Think back to the sartorial leaders of 2014 years ago, and you'll get a fond recollection of pleated skirts. Ten years ago, 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.
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 autumn 2024, 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 Autumn 2024:
1. Leather Mini + Cable Knit + 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 how this is styled.
I'm a big fan of the buckle details here.
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 of your autumn outfits.
So easy to dress up or down.
Heeled loafers will be everywhere this autumn.
An investment piece you won't regret.
3. Grey Mini + Canvas Jacket + Ballet Flats
Style Notes: Make like Mary and tick off two autumn trends in one—turns out, canvas jackets and pretty pleated minis look exceptionally great together.
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I'm already seeing canvas 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: This autumn marks the triumphant return of monochrome outfits, and 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 it's £25 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.
The flared shape of this skirt feels even cooler.
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. Opt for an oversized jacket to achieve her effortless styling vibe.
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Burgundy is a huge colour trend for autumn 2024.
So sleek.
A great vintage find.
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. Very 2024.
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Size up for a boxier fit.
A classic white shirt is never a bad investment.
Check is an autumn staple, but this will look equally as good with a white tank next summer.
Square-toe boots always look so elegant.
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