The Pleated Skirt: The All-American Classic that’s Perfect For Any Occasion

Today, the pleated skirt is one of the most classic wardrobe staples. From girls’ high school track meets to weddings and formal events alike, there’s no end to its all-American versatility. Plus, they’re so easy to work into any wardrobe! Whether you prefer yours with a feminine flair or an edgy look, you can find a pleated skirt for any occasion. But what exactly is a pleated skirt? Once it was just another piece of clothing that went unnoticed and unstudied until now. However, thanks to several publications that shed light on the topic, we have a better idea than ever before about why pleats are so popular and how they became such an essential part of American fashion over the last century. The name ‘pleated skirt’ doesn’t even ring bells for most people, but those who do recognize it almost unanimously agree that this is essentially the perfect way to dress up any casual outfit.

 

What Are Pleated Skirt and Why Do They Make Clothing Look Slender?

First and foremost, let’s get the basics out of the way. A pleat is a type of gathering, which is the act of gathering fabric in folds. The more folds, the more fabric is gathered, the less of the garment is visible, and the more it drapes. That may not seem all that significant, but, as we’ll see, it’s a key component of the success of a pleated skirt. With that out of the way, let’s get into why this particular kind of gathering is so effective. There are a few reasons we’re drawn to pleats. Firstly, they make your clothing appear slimmer — thanks to the way they drape. Another reason they’re so flattering is because the fabric’s natural folds create movement and volume as you walk — which only adds to the effect of that sleek look.

 

The History of Pleated Skirt

The first known pleated skirt was worn by Suffragist Alice Paul in the early 20th century. After the passage of the 19th Amendment, which granted women the right to vote, the skirt became a way to show support for female political empowerment. Soon after, the skirt started to make a comeback, but in a new form. Instead of a vertical pleat, the new style had a horizontal one, which resulted in a more fluid and fluid skirt that was easier to move in. The modern version of this classic garment was born in the 40s after the introduction of a new fabric called “mirror-image pleated”. This fabric was lightweight, smooth, and had a crinkled, pleated look.

 

5 Different Ways to Wear a Pleated Skirt

– The Classic Black Tie Dress (Formal Dinner Dress)- If you’ve ever noticed that a pleated skirt looks great with a black tie dress, you aren’t wrong. The key to mixing pleats with your classic black tie dress is to choose a color that complements your dress and add pattern to your ensemble.

– The Perfect Garden Party Dress – This summer staple can be worn in a variety of ways, from wearing it casually with sandals to wearing it dressed up with a blazer. If you’re going for a more casual interpretation, you can wear it with a pair of shorts or leggings.

– The Minimalist Fall Outfit – A dark grey or navy dress with a black or grey blazer and simple low pumps is a classic fall outfit that can easily be transformed into a winter-ready look with a few pleats.

– The Flirty Summer Dress – If you’ve ever wanted to wear a skirt with a tank and a pair of socks, a pleated skirt is the way to go. Pair it with a pair of strappy sandals, a white tee, and a floppy straw hat for a relaxed summer look.

– The Classic Formal Evening Look – This is one of the most versatile items you can add to your wardrobe. It can be worn with a formal outfit, worn casually with a jacket and some tall boots, or paired with a pair of suede or patent leather heels.

 

How to Make Your Own Pleated Skirt

If you’ve ever wanted to make your own pleated skirt, now it can be easy as pie. All you need is a pair of flat-front khakis (or chinos), an iron, fabric glue or pins, and a ruler. First, iron the khakis on the inside seam so they’re not visible. Next, take the ruler and mark a line from one side to the other. Now, put a pin at the end of each side so that the skirt is held in place. Lastly, carefully fold the skirt in half at the marked line and iron again to set the pleats.

 

The Two Most Common Types of Pleated Skirts

(from pinterest shop thrilling)

– Crinkled Type – This style is easy to make and is available in a variety of colors and patterns. They’re also quite affordable, making them perfect for beginners.

(from pinterest jenn lake)

– Mirror-Image Type – These are more expensive, but are also more durable and longer lasting than crinkled ones. They come in a variety of colors, patterns, and lengths and are ideal for more experienced skirt makers.

 

Practical Tips for Working a Pleat into Your Closet Line-up

– Choose a fabric that has a good body and a soft hand.

– Consider the weight of the fabric you’re using. Heavy fabrics will make the skirt heavy, making it difficult to walk in.

– Try pairing a pleated skirt with a blouse or shirt with a similar pattern. This will tie the two pieces together and add extra interest to your ensemble.

– Pair a pleated skirt with a pair of boots or a pair of heeled ankle booties. This will add an additional level of sophistication.

So, do you ready to choose pleates skirts as your mix match choice fashion today? Check out too our other article about cute outfits to enrich your choice of fashion.