Skirts didn’t use to play a big part in my wardrobe. And I know quite a few of my personal styling clients don’t have many.

Mostly because people are unsure about how to style them. Does this sound familiar? Then read on my friend!

Pleated midi-length skirts are a style that we’re seeing around the traps quite a bit, so I wanted to share a few quick tips on what to look for, how to style them, and who can wear them (spoiler: everybody!) because I LOVE them, and now my wardrobe is brimming with them haha

What to look for in a pleated skirt

My best tip is to look for an elastic waist (Pagani & Zara do good ones!). Basically the chances of it fitting you are higher if the waist is elastic and there is some give and take in it.

Saying that, if it doesn’t have an elastic waist, try a few sizes – this style skirt is meant to sit on your natural waist which is about 2 inches higher than most of us think it is.

My favourite silver one from Max (and it’s charcoal companion) aren’t stretch, but I went down a size to a 10 because the 12 just dropped too low and made the proportions on me look wrong.

Get the look: Pagani off the shoulder knit, size S $44.95 |  Pagani pleated skirt, size 12, $50 | Frankie4Footwear NAOMi boots $299.95 (all kindly gifted)

Get the look: Just Jeans knit cardi, size S, $89.95 | Kmart knit (old season) | Max “Pania” pleated skirt in platinum, size 10, $99.95 | Hannahs boots (old season)

How to style a pleated skirt

Waist definition is key with this style of skirt, so yes my friend, that might mean tucking or tying your top to create that shape.

But never fear! If tummy is a worry, most of these skirts have enough structure to skim over your tum (just whack a pair of high-waisted undies on to create a smooth line)

If you want to try this style, you’ll have to trust me on this one, it really is the best way to wear it!

I’m loving the skirt + knit + boots look for winter, and then you can add extra layers with a long coatigan or coat over the top to play with the proportions.

Get the look: Max “Chantal” cami $79.99 | Max “Pania” pleated skirt $99.99 | Max “Tessie” longline coat $269.95 (I sized down to a 10 in this) | Mi Piaci boots, old season but similar here – Sammie boots $340

A knit is a great companion for a pleated skirt – you can go as thin or as thick as you like, and even a cheeky front tuck will do wonders.

clearly I love a good skirt flick haha

Your other option to define the waist is to belt over the knit  – again, this is great for some tummy camouflage and gives your outfit a slightly more fashion-forward look. Here is me (with the mini me) giving this styling a go over the weekend, and I LOVED it! I felt so glam.

Get the look: Zara pleated skirt, size L, similar here $55.90 | Kmart knit, size 10, $14 | Vintage belt | She Street knit (old season) but similar here from Blue Bungalow | Frankie4Footwear NAOMi boots $299.95 (kindly gifted) | Madewell totebag from Shopbop $260

Who can wear a pleated skirt.

Everyone is the simple answer. My rule when it comes to fashion rules, there are no ‘what not to wears’. If you want to wear something, give it a go! What is the worst that can happen.

But seriously, if tummy is your worry, look for an elastic waist (EziBuy also do a good thicker waist), tuck in a top, and blouse, blouse, blouse it out over your tummy!

So many pleated skirts, so little time! So tell me, is this a style you want to try? Let me know how it goes!

Until Next Time, In Love & Style Always,