What Shoes to Wear with a Long Pleated Skirt?

Are you keen to wear a pleated maxi skirt but unsure what shoes to pair it with? What should you team it up with? How can you highlight your figure?

You’ve come to the right place.

Long pleated skirts have been one of the key trends in recent years, and as a lover of bohemian and feminine fashion, they definitely hold a special place in my wardrobe!

Easy to match and flattering, they are truly an asset for dressing effortlessly every day. That's why I'm sharing this comprehensive guide, where you'll find out how to pair them with your footwear and outfits.

Choosing the right shoes to wear with a long pleated skirt is quite simple and instinctive: this garment is incredibly versatile and adapts to all styles. If possible, I recommend wearing heels that rise to your ankle. In summer, strappy sandals or bohemian wedge sandals are perfect for achieving a feminine and elegant look. In winter and autumn, pair your long pleated skirt with natural leather boots or ankle boots for a chic and glamorous appearance. For a special occasion, go for a dressed-up outfit with a satin blouse and matching heels.

Want to know more? Keep reading to find out:

  • How to style a pleated maxi skirt based on your body shape,
  • What season and for what occasion to wear it,
  • What shoes to pair with it in summer, autumn, and winter,
  • Tips for choosing footwear that matches your style.
  • Plus, loads of chic and bohemian outfit ideas featuring a pleated maxi skirt!

pleated long skirt

Why Wear a Pleated Maxi Skirt?

There are plenty of reasons to love long pleated skirts. Here are just a few:

  • A pleated skirt can easily become a staple in your wardrobe and can be worn for years without growing tired of it.
  • This type of skirt allows you to effortlessly create outfits that are both comfortable and stylish.
  • It suits all seasons and most styles: it can be paired with elegant clothing, as well as casual or bohemian attire.
  • The long pleated skirt is flattering on most body shapes and particularly accentuates curvy figures, enhancing your silhouette.
  • It can be worn for everyday outings as well as for a special occasion, making it highly versatile.

long pleated bohemian skirt

What Shoes to Wear with a Long Pleated Skirt?

When it comes to wearing a pleated maxi skirt, choosing the right shoes is a crucial consideration. After all, they will complete your outfit and enhance your skirt. Fortunately, since the pleated maxi skirt is easy to pair with various styles, you have plenty of options!

Heels for a Chic and Feminine Look

Pretty heels are perfect for adding a touch of elegance to your outfit. With a light-coloured skirt, I recommend going for shoes that are either beige or white, which will enhance your overall look and create a harmonious result. For an event, don't hesitate to go for patent heels, which pair beautifully with a pleated maxi skirt and will highlight your legs.

chic pleated long skirt outfit

Black Ankle Boots to Embrace Your Rock Side

You have a dynamic and modern style and you're worried that a pleated skirt might make you look too conservative? In that case, wear it with black lace-up boots or ankle boots. They can be heeled or flat; the key is that they fit snugly around your ankle. Just be careful that your skirt doesn't hang over the boots, as that could shorten your silhouette.

Simple Leather Ankle Boots for a Bohemian Look This Autumn

When it comes to shoes, you can also mix things up with different colours and choose:

  • a model in cognac or dark brown, regardless of the colour of your skirt,
  • Bordeaux ankle boots, to create a lovely contrast with a navy, white, or beige skirt,
  • White or beige ankle boots to add some flair to a brown skirt, for instance.

long winter skirt

With knee-high boots for a sexy and chic style

Want to achieve a more polished look this winter? If so, you can pair your pleated skirt with knee-high boots or even thigh-highs, provided the top of the boots stays hidden beneath your skirt. I’d recommend opting for heeled shoes, which can be matched with a simple, long pleated skirt and a solid-coloured top that’s fitted (a dark turtleneck would be perfect).

The idea here is to create an outfit that highlights and emphasises your best features through your top and shoes, while keeping it light and feminine with your skirt.

This type of outfit is perfect for heading to work on a winter's day or for a catch-up with friends, as well as for a romantic date where you might be out and about... It has the added benefit of keeping you warm!

Woven or Leather Sandals for a 100% Boho Chic Summer

To wrap up, let’s explore how to wear your bohemian skirt in summer. As soon as the weather warms up, it pairs beautifully with a lovely pair of leather sandals with fine straps. Depending on your preference, you can choose wedges or flat sandals, but I always recommend a small heel of at least 1 cm at the back for your comfort. Check out some bohemian sandal styles directly on our online store!

👉 Don't hesitate to match an accessory with the colour of your shoes to create a balanced look in your outfit. This could be a handbag, a hair accessory, or even jewellery.

long skirt summer outfit

What top to wear with a pleated maxi skirt?

Here are some ideas for tops that work perfectly with a pleated maxi skirt:

  • A blouse or shirt for a professional and chic look,
  • A plain t-shirt or one with a graphic print that matches your skirt, for a casual style,
  • A slouchy oversized jumper tucked into your skirt at the front,
  • An original sweatshirt for a bold 90s vibe,
  • A satin elegance top that’s slightly loose, perfect for a romantic date or a girls’ night out.

pleated long skirt what top

Which Jacket to Choose with a Pleated Maxi Skirt?

This type of skirt is very handy to have in your wardrobe, as you can wear it all year round. When autumn arrives, I recommend pairing it with a shorter jacket, which will highlight the proportions of your silhouette. For instance, you can team it up with:

  • A denim jacket,
  • A matching blazer,
  • A bomber jacket,
  • A leather jacket

what jacket to wear with a pleated long skirt

My Top Tips for Styling Your Pleated Maxi Skirt

Very easy to wear and match, the pleated maxi skirt has also been super trendy in recent years. Discover how to incorporate it into your look and use it to accentuate your silhouette:

🔸 Lightweight long skirts with accordion pleats add vertical lines to your outfit, which will naturally elongate your legs. They tend to emphasise the volume of your hips, making them an ideal choice for showcasing your feminine curves if you have an hourglass figure.

🔸 Don't hesitate to add a belt to your outfit, positioned at your waist. This way, even if you're wearing a skirt with an oversized jumper or sweatshirt, your look will be stylish, feminine, and balanced. Depending on your preference, choose a slim or wide belt: both pair beautifully with a long pleated skirt.

🔸 If you're petite, pay close attention to the length of your long skirt: to flatter your figure, it should fall either below the knee or at your ankles. If it sits in the middle of your legs, it could shorten your silhouette.

pleated long skirt shoes

I hope this guide has helped you find the perfect shoes to wear with a pleated maxi skirt, no matter your style, and also helped you put together a chic outfit that you'll love wearing! 🙂

If you love clothing that is both stylish and comfortable, check out our bohemian chic online store now. You'll find not only dresses and tops but also skirts, including lovely long pleated skirts!

Need some inspiration? Take a look at shoes that go perfectly with a pleated maxi skirt. Check Out Our Shoe Ideas