Short Pleated Skirts Are Trending—Here Are 4 Ways to Wear One Like an Adult

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(Image credit: @erinoffduty)

Géraldine wears a matching woollen pleated mini and blazer.

One of our main takes from Fashion Month? Pleated miniskirts are back. This leg-baring silhouette might spark school-day nostalgia in some of us and fear in midi skirt loyalists, but the street style set has rebranded it as a seriously covetable item. And I for one, am delighted. 

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(Image credit: @triciaannstoecklin)

Tricia wears a plaid miniskirt with a white blouse and knee-high boots. 

I also know that for lots of us, the miniskirt can be a daunting piece to style. While I tend to veer toward effortless dressing, I can recognise the satisfaction in conquering a tricky piece of clothing and getting it to work in your wardrobe, especially when said piece is teetering on the edge of cult status. Of course, there's no harm in taking some help when you can get it—and fashion week attendees and influencers alike have been particularly generous with their outfit inspiration this season. 

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(Image credit: @emilieesaunders)

Emiliee wears a pleated miniskirt with stripes and Chelsea boots.

Intrigued? Keep scrolling to see four easy examples of how to make pleated miniskirts look chic.

1. WOOL PLEATED MINISKIRT + ROLL-NECK + WOOL BLAZER + LOAFERS

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Style Notes: Lean into the pleated miniskirt's preppy vibe by adding loafers and a roll-neck. I love the idea of wearing a woollen skirt with a matching blazer. Add gold earrings for a bit of glam and swap in socks for tights if you want to skip the bare-leg look.

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2. CAMEL PLEATED MINISKIRT + STRIPED JUMPER + MARY JANES

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Style Notes: Miniskirts aren't limited to just black and grey. Why not opt for a chic camel style like this COS iteration? Pair with stripes (of course) and polished black accessories for a Parisian take on the trend. Add a wool overcoat for cosiness.

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3. BOX-PLEAT MINISKIRT + SWEETHEART BODY + PLATFORM HEELS

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Style Notes: A pleated miniskirt can work so well as the foundation of a party-ready look. Wear a black box-pleat style with a sweetheart bodysuit to keep the whole outfit feeling evening-appropriate. Add '70s-inspired silver platforms and cascading earrings before completing the fit with a bright bag for a fun pop of colour.

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4. BLACK PLEATED MINISKIRT + KNITTED VEST + KNEE-HIGH BOOTS

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Style Notes: As my Instagram feed proves, pairing your mini with a shirt, knitted vest and flat knee-highs are one of the most popular ways to wear the trend this season. Plus, it can be easily recreated with items you most likely already have hanging in your wardrobe.

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This story was originally published at an earlier date and has since been updated.

Up Next: Here's Everything Our Editors Wore to London Fashion Week

Managing Editor

Poppy joined the Who What Wear UK team as managing editor in 2022. After graduating from university with a degree in English literature, she worked for a number of print and digital publications, including Women's Health, The Times, Hello!, SheerLuxe and international editions of Maire Claire, and acted as an editorial and celebrity stylist. As WWW UK’s managing editor, Poppy spends most of her time looking after all on-site content in addition to working with contributors, supporting the editorial team and contributing to strategy, social media and branded content.

Born and raised in London, Poppy is a true city girl. When she's not thinking about clothes, Poppy fills her time walking along the river with her labradoodle, getting stuck in a good book and enjoying as many of the city’s amazing restaurants and bars as her purse will allow!