How to style a pleated skirt: outfits for every day, winter and festive occasions

A pleated skirt is easy to style with a simple top such as a knitted jumper, a blouse or a vest top, plus boots or ankle boots. For festive occasions, pair the pleated skirt with lace, shine or sequins on top; in winter, add opaque tights and boots. Because the fine pleats already bring movement to the outfit, the rest can stay calm.

The pleated skirt is one of those skirts you see just as often in autumn and winter as in summer. It swings with every step, looks sporty or elegant depending on the fabric and works from the office to a party. Here you will find which tops and shoes go with it, how to wear it in winter and at work, and how to make it festive for a wedding, Christmas and New Year’s Eve. If you are looking for trousers with fine pleats rather than a skirt, the guide how to style pleated trousers will help.

How do I style a pleated skirt?

A pleated skirt has narrow, permanently pressed pleats. One simple rule helps with styling: the skirt brings the movement, the top stays calm and simple.

• Tucked-in top: A vest top, a blouse or a fine jumper tucked into the waistband keeps the waist visible and lets the pleats fall freely from the waistband.
• Loose knit over it: A relaxed jumper worn over the skirt looks casual. The volume sits on top and the movement below.
• One colour as the base: Top and skirt in the same shade look calm, a contrast such as black with cream looks crisper.
• Think about length: Short pleated skirts go with boots and chunky knits, midi pleated skirts with knee-high boots, ankle boots or heels.

You will find the skirts in our pleated skirts.

Pleated skirt with a jumper

A jumper and a pleated skirt are the classic combination for autumn and winter. How the look comes across depends mainly on the type of knit.

Fine knitted jumper. Tucked into the waistband or loosely tucked at the front, the line stays calm and the skirt falls freely from the waist. This works well with midi styles.

Chunky cable knit. A loose jumper over a short pleated skirt looks casual and relaxed. Boots with a sturdy sole go well with it, and in winter leg warmers over your tights too.

You will find a selection in our knitted jumpers.

Which shoes go with a pleated skirt?

Your shoes decide whether the pleated skirt looks more casual or more dressed up. As a guide:

• Boots with a lug sole: give the flowing skirt a sturdy counterweight, especially with short pleated skirts and knitwear.
• Knee-high boots: with midi skirts and tights, the shaft disappears under the hem or ends just below it.
• Ankle boots: go with any skirt length and make the look suitable for every day.
• Trainers: for a sporty weekend look, ideally with a jumper or T-shirt.
• Court shoes or heeled sandals: for the office, weddings and festive evenings.

You will find styles in our boots. Which boots go with which bottoms is explained in the guide how to style women’s boots.

Wearing a pleated skirt in winter

In winter, a pleated skirt becomes a warm outfit when you think in layers.

• Opaque tights: in black, brown or the shade of the skirt, so that skirt, tights and shoes blend calmly into each other.
• Boots: keep you warm and suit the season, whether knee-high or ankle boots.
• Knit on top: a roll neck or a warm jumper, with a long-sleeved top underneath if needed.
• Short jacket: A jacket that ends at the hip keeps the pleats visible. Bouclé adds extra texture to the outfit.

Short, warm jackets with texture are in our bouclé jackets.

Pleated skirt for business: office outfits

At the office, a midi pleated skirt in a muted colour such as black, navy, camel or grey looks calm and put together.

Blouse. Plain or with a fine pattern, tucked into the waistband. A pussy-bow blouse or a collar adds an accent at the neckline.

Blazer or long cardigan. As a third layer, it turns the skirt into an office outfit, including for meetings.

Shoes. Ankle boots, flat loafers or court shoes with a small heel. You will find tops in our blouses.

Pleated skirt for a wedding

As a wedding guest, a pleated skirt is an alternative to a dress. In midi length and a flowing fabric it looks festive as soon as the top plays along.

• Lace top: tone on tone with the skirt it looks calm, with a contrast more modern.
• Blouse with a ruffle or bow: flowing and tucked in, so the waist stays visible.
• Colours: White and cream are reserved for the bride. In spring and summer pink, lilac and sage are often seen, in autumn burgundy, dark green and navy.
• Shoes: court shoes or heeled sandals, a block heel for grass and gravel.

You will find styles in our lace tops. Which other tops count as festive is covered in the guide festive tops for a wedding.

Styling a pleated skirt for Christmas

At Christmas, cosy and festive meet. A pleated skirt works for both, because the pleats already make it look like an occasion while it stays comfortable.

With fine knitwear. A jumper in burgundy, cream or camel with a skirt in black or brown, plus boots: an outfit for an evening with the family.

With shine in the skirt. A pleated skirt with a satin sheen or in metallic looks festive. On top, keep to a matt knit or a simple top, so only one piece shines.

With lace or velvet. A lace top or a velvet top with a plain skirt looks festive without being loud.

Colours. Burgundy, dark green, black and gold are often seen at Christmas.

Pleated skirt for New Year’s Eve: with glitter and sequins

On New Year’s Eve, a little more shine is welcome. To keep the outfit from looking busy, usually one piece gets the shine and the other stays simple.

• Sequin top with a simple pleated skirt: black on black looks understated, a light skirt with a dark top creates a contrast.
• Metallic pleated skirt with a simple top: a black roll neck or a body lets the skirt speak for itself.
• Boots instead of heels: If you are outside at midnight, wear boots, tights and a warm jacket over it.

Tops with shine are in our glitter & sequins. More ideas for the turn of the year are in the guide New Year’s Eve outfits for women.

Shop the look: pleated skirts and women’s skirts.

Frequently asked questions

What goes with a pleated skirt?

Simple tops such as knitted jumpers, blouses and vest tops go with a pleated skirt, plus boots, ankle boots or heels. Tucked in, the waist stays visible, a loose jumper over it looks more casual.

Which shoes do you wear with a pleated skirt?

In autumn and winter boots, knee-high boots and ankle boots, and trainers for everyday wear. Court shoes or heeled sandals suit the office and celebrations.

Can you wear a pleated skirt in winter?

Yes, with opaque tights, boots and a warm jumper a pleated skirt works in winter too. A short jacket over it keeps the pleats visible.

How do I make a pleated skirt look festive?

A pleated skirt becomes festive with a top in lace, satin or sequins and heeled shoes. If the skirt itself shines, the top stays simple and matt.

Can you wear a pleated skirt to the office?

Yes, a midi pleated skirt in black, navy, camel or grey suits the office. Add a tucked-in blouse or a fine jumper, a blazer and ankle boots or court shoes.

What is the difference between a plissé skirt and other pleated skirts?

A plissé skirt has many narrow, permanently pressed pleats, while other pleated skirts often have wider, individually laid pleats. Both are styled by the same rules.