How to Wear a Pleated Skirt

Last Updated: May 13, 2019 References

A pleated skirt can be a great look for a variety of occasions. If you want to wear a pleated skirt, choose a skirt that flatters your body type. Pair the skirt with a variety of different tops. A pleated skirt can be worn with both formal and informal wear. Add accessories, such as cardigans or blazers, to give your attire an extra flare.

Part 1

Part 1 of 3:

Flattering Your Body Type

1
Use stitch down pleats for a larger stomach. Stitch down pleats tend to lay flatter than other pleated skirts. If you have a larger stomach, stitch down pleats can be flattering. They create a slimming effect and minimize the appearance of your stomach.^{[1]
X
Research source}
2
Wear accordion pleats for an hourglass figure. Accordion pleats have long, vertical lines running through them. These tend to be fuller through the hips. If you have an hourglass figure you want to accentuate, go for accordion pleats.^{[2]
X
Research source}

Advertisement
3
Wear knife pleats for a rounder lower half. Knife pleats tend to not have a lot of volume. Therefore, if you have a larger, rounder bottom, knife pleats can look great. They will not make your lower half look bigger than necessary, but will still highlight your curves.^{[3]
X
Research source}
4
Tuck in whatever you're wearing. One of the big draws of a pleated skirt is that it can highlight your waist, creating a slimming effect. To highlight your waist, always tuck whatever you're wearing into the pleated skirt. This makes your waist stand out. Whether you're wearing a blouse or a casual t-shirt with the pleated skirt, tuck it in.^{[4]
X
Research source}
5
Pick a higher hemline if you have short legs. Shorter legs may look stubby in skirts. To counteract this, choose a skirt with a hemline that's higher in the middle. This will prevent the skirt from getting cut off at your calves, drawing attention to shorter legs.^{[5]
X
Research source}
6
Grab a light, flowing fabric if you have curves. Lighter fabric that flows more easily does will not bunch up at your hips. This is great if you have curves. The skirt will fall nicely over your figure instead.^{[6]
X
Research source}

Part 2

Part 2 of 3:

Coordinating the Rest of Your Outfit

1
Pair a patterned skirt with a plain t-shirt or top. Some pleated skirts come in a single neutral color, but many come in bright colors with intricate patterns. If the skirt you chose is bright in nature, pair it with a plain t-shirt or other top for a casual or formal look that makes your skirt the focus of the outfit.^{[7]
X
Research source}
- For example, say you're wearing a pleated skirt with a purple paisley design. Pair this with a light purple t-shirt for a fun, casual look. If you want something more formal, use a button-down purple blouse.
2
Add flare to an outfit with a boldly colored skirt. Pleated skirts often come in bright, vibrant shades. If you want to add extra color to your outfit, opt for a bright pleated skirt. This can be paired with a neutral top, or a patterned top in a similar color.^{[8]
X
Research source}
- For example, say you're wearing a white and red polka-dot blouse for a top. Pair this with a bright red pleated skirt for a cute look.
- Remember to tuck any top you wear into your skirt to highlight your waist.
3
Wear a formal top for work. Pleated skirts are often appropriate office attire. If you want to wear a pleated skirt to work, your top can give the outfit a formal feel. Tuck in a button-down top into a pleated skirt or wear a formal blouse with a pleated skirt for a formal feel.^{[9]
X
Research source}
- Account for the style of pleated skirt as well. Bolder fabrics, like metallic fabric, should be avoided for work occasions.^{[10]
  X
  Research source} Instead, go with a pleated skirt in a played down solid color or one with a work-appropriate pattern like paisley or plaid.
- Make sure to check your work's dress code before wearing a pleated skirt to work to make sure it's okay.
EXPERT TIP

Stephanie Fajardo
Professional Stylist
Stephanie Fajardo is a Personal Stylist based in Portland, Oregon. Stephanie has over 17 years of styling experience in personal consulting, television, photography, and film shoots. Her work has been featured in Esquire Magazine and Portland Fashion Week.

Stephanie Fajardo
Professional Stylist

Take a cue from a classic style icon. Personal stylist Stephanie Fajardo says: "If you want to wear a pleated skirt to work, try channeling Audrey Hepburn, with a short-sleeve turtleneck sweater and a string of pearls."
4
Pick a more casual top for a night out. Pleated skirts can be matched with plain t-shirts, tank tops, or other sleeveless tops for a night out. This can change the skirt from formal attire to informal attire.^{[11]
X
Research source} Also, think about a metallic skirt for a night out to give your look a bold style.
- Make sure to account for the skirt's colors and patterns. Do not pair a skirt with a dramatic polka-dot pattern with a patterned top, as this can be overwhelming. Instead, pick a solid-colored top.

Part 3

Part 3 of 3:

Adding Accessories

1
Pair the skirt with the right footwear. Pleated skirts can be worn with a variety of footwear. Choose your shoes based on the occasion.
- Heels are often worn with pleated skirts. This is great for formal occasions or fun nights out to give your skirt a classy vintage feel.^{[12]
  X
  Research source}
- Sneakers can easily be paired with a t-shirt and pleated skirt for a casual look.
- For something in-between casual and formal, grab a pair of flats and pair it with your pleated skirt.
2
Wear a cardigan. If you're feeling a little chilly, or just want an extra layer of color, wear a cardigan with your pleated skirt. A cardigan can be slipped over a lighter top, or a sleeveless one, to add some warmth and layers to your outfit.
- Coordinate your cardigan with the skirt's color. For example, say you're wearing a pink plaid pleated skirt with a white top. Wear a pink cardigan to highlight the skirt's color.
3
Add a bold necklace. Pleated skirts worn with more casual tops can be paired with big, bold necklaces. If you're wearing a solid-colored and plainer top with a pleated skirt, add some extra flare with bold necklace choices like pendant necklaces or long, dangly chains.
- Make sure to account for the skirt. Do not choose a color that clashes with the skirt's color.
4
Cinch your waist with a belt. Pleated skirts are great to highlight your figure. If you want to highlight your figure further, go for a belt that can be worn around your waist. This can create a very slimming effect when worn with a pleated skirt.
- Belts work great if you're wearing a top with a looser fabric, as it will help pull the fabric slightly closer to your body.
5
Add a blazer. A blazer is a bit more formal than a cardigan, but can also add some extra layers and colors to your outfit. A blazer thrown over the top you're wearing with a pleated skirt can be a great look for the office.
- For example, wear a blue blazer over a cream colored top while wearing a blue paisley pleated skirt.

Community Q&A

Question

How to measure bra cup size?

Community Answer

There are several other articles on WikiHow on how to find your correct bra size. Just adjust your search.
Question

What color will work well with a silver-grey flowy, slightly pleated skirt that has a brown waist band?

Community Answer

I think black would go well, paired with some black heels or sandals, or maybe a maroon top with brown shoes.
Question

I'm wearing a dark lavender pleated skirt and light pink silk blouse to a wedding. What type of necklace should I wear?

Sewcool

Community Answer

Dark lavender in terms of colour of necklace. Something delicate and yet robust enough to withstand a wedding dance floor.