Our edit of the 20 best pleated skirts...
Pleated skirts are a wardrobe staple for any girls' wardrobe and was seen on the catwalks from Gucci to Tome, Chloe to Stella McCartney this season.
They are an essential classic piece for every season and can be styled up or down for any occasion. Plus, there are plenty to choose from, be it from the variety of colours, fabrics and styles available out there and there's one to suit every budget, sartorial preference and shape.
And while they may seem like a tricky trend to wear, once you find the right length and pleat for you, you're onto a winning look day or night.
If you're petite then opt for short or midi skirt lengths. If you're tall then you can get away with a longer length. Pear-shaped gals should look for smaller, narrow pleats rather than box pleats and team with heels to help elongate your silhouette.
Not just for day time, a pleated skirt can be dressed up with a camisole and heels or fancy flats for an evening out. Plus, if your style is slightly edgier, wear yours with a statement tee and boots and make sure to look for luxe fabrics like metallics and faux leather.
As the summer months approach, the pleated skirt can be styled in many ways to ensure you get the most mileage out of your purchase. Think layering, crew neck sweaters tucked into shirts and blouses, or paired with logo tees and floaty blouses. Play with proportions and wear with bright white trainers and minimal leather sandals for the ultimate summer look.
Check out all the usual high street suspects for a great selection (including Zara, Reiss and Topshop) and look out for the great options at Gucci and Marni if you want to blow the budget.
Pleated Skirts
Click through to shop the lot...
Devore Pleated Skirt, Sarah & Sorrentino
This amethyst pleated skirt brings a royal pop of colour to any outfit. The silk bleeds out into a beautiful sheer pattern, adding an extra bit of oomph and breathability for those hot summer days.
Shop now: Devore Pleated Silk Skirt from Sarah & Sorrentino
Chloe Pleated Crepe Midi Skirt, NET-A-PORTER
Show off your curves in this elegant skirt by Chloe, which will move like a dream thanks to its godet pleats. Parisien fashion bloggers, eat your heart out.
Shop now: Chloe Pleated Crepe Midi Skirt from NET-A-PORTER
Kenzo Ribbed Cotton-Blend Midi Skirt, NET-A-PORTER
The gradation of colour across this skirt is dizzying to look at - in the most delightful way. This gorgeous pleated piece is part of Kenzo’s spring collection and it comes with a matching sweater, if you’re so inclined.
Shop now: Kenzo Ribbed Cotton-Blend Midi Skirt from NET-A-PORTER
Faux Leather Pleated Midi Skirt, Oasis
This vegan-friendly skirt will have you swishing at every moment. Made from faux leather, it comes in a dusky millennial pink and will go well with just about anything - slouchy tees, oxford shirts, heels or trainers…
Shop now: Faux Leather Pleated Midi Skirt from Oasis
Midi Skirt with Box Pleat and Belt, Hallhuber
Sometimes waistbands on pleated skirts can be a little finnicky, but the ribbon detail on this box pleat skirts solves all those problems.
Shop now: Midi Skirt with Box Pleat and Belt from Hallhuber
Lost Ink Multicoloured Pleated Skirt, Zalando
Who needs summer sunshine when you have this bright skirt? Decorated with a bold graphic print, it’s a great length for those unbearable hot days - or when you want to flash a bit of skin.
Shop now: Lost Ink Multicoloured Pleated Skirt from Zalando
Versus Versace, NET-A-PORTER
This peekaboo pleat is a fun detail on this short wool skirt. It’s a perfect example of the Versus Versace’s rock n’ roll identity and is a fun way to bring an edge to your work wardrobe.
Shop now: Versus Versace from NET-A-PORTERr
Light Before Dark Pleated Faux Leather Midi Skirt, Urban Outfitters
Brighten up any room with this yellow skirt from Urban Outfitters (which is also made from eco-friendly faux leather!). Don't overthink this one - throw on a pair of sandals and a simple top to let the skirt do all the talking.
Shop now: Light Before Dark Pleated Faux Leather Midi Skirt from Urban Outfitters
Marco de Vincenzo Chaos Print Pleated Midi Skirt, matchesfashion.com
Chaos is exactly the perfect word for this trippy print and the pleats give it an extra dimension. If you really want to make a statement, there’s also a matching shirt for extra drama.
Shop now: Marco de Vincenzo Chaos Print Pleated Midi Skirt from matchesfashion.com
Plissé Pleated Skirt, Monki
Why choose one shade when you can have two? This asymmetric pleated skirt is the perfect easy breezy piece for summer - pair it with a slouchy white tee and sandals and you’ll be fashion goals.
Shop now: Plisse Skirt from Monki
Pleated Midi Skirt, Monki
Who needs a vocabulary when your skirt says it all for you? This fun skirt from Monki is covered in comic book lettering, injecting a dose of fun into a classic style.
Shop now: Pleated Midi Skirt from Monki
Pleated Midi Skirt, Zara
Why choose one colour when you can have ALL OF THEM? This fun pleated skirt with its vibrant fabric will put a smile on your face, plus a sneaky little side slit adds a dash of sex appeal.
Shop now: Pleated Midi Skirt from Zara
Pleated Midi Skirt, Mango
Swap out your staple black clothing for this olive green skirt inside, which will pair well with a white graphic tee or a dressed-up pastel blouse. Plus, it’s got pockets - POCKETS.
Shop now: Chloe Pleated Crepe Midi Skirt from NET-A-PORTER
Pleated Shimmery Skirt, Lindex
Add a bit of sparkle to your day with this fun pleated skirt, which will attract attention anywhere you go. Dress it up with a smart blouse or have a casual Sunday in trainers and a tee - it’s a lot more versatile than it looks.
Shop now: Pleated Shimmery Skirt, Lindex
Duck Egg Pleated Harper Skirt, Markus Lupfer
Everybody’s quacking about this muted Markus Lupfer skirt, covered in a country-chic duck print. For a really eye-catching look, choose a bold burnt orange top to draw out the accents on the pleats.
Shop now: Duck Egg Pleated Harper Skirt from Markus Lupfer
Alaia Pleated Two-Tone Knitted Skirt, NET-A-PORTER
This pleated wool skirt is giving us an edgy tennis skirt vibe, with contrast side pleats that we’re gaga for. Complete the look with a simple white top and a ponytail for maximum sports-chic realness.
Shop now: Chloe Pleated Crepe Midi Skirt from NET-A-PORTER
Crushed Velvet Pleated A Line Midi Skirt, M&S Collection
The 90s called, crushed velvet is back. This shimmery A line skirt drops down to just below the knee in comes in both a Barbie pink or neutral beige.
Shop now: Crushed Velvet Pleated A-Line Midi Skirt from M&S Collection
No.21 Embellished Pleated Midi Skirt, matchesfashion.com
Metallic pleated skirts are having their day, but put a spin on the trend with some crystal and sequin embellishments. Pair it with a simple blouse and heels, you’ll be onto a stylish but unfussy look in no time.
Shop now: No.21 Embellished Pleated Midi Skirt from matchesfashion.com
Gucci Pleated Snake-Effect Leather Skirt, NET-A-PORTER
Channel your inner Slytherin with this reptilian skirt from Gucci, which takes the standard monochromatic pleat for a spin. The scarlet hem is an unexpected yet absolutely welcome surprise.
Shop now: Gucci Pleated Snake-Effect Leather Skirt from NET-A-PORTER