Celebrate The Return Of Pleated Skirts With One Of These Preppy Picks

With so many -cores trending, it can feel like we’re all in our own little fashion flocks with little in common. After all, there’s not a lot of shared ground between Coastal Grandmother and Barbiecore. But one item shows remarkable versatility and has been popping up everywhere: the pleated skirt. The preppy piece is back in a major way, thanks to designers like Miu Miu and Peter Do showcasing them on the catwalk this past spring. Since then, plenty of brands have jumped on the bandwagon with skirts that range from demure to daring. They pair perfectly with so many trends of the moment, like golf and tenniscore. You can also style them to be oh-so-Y2K, whether that means Cher Horowitz or Meg Ryan in You’ve Got Mail.  TikTok fashion creators helped surge the trend by sharing their favorite styles, like the viral skirt from Chopova Lowena. Now, fashion enthusiasts are embracing the timeless design and tapping into the full academia look, with the skirt as the essential piece. It’s also the perfect piece to take from summer to fall and pair with cardigan sweaters and knee-high boots.

Whether you’re already fully into the trend or just getting ready to head back to school (so to speak) and this is your first time perusing, we've rounded up the best pleated skirts. There are faux leather variations, cotton knit options, and even shiny satin items along with minis, midis, maxis, eye-catching handkerchief hems, high-low options, and even ones with side cutouts. It's your turn to find the perfect option for you.

At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team. All product details reflect the price and availability at the time of publication. If you buy something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission.

Free People Honey Pleated Skirt, $, available at Free People

Aritzia Twirl Midi Skirt, $, available at Aritzia

Eloquii Faux Leather Pleated Mini Skirt, $, available at Eloquii

Wild Fable Low-Rise Pleated Mini Skirt, $, available at Target

Urban Revivo Mini Tailored Pleated Skirt With Buttons, $, available at ASOS

Club Monaco Double Layer Pleated Skirt, $, available at Shopbop

H&M Pleated Skirt, $, available at H&M

Zara Pleated Skirt With Faux Leather Belt, $, available at Zara

Mango Checked Pleated Skirt, $, available at Mango

Madewell Sage Green Pleated Skirt, $, available at Madewell

Uniqlo Satin Pleated Skirt, $, available at Uniqlo

Reformation Mattia Cotton Knit Mini Skirt, $, available at Reformation

J.Crew Pleated Chino Mini Skirt, $, available at J.Crew

Kin By Kristine Pleated Satin Skirt, $, available at Nordstrom

Urban Outfitters Paisley Belted Mini Skirt, $, available at Urban Outfitters

Calvin Klein Pleated Mixed Print Midi Skirt, $, available at Nordstrom Rack

Nikita Mhaisalkar Asymmetrical Skirt, $, available at Anthropologie

Aiifos Kenny Pleated Skirt, $, available at Saks Fifth Avenue

Superdown Evy Pleated Buckle Skirt, $, available at Revolve

Frame Denim Pleated Tennis Skirt, $, available at Intermix

Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?

The Best Cashmere Sweaters For Super Cozy Layering

This Viral Pleated Skirt Is A Fashion Must-Have

The 23 Best Chunky Loafers For Fall