Midi pleated skirts: the micro trend that will be your best investment in 2020

TrendsOf all the trends that we have predicted for the coming year, long pleated skirts are the safe bet that will not go out of style

By Sofia Agostini

2020 looks like a great year for pleated skirts, especially for long leather ones, if we judge by the most recent street style; those that reinforce their 3D quality with different colors in the folds, if we look at Meghan Markle's official trips as Duchess of Sussex; and the longest ones, like the ones seen on the catwalks of Lacoste, Michael Kors Collection and Chloé. And while almost every trend can trace its roots back to the past, pleated dresses and skirts have been a recurring theme in women's wardrobes throughout fashion history.

The use of pleated fabrics dates back to the time of the Egyptians and its use was exclusive to royalty, a symbol of power and wealth. The laborious process of making the folds by hand meant that the treatment remained associated with the crown and the upper classes for a long time. Elizabeth I of England, for example, wore huge accordion pleated collars, which became a symbol of her times.

Pleated fabrics have been worn by both men and women, from Queen Elizabeth's contemporaries on their collars to traditional Scottish Kilts, from which many modern fashions have taken inspiration. The history of pleats is anything but exclusive, at least in terms of sex, when we talk about social class we already know that it is another story.

At the beginning of the 20th century, Mariano Fortuny created the dress that is said to have liberated women from the corset -although authors debate whether to attribute this achievement to two other French designers: Paul Poiret and Madeleine Vionnet-, called Delphos, made with pleated silk. The natural elasticity provided by its folds, inspired by Greek sculptures, revolutionized the world of fashion. The machine that created the folds based on heat, registered in 1909 by Fortuny, was probably as important a contribution as the creation of the Delphos.

From that moment to the present, long pleated skirts ceased to be an item reserved for the monarchy -although more than once Queen Elizabeth II and Markle have been seen wearing them in official appearances and in their daily lives-, to be a tool essential for women of all ages and social classes.

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Fast-forward to the end of 2019, and hundreds of influential women are still wearing pleated skirts, but these no longer evoke the style of a caryatid or even a Scottish Kilt, but a much more modern and structured look that promises to become the mainstream in 2020. Here are some references on how to wear them:

Leather

The pleated midi leather skirt is the only necessary ingredient for a statement look. Proof of this is Charlize Theron's powerful and impeccable outfit at the screening of her latest film, Bombshell.

And for a more casual, but no less impressive look, the same skirt will look perfect with mountain-inspired boots.

Different colors to emphasize its 3D effect

The pleated midi skirt will also be seen in 2020 with kinetic effects, just as Natalia Vodianova and Meghan Markle recently wore it a couple of years ago. This look looks elegant and expensive, worthy of British royalty and fashion royalty.

With mules and an oversize blazer for a perfect working girl look

A perfect working girl look was recently worn by Katie Holmes combining a python print pleated midi skirt, mules in the trendy color pistachio, a matching sweater and an oversized black blazer.

In a monochrome look

Michelle Monaghan knew she was combining three winning trends when she chose a monochrome bottle green leather look, with a long pleated skirt with black inside pleats.

In a total black look with white monk loafers

Olivia Palerma brings style to the table in a multifunctional look of black silk pleated skirt, black jacket and sweater, and white fringed monk loafers.