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Last Updated on July 13, 2022
Pleated mini skirts (also sometimes known as tennis style skirts) are a great way to mix up your wardrobe style.
These skirts were popular in the 90s with celebrities like Liv Tyler and Alicia Silverstone wearing them in films and celebrities like Kate Moss bringing them to street style.
These skirts are incredibly versatile and come in a range of styles and patterns. There’s always an occasion to wear one! If you want to get the look and learn how to style a pleated mini skirt, keep reading.
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Are pleated mini skirts in style?
Pleated mini skirts have been in style for the last few decades. In the 1990s these short skirts were popular in tartan patterns and in the 2000s these were frequently worn in denim fabrics. These were even worn in the 2010s as American Apparel brought out a range of tennis skirts that started a fashion craze.
Today these skirts are still popular in all patterns and styles. Instead of one main style, you can find these in a range of colors and materials, proving that all past styles are still on-trend. These skirts are most common in black, red, white, or tartan as they go with a range of colors and outfits too.
Read: Feminine Sophistication: How to Wear a Pleated Skirt (All Sizes and Styles)
Complete Pleated Mini Skirt Style Guide
Are you ready to start styling your pleated mini skirt? Hopefully, our outfit tips will help you put together the perfect pleated mini skirt outfit!
What Colors Are Popular?
While you can buy these skirts in pretty much every color, there are a few that are more popular than others. Here are the most popular pleated mini skirt colors.
Black
Black pleated mini skirts are arguably the most common out of all of the colors. Black matches everything, so if you’re looking for an option that’s easy to style this is the skirt for you! Pair it with black boots, tights, and a black turtleneck for a chic look.
Shop the look:
White
White pleated mini skirts are also very popular. These look like real tennis skirts, so they’re perfect for any summer event! Pair these with a cute pastel crop top and casual trainers for an everyday summer look.
Pink
Pastel pink is a popular color for all clothes, but particularly so for mini skirts! These give a feminine option that’s perfect for anyone with a girly aesthetic. Pair this skirt with a pink top or jacket for a super girly look!
Tartan
Tartan is a classic style when it comes to mini skirts. From the iconic mustard tartan skirt in Clueless to the popular red and green tartan patterns seen in street style, this is one of the most popular patterns to own. You can also find pink, blue, grey, and more colors of this classic pattern.
Read: Plaid Look: Inspiration, Outfit Ideas and Style Tips
What Are The Types Of Pleated Mini Skirts?
Though they’re all similar, there are some differences between pleated mini skirts. Here’s a quick rundown of the variations you can purchase!
High-waisted
The most popular style of a pleated mini skirt is no doubt the high-waisted style. This flatters your figure and is more comfortable to wear, hence why it’s preferred over low-waisted options! The high-waisted style pairs well with crop tops, if you want to go for a 90s look opt for a long-sleeved crop top that also has an off the shoulders style.
A-line
A-line mini skirts are more streamlined than standard pleated styles. These look more like traditional mini skirts but aren’t as figure-hugging either. If you’re after a cross between a mini skirt and a pleated skirt, this is a good option that’s fit for everyday wear.
Faux-Leather
Another popular type of pleated mini skirt is the faux-leather style. While you can find these in real leather, they’re more common in a faux material. These make great alternatives to the standard cotton skirts and they work well for evening events or partying outfits too.
Best Clothes To Pair With
When styling your pleated mini skirt these are some of the best garment combinations to try.
Cropped Shirt
The most popular type of shirt pairing with a pleated mini skirt is the cropped shirt. This works well with any color or pattern, however, matching the color of the skirt to the cropped top makes a sleek monochrome look.
Sweatshirt
Sweatshirts are a common pairing with miniskirts, creating a casual outfit feel. These are often vintage sports sweatshirts and you can style these well by tucking them into the center of the skirt. Add chunky trainers to finish the look!
Jacket
To keep warm in cooler months, add a blazer or jacket to your pleated mini skirt ensemble. Blazers are currently popular for a dark academia look, however, other common jacket pairings are oversized denim jackets and leather jackets too.
Read: A Guide to 90s Fashion Jackets
Knitted Sweater
Knitted sweaters or cardigans are popular pleated tennis skirt pairings for both the summer and winter months. This combination creates a preppy style that works well when also paired with long socks and heeled Mary Jane shoes.
Mini Skirt Outfits by Season
Wondering how to style your pleated mini skirt in different seasons? We’ve got your back!
Summer
Summer is the perfect time to embrace skirts. Wear a pleated mini skirt with a mini crop top to show off your tan in the sun. Pair this ensemble with Converse, sunglasses, and beach waves for a relaxed look.
Read:
How To Wear Converse Shoes On the Street or in the Office
90s Sunglasses: Keeping the Stars in the Sun
Victoria Secrets to Sports Illustrated: Stunning 90s Bikini Trends
Winter
Winter is the perfect time to bust out your best jackets and coats, but that doesn’t mean you should hide your mini skirt away! Make sure you add tights and a cozy jumper to your look to keep you warm and stylish at the same time.
Read: 5 Stunning 90s Skirt Outfits that Inspired the Y2K Style
Street Style
Street style is a great way to get creative through clothes, so there are many combinations you can create! We love the all-white style as this is timeless, but pair the white pleated tennis skirt with a cropped turtleneck jumper for extra detail. Add chunky trainers or platform boots for some modern edge.
Read: How To Style Platform Shoes
The Takeaway
Pleated miniskirts are versatile garments that every girl should own. Not only can you wear these skirts in every season, but you can dress them up or down for day and evening looks too.
We love these in tartan patterns because they remind us of the best 90s movies, but what do you think? Let us know in the comments!