6 Feminine and Chic Ways to Wear a Pleated Midi Skirt
The midi skirt is that underrated star of the skirt world who tends to get overlooked in favor of her sisters, the flirty mini or bohemian maxi; however, a midi is the perfect length in my opinion. Its length is perfect, not too short and not too long. A midi skirt gives you ultimate chicness, and the pleats add the feminine touch.
I’ve gathered the six best pleated midi skirts from around the web to give you inspired outfit ideas you’ll love. Whether you decide to wear one to a business meeting with a client, for a hot date or lunch with mom is completely up to you, but we guarantee you’ll love rocking these midi skirts this spring and summer.
All Black Chic featuring a black pleated midi skirt from Amazon
An all-black outfit is forever chic and perfect for nearly any occasion, ensuring you look great no matter the occasion. While some people may consider black too severe and lack femininity, there are many details that can make a black outfit feminine and romantic.
The black crop top features a bustier-inspired bodice with long puff sleeves that will keep you cool this year while looking flirty but subdued. This makes it perfect for those summer soirees under the stars. Here’s a similar cotton black peplum top that I also adore.
This top goes perfectly with this black pleated swing skirt, a recent favorite Amazon find under $35. This skirt will match nearly anything in your closet, becoming a staple in your wardrobe the moment it arrives. The lining ensures this skirt isn’t see-through during those warm summer days while the stretch-waistband gives you a comfortable and sleek appearance and a comfortable fit (my favorite detail that makes this skirt so comfy).
Because of its versatility, this skirt can be worn at work, lunch, dinner or a night out with your friends. And this all black look is wearable any season!
Outfit Details
Contrast Neutrals with a white cotton pleated midi skirt
Contrasting neutrals are one of those fashion pillars, and a pleated midi is an excellent piece to take advantage of that timeless look. Due to the flirty, flowing nature of a pleated midi, a lace, long sleeve top will give you the perfect feminine look that’s as subdued or daring as you want.
For a chic contrasting look, consider pairing a white pleated midi with this navy (or black) WAYF’s Emma top. The puff sleeves and ruffled neckline are feminine details that make this top perfect for a variety of occasions.
The white pleated midi will quickly become a staple in your clothing repertoire, looking great (before and after Labor Day). This white cotton style provides year-round wear that will match nearly anything in your closet. Afraid of wearing white? Don’t be. This white skirt hides a multitude of sins while making any look easy and fresh. And during the warmer months, white makes you appear more tanned. Coming out of a long winter, who doesn’t need a little bit of that illusion?
Outfit Details
Top: WAYF Puff Sleeve Lace Top (under $50) | Madi Skirt: Staud Cotton Skirt | Bag: CHANEL XL Jumbo Single Flap | Shoes: Sam Edelman Suede Sandals (under $150) or Goodnight Macaroon Two-Tone Slingback (under $70) | Necklace: Etsy Find Clover Necklace | Earrings: CHANEL Crystal Pearl Drop Earrings or Ann Taylor Beaded Flower Earrings
Power Lilac Monochrome Look
Never underestimate a woman who arrives in a monochrome outfit. Monochrome looks are definitely not for the faint of heart, and even this soft lilac look oozes confidence with each step you’ll take. Monochrome (all black or all lilac) will make you stand out. While prints are fun and flirty this spring and summer, your monochrome ensemble will make heads turn.
This Anne Taylor lilac boatneck top features this season’s go-to puffed sleeves for a fun and feminine look that has spring and summer written all over it.
The matching lilac skirt is simply timeless. The pleating definitely brings Marilyn Monroe vibes, creating a sexy but demure fit that looks great for a variety of occasions. The soft lilac color allows you to all but frolic in the flowers, creating a dreamy look that compliments all skin tones.
Not quite ready to make the monochromatic leap? This skirt works just as well with a white t-shirt for a more casual and tone-downed outfit that’s perfect for going on a picnic or having a lunch date with friends.
Outfit Details
Top: Ann Taylor Flutter Sleeve Top (under $80) | Midi Skirt: Ann Taylor Floral Pleated Midi Skirt | Bag: CHANEL Large Chanel 19 Flap similar Tory Burch Shoulder Bag | Shoes: Ann Taylor Bow Slingback Pumps | Necklace: Etsy Find Clover Necklace (under $50) | Earrings: Etsy Find Blue Cameo Earrings (under $50) or Ann Taylor Beaded Flower Earrings
Big Bold Pleats
Another way to wear the pleated midi skirt is with the confident and bigger pleats, like this blue floral pleated midi skirt. The key to wearing this trend is also finding a bold pattern that matches the big pleats. If you go for a solid with this style of midi, it can take on a matronly look; however, a bright pattern makes this outfit anything but old-fashioned.
If you’re going bold with your midi, then you need a shirt that’s subdued. While a monochromatic look can definitely be pulled off, a crisp, white shirt like the Ann Taylor Flutter Sleeve is a great complement to a skirt that demands to be seen. The feminine detailing on the sleeves gives an extra dose of wow-factor, but in an understated tone that won’t clash with the skirt.
The bright blues and yellows make this skirt the focal point of this look. You can wear this skirt to a variety of events as well, ranging from a business meeting to a casual al fresco dinner with friends. I added a blue watch strap, and a pair of blue and white bow heels to pull out the details of the skirt.
Outfit Details
Top: Ann Taylor Flutter Sleeve Top (under $80) | Midi Skirt: Ann Taylor Floral Pleated Midi Skirt | Bag: CHANEL Large Chanel 19 Flap similar Tory Burch Shoulder Bag | Shoes: Ann Taylor Bow Slingback Pumps | Necklace: Etsy Find Clover Necklace (under $50) | Earrings: Etsy Find Blue Cameo Earrings (under $50) or Ann Taylor Beaded Flower Earrings
Summer Sorbet Colors on a pleated midi skirt
One of the summer’s best treats is a fresh sorbet, and that classic dessert is the inspiration for this fun casual look. From a rich red tone and bright pink to colorful yellow, this outfit is an assortment of sorbet-inspired pieces that remind me of a sorbet treat on a hot summer day.
Just like big, bold pleats, look to pair a sorbet skirt with a solid, neutral blouse. My pick is a white blouse due to the complementary ombre effect in the skirt. The lighter shade at the top lets you create your own ombre-inspired outfit that will make the compliments start rolling in.
This Ombre pleated skirt is one of the best sorbet-shade pleated midis I’ve seen. Featuring pinks and reds, you’ll look great anytime you put this skirt on. When paired with a white shirt (here’s a similar white long sleeve option), this skirt is the star of the outfit while the shirt keeps it chic and fresh. I added a light pink belt to the blouse to complete the ombre effect.
Outfit Details
Top: Lilly Pulitzer Top or English Factory Floral Ruffle Cotton Top (under $80) | Midi Skirt: Ombre Pleated Midi Skirt | Bag: Tory Burch Petite Gingham Bag | Shoes: Golden Goose Superstar Glitter Sneakers | Headband: Hill House Maeve Headband (under $50) | Earrings: Ann Taylor Bee Stud Earrings (under $50) or Stella + Ruby Tassel Earrings (under $50)
Double Floral
Florals for spring? Ground breaking! Last but not least, this double floral look (yet another floral look) is giving a statement but not screaming a loud print or color. I’m in favor of the small, retro floral prints and a softer pink hue for this outfit.
This boho-inspired floral blouse (similar long sleeve version) is the perfect companion to the midi it’s paired with, making it look like the blouse and skirt come together in a matching set. This ensemble is a flirty choice that’s also 100% feminine. The puff sleeves and cropped fit work well with the high-waisted midi, creating a fun and vibrant look.
This understated midi is the perfect example of the floral trend done right. Just like big pleats require a big pattern, this small floral print needs small pleats to create a feminine and soft look that’s perfectly charming.
Outfit Details
Top: ASTR The Label Floral Print Crop Top similar ASTR The Label Floral Long Sleeve TOP (under $50) | Midi Skirt: Chenault Floral Pleated Skirt (under $50) | Bag: Gucci GG Marmont shoulder bag | Shoes: Gucci platform espadrille | Necklace: Etsy Find Clover Necklace (under $50) | Earrings: Ann Taylor Beaded Flower Earrings or Ann Taylor Bee Stud Earrings (under $50)
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