAR

Manicures
Shopping
Photoshoot

Break someone’s heart

Details:

Outfit 1

Shirt: Burlesque (Japan)
Bra: Natori
Skirt: Aritzia
Thigh Highs: Don Quijote (Japan)
Shoes: Nine West

Outfit 2

Hairclip: PARIS Kids (Tokyo boutique - Harajuku)
Bralette: Boux Avenue
Shirt: Bershka
Skirt: Aritzia
Socks: Tutu Anna
Shoes: Wishbone

In Uniform

I never wore uniforms growing up, but if I did, I’d want them to look like this!

Play upon the ‘uniformed’ look of a pleated skirt, with thigh highs, and a collar + shirt combo. Oxfords add a touch of chic, and the red sunglasses add a touch of whimsy.

To recreate this look —> keep the colours simple, and the pieces traditional. One or two small pops of colours encouraged!