Last updated on November 11th, 2025 at 09:07 am

While pleated skirts are most associated with school uniforms, they have found their way into plenty of grown-up fashion in recent years. A vintage staple, the pleated skirt is incredibly versatile. Sometimes conservative, sometimes flirty and playful, pleated skirts are all about how you style them.

While many formal dresses fall into the sleek and slinky category or the fluffy princess category, pleated skirts can be a great way to add a little volume to your outfit without going the full ballgown route. Formal wear has more options than ever now, so it’s the perfect time to branch out. We’ve been particularly crushing on Sherri Hill’s latest formal dress collection.

We’ll share some tips to help you find the right pleated look and style it for your next big event.

Create a Formal Pleated Skirt Outfit

Pleats are a sewing technique that has been around for hundreds, if not thousands of years. Wide pieces of fabric are folded over and stitched down, usually attached to a waistband or the bodice of a dress.

The straight vertical lines that come from the edges of the folded fabric help create the impression of longer legs, especially if the skirt is floor-length.

Pleated skirts are a great option for people who have hips that are a good deal wider than their waist. The folded fabric creates more room for your hips to fit comfortably below the waistband. If you have narrow hips and wider shoulders, pleats can also create visual balance between your upper and lower body. As you can see, many body types look great in pleated skirts.

Two Piece vs One Piece

Two-piece formal outfits are becoming more trendy, and they allow the wearer to get use out of each piece separately for different occasions. Dresses and jumpsuits are the definition of maximum impact from minimal effort by letting you look put together with just one item.

If you decide to go with a two-piece outfit, it can easily look more casual, so make sure you choose a skirt in a more formal material. Shiny, satin fabrics immediately make a statement, and lush velvet could be a good option for winter events. Metallics, sequins, and other additions can also make your outfit look more dressed up.

You can follow similar guidelines when selecting a dress with a pleated skirt. Choose a fancier fabric with some extra details that elevate it beyond everyday looks.

Accessorizing Your Pleated Look

Since the pleats already add extra visual detail to your lower body, you likely want to focus on adding a few accessories to your upper body to balance the outfit. The accessories you choose can really affect the vibe of your outfit.

To lean into a vintage glamor vibe, you could drape a sheer chiffon scarf over your shoulder or around your neck. If your outfit already has a lot of texture and shine, you could also choose to keep accessories very minimal and simple. Jewelry is however very often the finishing touch that ties the whole look together, whether it’s a delicate gold chain or an elegant timepiece. For those who want something truly refined, visiting a refined jewelry store like E.D. Marshall can help you find pieces that elevate pleats into a polished, luxury statement.

Jackets and Sweaters

If your special occasion happens in the winter or at a venue that blasts the AC, you might need to consider wearing a top layer to be comfortable. Choosing something that enhances your look will take something practical and make it fashionable.

Since most pleats start at the waist, you might want to emphasize that break in the silhouette by wearing a cropped jacket or cardigan. You could also go to the other extreme and choose a very long duster or trench coat that follows the line of the skirt for some added drama.

Choosing something that cuts you off at the hips can ruin the flow of the outfit, so experiment with cropped and longline options to see which effect works best for your look.

Dress to Impress in a Formal Pleated Skirt Outfit

As you can see, pleated skirts are classic and flattering pieces. Whether you decide to pair a pleated skirt with a top or choose a dress with a pleated skirt, you can create a showstopping formal look.

With a beautiful pleated skirt and some carefully chosen accessories, we know that you’ll feel great at whatever event you attend. The confidence that a great outfit gives you will help you shine your brightest in person and in photos.