This "Old" Skirt Trend Is Making a Big Comeback for Summer

Think back to the sartorial leaders of spring 2014, and you'll get a fond recollection of pleated skirts. Seven 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 Zara to H&M stocking iterations of the style. Everyone owned one and wore it proudly with a white tee all summer.

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 year. 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. Sashay away…

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(Image credit: @accidentalinfluencer)

Style Notes: Stop a pleated miniskirt from looking schoolgirl with the addition of a bright knit and a pair of retro-looking cream boots, just like Molly. 

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(Image credit: @femmeblk)

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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(Image credit: @abimarvel)

Style Notes: Make like Abi and tick off two summertime trends in one—turns out, polka dots and pretty milkmaid blouses look exceptionally great together. 

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(Image credit: @_jessicaskye)

Style Notes: This summer marks the triumphant return of monochrome outfits, and Jessica gets the trend so right with her combination of a white pleated skirt and black jumper. 

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(Image credit: @elise.bak)

Style Notes: Earn yourself a sartorial match point by styling a white pleated tennis skirt with a matching hoodie. Then, finish with gold jewellery for fashion-insider appeal. 

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(Image credit: @brittanybathgate)

Style Notes: A look we always come back to, we love Brittany's colour palette of green, cream and black. Leave your shacket untucked to achieve her effortless styling vibe. 

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(Image credit: @chrissyford)

Style Notes: Preppy but make it cool, Chrissy navigates her pleated miniskirt with flair, styling it with on-trend chain-detail loafers and a sweatshirt. Very 2021. 

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Next Up: The Easy Two-Part Outfit I Keep Seeing This Spring

Maxine Eggenberger
Deputy Editor

Maxine Eggenberger is Who What Wear UK’s deputy editor and has over twelve years of experience in fashion journalism. She been creating engaging and elevated style content for Who What Wear UK since 2018, covering runway reports, emerging trends, long-form features, self-styled shopping stories, and columns, including her edit of the best new-in buys. She ensures the highest editorial standards are met across the site, works closely with influencer talent on content initiatives, represents the brand at industry events, and regularly contributes to social media. Previously, Maxine appeared on TV in her own fashion segment and has interviewed countless celebrities—everyone from Victoria Beckham to Oscar winner Lupita Nyong’o. 


Prior to Who What Wear UK, Maxine’s career began when, after completing her first-ever internship, she was offered a position on the Look magazine fashion desk. She accepted, leaving university a year early in the process. She went on to become the title's fashion news and commercial content editor, with a stint as InStyle.co.uk’s fashion writer along the way. She later served as Look’s acting Editor in Chief before embarking on a successful freelance career, working with Grazia, The Pool, and Marie Claire amongst others. Maxine works remotely from her countryside home near Edinburgh.