Advertisement
  • Newsletter
  • Subscribe
Fashion

How to wear the long pleated skirt

Forget the Little House on the Prairie look — these new skirts are far from frumpy. Get great advice on how to wear it from a pro stylist
Gap Long pleated skirt by Gapamerican apparel, skirt, pleated, belt Chiffon double-layered full-length skirt by American Apparel.anthropologie Havana fresca skirt by Anthropologielong pleated skirt, style tips, fashion, trend Getty Images

What to look for
“This season, pleated skirts have gotten a fashionable update from their schoolgirl or stuffy secretary association,” says stylist, Afiya Francisco. “Pleats are thinner and fabrics are lighter.”

How to wear it
“A fashion-forward option is to pair longer skirts with hip-length tops in contrasting fabrics,” says Francisco. Try it with a looser fit blouse that’s tucked in. Fit is crucial, says Francisco, so be sure that the pleats are sharp and lay flat. Vivid brights are a bold option but lighter taupe and grey is also polished and feminine.

Accessorize it
A medium to thin belt is a must. Try something in the same tone or a complementing shade, says Francisco.

Day to night
Wear it with slightly heavier shoes like wedges to counterbalance the floaty material – these are a great casual option for day. Feminine heels make a sophisticated option for evening. Fabrics like silk, chiffon and satin also look appropriate for evening events so opt for a skirt that can work for both.

A little hit of style
If you want to try this trend without committing, treat it as you would a pair of trousers, says Francisco. Slip on a slim fitting tee for a casual introduction to the trend.

Pleated skirts we love:
Chiffon Double-Layered Full Length Skirt, $66, American Apparel.
Havana Fresca Skirt, $98. Anthropologie.
Long pleated skirt, $65. Gap.

The very best of Chatelaine straight to your inbox.

By signing up, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy. You may unsubscribe at any time.

Chatelaine celebrates, inspires, informs and empowers. We know that Canadian women contain multitudes, and we cover all of the issues—big and small—that matter to them, from climate change to caregiving, Canadian fashion and what to cook now.

Advertisement
Advertisement
Copy link
The cover of Chatelaine magazine's spring 2025 issue, reading "weekend prep made easy"; "five delicious weeknight meals", "plus, why you'll never regret buying an air fryer"; "save money, stay stylish how to build a capsule wardrobe" and "home organization special" along with photos of burritos, chicken and rice and white bean soup, quick paella in a dutch oven, almost-instant Thai chicken curry and chicken broccoli casserole in an enamelled cast-iron skillet

Subscribe to Chatelaine!

Want to streamline your life? In our Spring 2025 issue, we’ll show you how—whether it’s paring down your wardrobe, decluttering your messiest spaces or spending way less time cooking thanks to an easy, mostly make-ahead meal plan for busy weeknights. Plus, our first annual Pantry Awards.