Pleats, please. From left to right, a preppy plaid from Ralph Lauren, a dress-up or dress-down option from Free People and a burgundy knife-pleat skirt from J. Crew.
By Janet Kelly
TAYLOR Swift favors micro-mini pleated skirts, while Miuccia Prada, who designs pleated micro-minis for her Miu Miu line, prefers knee-length and midis in her own wardrobe.
I asked fashion historian and professor at Parsons School of Design Jessica Glasscock for her thoughts on pleats: “Pleats date back to ancient Egyptian and Greek and Roman clothing. They’re so practical, easy to move in and are accommodating to all body types.”
That said, Glasscock says to ask: Where does the pleat start, where does it end? Are you a below-the-knee or above-the-knee kind of person? Proportions will make it work or not.
Then there’s body type to consider. The pear-shaped among us should look for flared pleated skirts that skim the hips and stay away from pleats that start at the waistline; the best bet for apple shapes is avoiding voluminous skirts that add bulk to the waist. Hourglass figures should opt for high-waisted pleated skirts to emphasize the waist. Finally, try it on.
I wore pleated skirts in the 1980s from Perry Ellis; I have one from 525 America I purchased 10-plus years ago, and just this summer I bought one from Gerard Darel. And there’s another reason for grownup girls to love these skirts. As Glasscock observes, “They’re accommodating to one’s changing shape and form.”
Laurie Pleated Faux Leather Midi Skirt
I didn’t know Brit brand L.K. Bennett made clothing as well as shoes, but I’m impressed with the graceful flare of this knife-pleated skirt.
Voluminous A-Line Denim Midi Skirt
Even though it may be more pleat-adjacent than a traditional pleated style, a denim skirt is always a good idea.
The high waist and pleating technique at the top of this full skirt makes it a flattering choice for a variety of figures. The shiny fabric makes it a good going-out choice. To dress it down, pair with boots and a bomber jacket. (It comes in five other colors.)
I think the bright burgundy color here is terrific. I’d mate it with a top of the same color for a monochromatic, elongating look. It’s available in four other colors, too.
Yup, “Karl Lagerfeld” lives on as an independent mid-tier line, light-years away in style and price from Chanel, which he designed for so long. The matching shiny top here reinforces the body-lengthening design of the skirt. It’s also available in lavender.
Pleated Skirt with Leather Detail
Massimo Dutti is moving up the fashion food chain—the Inditex-owned brand just had its own fall runway show. As I’ve previously mentioned, though, the site is maddeningly hard to navigate. Snap up this high-waisted cotton skirt right now to wear before the weather turns too cold. Style it with this leather jacket that “divides the body and gives the pleats the power to elongate,” says Glasscock.
Theory takes the potential stodginess out of its maxi, drop-waist skirt by adding volume. Instead of flats, I’d wear it with boots. (Psst. Compare with the way more spendy skirt from Prada.)
In her Style Class video on this swishy pull-on skirt, Tibi designer Amy Smilovic pairs it with an oversize shirt that hits at the hips and high boots. The proportion works just right.
Think Princess Diana at a polo match in the early days of her marriage to Prince Charles. Satisfy proportions by contrasting the slim pleats of the skirt with the broad stripes of this cardigan.
Pleated Italian Herringbone Wool-Blend Skirt
Catholic school-girl uniform, anyone? Vince’s skirt recalls the above-the-knee, free-to-move, youthful style.
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I’ve been into longer skirts for several seasons. All of these are lovely. There’s something about striding along in comfortable boots with a skirt swishing around your legs. Just feels good.