Last year, the pleated skirt returned with the viral Miu Miu micro mini, and TikTok fashion creators boosted the trend by sharing their favorite styles, like the viral skirt from Chopova Lowena. Now, its reign continues, and plenty of brands have jumped on the bandwagon with pleated skirts that range from demure to daring.
The short skirt pairs perfectly with so many fall staples. Fashion enthusiasts are embracing its timeless design and tapping into the full academia look. You can even style one to be oh so Y2K, whether that means Cher Horowitz from Clueless or Meg Ryan in You’ve Got Mail. It’s also a perfect piece for warm fall days and can be worn with light cardigan sweaters, daily sneakers, and polo shirts.
Whether you’re already fully into the trend or want to tap into your feminine side, we’ve rounded up the best pleated skirts. There are faux leather variations, denim styles, and breezy cotton knit options along with micros, minis, midis, maxis in plaid prints, stripes, and a rainbow of colors. It’s your turn to find the perfect option for you.
At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team. All product details reflect the price and availability at the time of publication. If you buy something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission.
For more can’t-miss shopping stories delivered straight to your inbox, sign up for our Most Wanted newsletter.
Pleated Micro Skirts
Take on the daring micro mini skirt with pleats for a sultry flair. An oversized sweater does the trick if you want to tone it down. However, you can pair it with a seamless bodysuit and cropped blazer for a bonafide fashion-forward look.
Shop Free People
Free People Pleated Micro Mini Skort, $, available at Free People
Kitten Kenzia Skirt, $, available at Lisa Says Gah
Jaded London Ludlow Denim Mini Skirt, $, available at JADED LONDON
edikted Washed Denim Pleated Micro Skort, $, available at edikted
Pleated Mini Skirts
Not only do pleats add an eye-catching factor to your mini skirts, but they create a stylish flared silhouette that gently cinches your waist.
Shop Reformation
Reformation Mattia Cotton Knit Mini Skirt, $, available at Reformation
Mare Mare Asymmetrical Pleated Skirt, $, available at Anthropologie
COS Low-Rise Pleated Wool Mini Skirt, $, available at COS
Mango Pleated Miniskirt, $, available at Mango
BDG Pennie Pleated Mini Skirt, $, available at Urban Outfitters
River Island Pleated Mini Skirt With Hardware Detail, $, available at ASOS
Self-Portrait Pleated Denim Miniskirt, $, available at Farfetch
Pleated Midi Skirts
Dress in a pleated midi skirt for social events, from the office to bridal showers to family dinners. The best part of this timeless piece is that the length is appropriate to wear to various events.
Shop Aritzia
Aritzia Enterprise Skirt, $, available at Aritzia
Banana Republic Pleated Midi Skirt, $, available at Banana Republic Factory
Abercrombie & Fitch Satin Pleated Midi Skirt, $, available at Abercrombie & Fitch
J.Crew Pleated Pull-On Midi Skirt, $, available at J.Crew
LPA Delfina Midi Skirt, $, available at Revolve
Eloquii Elements Pleated Faux Leather Skirt, $, available at Eloquii
Sandy Liang Flora Skirt In Ash Grey, $, available at Sandy Liang
Pleated Maxi Skirts
Sashay in a pleated maxi skirt wherever the fall takes you. There’s a chic black style for date night and a floral number that’s an autumnal dream.
Shop DISSH
Dissh Willa Bone Maxi Skirt, $, available at Dissh
Sézane Maxi Roses, $, available at Sézane
Aiifos Salma Pleated Satin Maxi Skirt, $, available at Saks Fifth Avenue
Arna York Women’s Plus Size Knit Pleat Skirt, $, available at Target
COS Pleated Wool-Blend Mini Skirt, $, available at COS
Bardot Vegan Leather Pleat Skirt, $, available at Revolve
Mango Plaid Mini Skirt In Mono, $, available at ASOS
Sandro Short Skirt With Stitched Pleats, $, available at Sandro Paris
J.Crew Pleated Cotton Poplin Midi Skirt In Bristow Gingham, $, available at J.Crew
PROENZA SCHOULER WHITE LABEL Women’s Faux Leather Pleated Midi Skirt, $, available at Amazon
Khaite Levine Denim Skirt, $, available at Shopbop
Ashley Stewart Pleated Crepe A Line Skirt, $, available at Ashley Stewart
Calvin Klein Pleated Mixed Print Midi Skirt, $, available at Nordstrom Rack
Free People Women’s Luna Convertible Maxi, $, available at Amazon
Free People Honey Pleated Skirt, $, available at Free People
Eloquii Faux Leather Pleated Mini Skirt, $, available at Eloquii
Wild Fable Low-Rise Pleated Mini Skirt, $, available at Target
Urban Revivo Mini Tailored Pleated Skirt With Buttons, $, available at ASOS
Club Monaco Double Layer Pleated Skirt, $, available at Shopbop
H&M Pleated Skirt, $, available at H&M
Zara Pleated Skirt With Faux Leather Belt, $, available at Zara
Mango Checked Pleated Skirt, $, available at Mango
Madewell Sage Green Pleated Skirt, $, available at Madewell
Uniqlo Satin Pleated Skirt, $, available at Uniqlo
Reformation Mattia Cotton Knit Mini Skirt, $, available at Reformation
J.Crew Pleated Chino Mini Skirt, $, available at J.Crew
Kin By Kristine Pleated Satin Skirt, $, available at Nordstrom
Urban Outfitters Paisley Belted Mini Skirt, $, available at Urban Outfitters
Nikita Mhaisalkar Asymmetrical Skirt, $, available at Anthropologie
Aiifos Kenny Pleated Skirt, $, available at Saks Fifth Avenue
Superdown Evy Pleated Buckle Skirt, $, available at Revolve
Frame Denim Pleated Tennis Skirt, $, available at Intermix
Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?
The Best Polo Shirts That Don’t Look Stuffy