Pleated Skirt Styling Tips You Need to Know Right Now

A solid coloured pleated skirt can add a touch of playfulness and elegance to your look. On the other hand, a fun African print pleated skirt can spice up your outfit. But regardless of your skirt’s colour or print, pleated skirts are staples in any wardrobe.

Despite the versatility and flair that pleated skirts have, the idea of styling them daunts many people. In this article, we will know more about pleated skirts: their types, benefits, and the different ways you can style them.

Pleat Types

Pleats are fabric folds. The fabric can look and feel different depending on how they are executed. The basic pleat is a fold that emulates an accordion. It is folded back on itself to create a basic pleat.

Aside from the basic or accordion pleats, there are other pleat types. Here are some of them:

• Box pleats
• Kick pleats
• Rolled pleats
• Honeycomb pleats
• Organ pleats

Benefits of Pleats and Pleated Skirts

When people want to add volume to a garment without adding more to it, they often use pleats. The gathered fabric produces a fuller silhouette.

Aside from this, pleats are chosen to give the wearer more freedom to move. The accordion pleats allow a person to have more room to use their legs. That is why many find pleated skirts more comfortable to wear than pencil skirts, for example.

Lastly, pleats allow more air to flow. It means that the wearer can be more comfortable having them on in warmer temperatures. 

Pleated Skirt Looks

Fashion is about expressing yourself through your clothes. Wearing your pleated skirt in whichever way has the power to make you feel more you and more confident.

In case you need a little help finding your style with pleated skirts, here are a few looks you can gain inspiration from:

Go Classic

A classic pleated skirt look involves a maxi-style skirt and a prep sweater. This look is cosy, comfortable, and timeless. Wearing long printed skirts can add more flair and flavour to the classic look.

Seductive Librarian

The sexy librarian look puts together an outfit that seems professional, feminine, and empowering. Skirts with accordion pleats, a long-sleeved blouse, and pumps make up this look. Make sure your skirt is not too tight or short. Often, solid-coloured skirts are preferred for this look.

Ivy League

Short pleated skirts, leggings or tights, and turtleneck blouses are the must-haves to emulate an Ivy League look. Although solid-coloured skirts are often used to complete the look, skirts with trims and minimal prints can add a subtle pop of colour to the look.

Look Sporty

Another classic pleated skirt ensemble is the tennis player-look. Pairing a high-waist pleated mini skirt with a sleeveless top can give you a sporty vibe. You can even wear an African print pleated skirt to add more interest to your outfit.

Pleated Skirt Styling Tips

It’s okay if you don’t want to go for any of the more popular pleated skirt looks. When it comes to fashion, following your heart is the best course of action.

If you’re a complete pleated skirt newbie, here are a few tips for you:

Play with Proportion

When you’re not comfortable rocking a mini skirt, you can balance it out with a long coat and tall boots. You can also try wearing thicker leggings or stockings underneath your skirt to acquire more coverage.

Keep it Down with Large Sweaters

If the thought of your maxi skirt flying open ala Marilyn Monroe sounds frightening, tweak your choice for a top. Wearing an oversized sweater can help keep the skirt down. You can also wear sneakers to get the full athleisure look.

Pleated skirts are a great wardrobe addition. They look amazing with a variety of tops, bottoms, and shoes. They are also the perfect material to style any kind of look. Don’t be afraid to experiment. Go ahead and wear your maxi pleated skirts and high-waist African pleated skirt in whatever way that feels right for you!

Nkiti African Attire is a British fashion brand that gives a modern take to traditional African clothing. Our collection features beautiful tops, wonderful skirts, fashionable hoodies, and more. Browse our shop today!