How to Style a Pleated Top?

Pleated tops offer the perfect blend of structure and femininity. Their textural interest adds elegance to any outfit, making them a versatile choice for year-round style. Here’s how to wear yours with confidence—by season, by occasion, and by body type.

How to Style a Pleated Top By Season?

Spring

Top Tip: Opt for pleated tops in soft chiffon or light poplin with gentle pastel shades like blush pink, lavender, or mint green.

Bottoms: Pair with a high-waisted A-line skirt in ivory or soft beige to enhance the top’s volume.

Shoes: Nude ballet flats or white slingback kitten heels add a refined, airy touch.

Accessories: A floral scarf tied loosely around the neck, a woven handbag, and gold hoop earrings complete a feminine spring look.

Summer

Top Tip: Choose sleeveless or cap-sleeve pleated tops in breathable fabrics like linen or lightweight cotton. Try crisp white, sky blue, or sunflower yellow.

Bottoms: Go for high-rise tailored shorts in sand or light denim.

Shoes: Strappy flat sandals or espadrille wedges in tan or caramel.

Accessories: A straw hat, oversized sunglasses, and a crossbody bag keep the look effortless and cool.

Autumn

Top Tip: Look for pleated tops in deeper tones like rust, forest green, or burgundy—especially in satin or lightweight knits.

Bottoms: Pair with dark-wash straight-leg jeans or camel-colored wide-leg trousers.

Shoes: Ankle boots in chocolate brown or oxblood elevate the ensemble.

Accessories: Layer with a wool fedora, leather belt, and a structured tote for a chic seasonal update.

Winter

Top Tip: Go for long-sleeve pleated tops in rich textures like velvet or fine ribbed knits. Think charcoal gray, deep navy, or plum.

Bottoms: Tuck into a wool pencil skirt or tailored black trousers.

Shoes: Pointed-toe boots or heeled loafers in black or espresso.

Accessories: Add a long wool coat, leather gloves, and statement earrings for a polished cold-weather outfit.

How to Style a Pleated Top By Occasion?

Casual Day Out

Choose a pleated cotton top in a soft neutral like cream or light blue. Pair with relaxed-fit jeans and white sneakers. Add a mini backpack and simple stud earrings for a laid-back look.

Office or Business Setting

Select a pleated blouse in a structured fabric, such as poplin or silk, in classic tones like white, soft gray, or muted teal. Tuck it into tailored navy trousers or a black midi skirt. Finish with block-heel pumps and a leather satchel.

Date Night or Evening Out

Pick a pleated satin or chiffon top in jewel tones like emerald or sapphire. Match it with a sleek faux leather skirt or black tapered pants. Add heeled sandals, a metallic clutch, and a bold red lip for drama.

Special Occasions or Events

Opt for a pleated top with statement sleeves or embellishments in champagne, blush gold, or ivory. Team it with wide-leg trousers or a flowing maxi skirt. Elevate with heeled mules, a beaded clutch, and pearl accessories.

How to Style a Pleated Top By Body Type?

Petite

Go for cropped pleated tops in monochrome shades like ivory or navy to elongate your frame. Pair with high-waisted bottoms and avoid overly voluminous styles.

Hourglass

Highlight the waist with pleated wrap tops or belted versions in rich solids like berry or deep green. Combine with fitted bottoms to balance proportions.

Pear-Shaped

Choose tops with shoulder detailing or slight puff sleeves in lighter hues (like pale blue or soft white) to draw attention upward. Pair with straight-leg trousers or dark-colored skirts.

Athletic or Rectangle

Add softness with pleated tops in flowing fabrics and gentle prints (e.g., watercolors or delicate stripes). Layer with cardigans and opt for flared pants to create curves.

Plus Size

Opt for structured pleated tops with a slight A-line cut in darker shades like plum or charcoal. V-necks and vertical pleats work well to elongate the torso. Style with slim-fit trousers or skirts and heeled boots.

This guide gives you the tools to make the pleated top work effortlessly in any situation. Want to keep it easy? Our newest pleated tops are designed with flattering cuts, wearable shades, and year-round styling in mind.