Short Pleated Skirts Are Trending—Here Are 4 Ways to Wear One Like an Adult

What to Wear With Pleated Miniskirts: 4 Easy Looks: @erinoffduty

Photo:

@erinoffduty

Géraldine wears a matching woollen pleated mini and blazer.

One of our main takes from Fashion Month? Pleated miniskirts are back. This leg-baring silhouette might spark school-day nostalgia in some of us and fear in midi skirt loyalists, but the street style set has rebranded it as a seriously covetable item. And I for one, am delighted. 

Tricia wears a plaid miniskirt with a white blouse and knee-high boots. 

I also know that for lots of us, the miniskirt can be a daunting piece to style. While I tend to veer toward effortless dressing, I can recognise the satisfaction in conquering a tricky piece of clothing and getting it to work in your wardrobe, especially when said piece is teetering on the edge of cult status. Of course, there's no harm in taking some help when you can get it—and fashion week attendees and influencers alike have been particularly generous with their outfit inspiration this season. 

Emiliee wears a pleated miniskirt with stripes and Chelsea boots.

Intrigued? Keep scrolling to see four easy examples of how to make pleated miniskirts look chic.

1. WOOL PLEATED MINISKIRT + ROLL-NECK + WOOL BLAZER + LOAFERS

Style Notes: Lean into the pleated miniskirt's preppy vibe by adding loafers and a roll-neck. I love the idea of wearing a woollen skirt with a matching blazer. Add gold earrings for a bit of glam and swap in socks for tights if you want to skip the bare-leg look.

Shop the look:

A slim-fitting turtleneck is such a winter staple. Layer it under dresses or chunky knits for extra warmth.

A herringbone blazer is an easy way to elevate classic jeans and a T-shirt.

I love the buckle detail on this Mango mini.

Alighieri is one of my favourite brands for chic yet classic jewellery.

Hope on the loafer trend with Arket's timeless pair.

2. CAMEL PLEATED MINISKIRT + STRIPED JUMPER + MARY JANES

Style Notes: Miniskirts aren't limited to just black and grey. Why not opt for a chic camel style like this COS iteration? Pair with stripes (of course) and polished black accessories for a Parisian take on the trend. Add a wool overcoat for cosiness.

Shop the look:

Not yet invested in a striped sweater ahead of autumn/winter? This & Other Stories one is such a stylish option.

This will also look great with an oversized black blazer.

I predict these will sell out in no time.

3. BOX-PLEAT MINISKIRT + SWEETHEART BODY + PLATFORM HEELS

Style Notes: A pleated miniskirt can work so well as the foundation of a party-ready look. Wear a black box-pleat style with a sweetheart bodysuit to keep the whole outfit feeling evening-appropriate. Add '70s-inspired silver platforms and cascading earrings before completing the fit with a bright bag for a fun pop of colour.

Shop the look:

A black body is a staple in every fashion girl's wardrobe. Wear with skirts, jeans and leather trousers.

A box-pleat skirt (or skort, in this case) is a subtler way to wear the trend.

Amazing earrings can instantly elevate an all-black party look.

Barbiecore isn't going anywhere! This hot-pink clutch is firmly on my Christmas wish list. 

4. BLACK PLEATED MINISKIRT + KNITTED VEST + KNEE-HIGH BOOTS

Style Notes: As my Instagram feed proves, pairing your mini with a shirt, knitted vest and flat knee-highs are one of the most popular ways to wear the trend this season. Plus, it can be easily recreated with items you most likely already have hanging in your wardrobe.

Shop the look:

An oversized poplin shirt will work hard in your wardrobe year-round.

Knitted vests are so popular right now. Layer over blouses, shirts and dresses. 

This mini is made from a traceable wool blend and recycled polyester. 

H&M is nailing its premium boot offering this season.

This story was originally published at an earlier date and has since been updated.

Up Next: Here's Everything Our Editors Wore to London Fashion Week