More pleats, please! Get in on the latest runway trend coming to skirts near you
Anyone-can-wear-it tips to make these picks look great on you.
From the heavy woven skirts at Calvin Klein 205W39NYC to the sheer, full styles at Dior, accordion and knife-pleat skirts — as opposed to box pleats — are ubiquitous in the fall collections, especially in the longer midi or mid-calf length. The appeal lies in their sharp, angular lines and how great the pleats look in movement, plus, it's an easy style to move around in that looks both tailored and feminine.
But pleated skirts, especially in the popular mid-calf length, can be a challenge to pull off for everyday because they do add extra volume and fabric everywhere, which isn't always flattering. The challenge, then, is to wear one of the season's key pieces without feeling like it's too long and dowdy, or too bulky and unflattering around one's midsection. The stylist-approved tricks to try? Layer your pleated skirt with longer tops or jackets that extend to hip-length, look for a sleeker style with pleats that start a few inches below your waist, or tuck your top in and add a belt for a more defined waistline.
Block party
This graphic, colour-block skirt is a great summer-to-fall transition piece. You might want to style it with a minimal, neutral top because there's already a lot going on below the waist. And, because there's a lot of volume, this should ideally end at mid-calf in length — anything lower is too long.
H&M Pleated Skirt, $59.99, hm.com
High shine
A more colourful, ombré update of previous seasons' trendy gold and silver pleated skirts, this midi take by London-based label Reiss is extra flattering because the darker top half reads as sleeker and neater. Show off the pretty colour gradation by tucking in a fine-gauge knit for day, or a lace-trimmed bodysuit for evening.
Reiss Metallic Ombre Pleated Midi Skirt, $340, reiss.com
Flower show
The dark, custom-designed print here offers a nice take on the autumn floral trend, and it's not bulky as the skirt is made from a thin, chiffon fabric in a sunburst-pleat pattern (these pleats start narrower at the top and widen at the hem). Still, because the waistband is elasticized and not structured, this would look best with a cropped top or long sweater instead of a top you would need to tuck in.
Wilfred Terre Skirt, $160, aritzia.com
Colour pop
Because this bold crepe skirt has a bulky covered-elastic waist, it reads as slightly sportier and less formal. Rock it with a cute, oversized puffer coat or your bright, '90s-inspired anorak to play up the skirt's relaxed, casual aesthetic.
Twik Solid Pleated Midi Skirt, $39, simons.ca
Heavy duty
A cool, below knee-length take on the Catholic school uniform staple, this Marc Jacobs stretch wool skirt with an exposed zipper and extra wide pleats adds instant personality and polish to your everyday, sneakers-and-t-shirt look. Just avoid wearing it with thicker knits or hosiery — the combination could quickly turn matronly.
Marc Jacobs Black Pleated Wool Skirt, $605, ssense.com
Balancing act
The uneven, asymmetric hem and d-ring belt loop adds visual interest to this pretty, pale pink skirt. Because of the extra-long length, especially in the pleated area, it will look best paired with heels or dainty sandals that elongate the legs.
Topshop Asymmetric Pleat Midi Skirt, $95, topshop.com
Check in
Menswear-inspired fabrics and plaid are trending again this fall, and this colourful check skirt from ASOS is the ideal layering piece under a long cocoon coat or oversized knit sweater when the weather gets cooler. And don't forget to add in a pair of tall lace-up boots to finish the look!
ASOS Design Yellow Check Pleated Midi Skirt, $72.91, asos.com