A Pleated Midi Skirt Is an Essential Cold-Weather Piece

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published 19 October 2020

Welcome to The Essentials (opens in new tab), our weekly series highlighting a must-have classic, key to building a timeless, pulled-together closet.

Pleated skirts have been a wardrobe staple for over a century. In the 1920s, pleats were strategically sewn into skirts to give women extra room for walking. A century later, in 2020, creases are embraced for their classic cool factor. You can rest assured that today's options go beyond the tartan-clad parochial school versions from your childhood (although those are having a trendy renaissance (opens in new tab)). Fall's variations on the pleat motif run the gamut—from asymmetrical accordion pleats at Sacai to knife-pleated hemlines at Versace. And while a pleated mini may be the preferred choice for tennis and other warm-weather activities, we think a pleated midi-style skirt will fare better in the colder seasons. Ahead, seven skirt options to shop right now.

1. The Marc Jacobs The 80s Polka Dot Pleated Skirt

Sport this black and white polka dot skirt with a striped sweater for a print-on-print combo that works. For those who prefer a more subdued look, tuck in a crisp white button-down and slip on your favorite pair of loafers.

2. Kate Spade New York Striped Pleated Skirt

Pair this striped skirt with the matching top and a fitted blazer on weekdays. Throw on a tee and sneakers for your weekend errands circuit.

3. Comme des Garçons Pleated Wool Twill Skirt

Fashioned after vintage kilts, this tartan check skirt will pair perfectly with your cozy fisherman knit sweaters.

4. Michael Michael Kors Pleated Chiffon Skirt

This pleated midi skirt is lightweight for warmer fall days. Pair it with a woolly tight and it'll serve up enough warmth to carry you through winter.

5. RIXO Georgia Silk Blend Skirt

Brighten up your dark cold wardrobe with this cheery floral print skirt. The side slit will show off your favorite pair of knee-high leather boots.

6. See By Chloé Pleated Midi Skirt

This '70s-inspired skirt can easily transition from day to night wear. For daytime: pair it with a ballet flat and a fitted knit. At night: throw on a long-sleeve bodysuit and a heeled ankle boot.

7. H&M Pleated Skirt

Coming in at under $40, you'll have this versatile button-down skirt on frequent rotation this season.

Sara Holzman is the Style Director at Marie Claire, covering runway trends and tracking down the latest finds to buy and wear. When she’s not writing about fashion, she pens about the best places to jet-off to.