Think back to the sartorial leaders of the early 2010s, and you'll find a fond recollection of pleated skirts. In 2014, pleats made a cool-kid comeback thanks to the runway shows of Proenza Schouler and Timo Weiland, and as predicted, the elegant '50s silhouette flooded the high street, too, with brands from COS to H&M stocking iterations of the style. An easy throw-on style to look put-together for any occasion, almost everyone I know owned one and wore it proudly with a jumper all autumn, and a white t-shirt in spring.
Well, if you were savvy enough to cling on to your pleated skirt, pat yourself on the back because pleats are making a surprising resurgence this season. And unlike the preppy 'school girl' styles we've seen previously, both luxury and high-street brands are coming out with much more versatile iterations that can by easily styled for a multitude of occasions. For spring 2025, there are plenty of elegant, 'grown-up' styles to incorporate into your seasonal outfit rotations.
Instagram's best dressers are making strong cases for pleated skirts once more, adding a few styling updates. Whether you prefer your pleats in midi or mini length, below, we've rounded up our favourite pleated-skirt outfits to inspire your next look.
7 Pleated-Skirt Outfits All the Fashion Insiders Love for Spring 2025:
1. Leather Mini + Jumper + Mary-Janes
Style Notes: Embrace the 'geek-chic' look by pairing your leather pleated miniskirt with a chunky cable knit and classic button-up shirt underneath.
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This will look just as good tucked into jeans on casual days.
You can't go wrong with a classic cable knit.
I love the shape of this.
Add tights for cooler days.
2. Midi + Boxy Blazer + Heeled Loafers
Style Notes: Eternally sleek, Lydia works her sophisticated magic on her staple black pleated skirt by pairing it with a tailored blazer, a high-neck top, and interesting heels.
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Arket is known for it's high-quality tailoring.
This will act as the basis for so many outfits.
So easy to dress up or down.
The glossy look is such a cool touch.
An investment piece you won't regret.
3. Grey Mini + Canvas Jacket + Ballet Flats
Style Notes: Make like Mary and tick off two trends in one—turns out, canvas jackets and pretty pleated minis look exceptionally great together.
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I'm already seeing barn jackets everywhere.
Doesn't cream always look so premium?
This darker grey shade is so versatile.
The bag on every fashion person's radar.
Simple, yet so effective.
4. Knee Length Skirt + Leather Jacket + Trainers
Style Notes: Embrace the ease of monochrome outfits. Danielle gets the trend so right with her combination of a black knee length pleated skirt, black leather jacket and black trainers.
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Size up for an effortless 'off-duty' look.
This looks way more expensive than its price tag.
These are constantly selling out, so act fast!
5. Midi Skirt + Button-Up Shirt + Mules
Style Notes: Earn yourself major sartorial points by styling a black pleated midi skirt with a smart button-up. Then, finish with sleek mules for fashion-insider appeal.
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You'll wear this all year-round.
A simple vest will look so chic layered under your button-up.
An incredible chic pick.
Wear with skirts, jeans and dresses alike.
6. Maxi Skirt + Burgundy Jacket + Boots
Style Notes: A look we always come back to, we love Olivia's colour palette of burgundy, cream and black. It's a mix that works any time of year.
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Burgundy is a huge colour trend this season, as is suede.
So sleek.
This would go so well with the jacket.
These will go with everything.
7. Checked Skirt + Fluffy Knit + Boots
Style Notes: Preppy but make it cool, Melissa navigates her pleated miniskirt with flair, styling it with on-trend patent boots and a fluffy knit and shirt.
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Size up for a boxier fit.
A classic white shirt is never a bad investment.
This will look equally good with a white tank next summer.
Square-toe boots always look so elegant.
This piece was originally published at an earlier date and has since been updated.
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