https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/pleated-skirts---do-you-find-them-unflattering Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Tue, 21 Apr 2026 16:51:21 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/pleated-skirts---do-you-find-them-unflattering/page/2#post-2050941 Tue, 06 Aug 2019 11:32:06 +0000 nemosmom 2050941@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Another vote to keep trying until you find the <i>right</i> one. I am not slim nor athletic build, have a generous tush and saddlebag area, and the wrong skirt (of any cut or style) can make me really self-conscoius about that area. It depends on the cut, what top I am wearing with it (suggest buying a top that will work with it when you buy the skirt to avoid having an <i>orphaned</i> pleated skirt - been there...). </p> <p>Also, shapewear can be your best friend. Well, second-best friend to a great tailor who can potentially change a zipper waist to an elastic one or vice-versa, bring in the waist, shorten the length, etc. I keep the tags on any new skirts I am are considering and take them to my tailor for additional vetting. I have bought a secondhand pleated skirt for $8 and spent $60 on alterations, but in the end I had a piece that fit beautifully for about what I would have spent on one at retail.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/pleated-skirts---do-you-find-them-unflattering/page/2#post-2050915 Tue, 06 Aug 2019 07:55:33 +0000 ligne 2050915@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Kari - you rock that skirt!! The movement in the skirt looks lively and interesting. I am short and curvy too and find pleats rather challenging. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/pleated-skirts---do-you-find-them-unflattering/page/2#post-2050554 Sun, 04 Aug 2019 17:35:47 +0000 Kari 2050554@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have a really awesome box pleat skirt, ink blue and black contrast insert, that I feel great in. I guess it’s because it has a similar cut to a fit-and-flare. I’m a plus sized hourglass, average height, very short waist. The wide band at the waist (though it’s below my natural waist) adds structure in the right place. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/pleated-skirts---do-you-find-them-unflattering/page/2#post-2050453 Sun, 04 Aug 2019 05:38:31 +0000 anne 2050453@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Bijou I'm going to try to wear it tomorrow - but the full truth is that I only wear it when I'm happyish with my waistline and I've been trying to lose weight for a couple of weeks now and feel better. (I waited til after a finished my half Marathon as training and dieting at the same time isn't recommended). I think I've only worn it once this autumn/winter.&nbsp; And same last winter - bought it around May and then didn't wear it the second half of winter - I know we've commiserated about the winter weight gain before! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/pleated-skirts---do-you-find-them-unflattering/page/2#post-2050441 Sun, 04 Aug 2019 03:23:34 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 2050441@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>An A-line like this one might give you some of the same swing action, without pleats. <a href="https://www.zalando.de/mintandberry-a-linien-rock-green-m3221b067-t11.html?wmc=dis490_rt_spm._6097726870198_6107406193598_6107406202198.&#038;opc=2211&#038;fbclid=IwAR3GS1FwwlqDHZMNNd3ktKyKt3KWOAmUH4R2NsgjfDRMACyk0BHhml8U118" rel="nofollow">https://www.zalando.de/mintand.....BHhml8U118</a> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/pleated-skirts---do-you-find-them-unflattering/page/2#post-2050438 Sun, 04 Aug 2019 03:04:47 +0000 Barbara Diane 2050438@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>That is one superlative skirt.<br />And no, I don't wear them, as they really do me no favors.<br />I have one I haven't worn that it like a slip with a dropped pleated skirt added to it. It is a thin pleat, and doesn't start at the waist, so it doesn't add that much material, however it requires a long tunic over it. I almost wore it. It was a hand me down. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/pleated-skirts---do-you-find-them-unflattering/page/2#post-2050399 Sun, 04 Aug 2019 01:39:33 +0000 Jenni NZ 2050399@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I keep looking at them in shops, because they look so beautiful hanging up, but don’t try them on because<br /> 1. I have a black pleated skirt at home, shorter one just above the knee, which I wear with a beautiful long black beaded top for a 1920s dropped waist look.<br /> 2. I don’t wear the above outfit enough anyway, too dressy<br /> 3. I hardly wear skirts!<br /> But they do draw me to look at them, and I bought a pretty summer pleated grey dress which I have worn the past 2 summers a bit. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/pleated-skirts---do-you-find-them-unflattering/page/2#post-2050395 Sun, 04 Aug 2019 01:08:47 +0000 Bijou 2050395@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Anne, you look sensational in your pleated skirt. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/pleated-skirts---do-you-find-them-unflattering/page/2#post-2050231 Sat, 03 Aug 2019 08:54:53 +0000 anne 2050231@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Responses to this thread have inspired me (along with a lovely pleated skirt wearer at work) to see if I can fit into last year's silverpleated skirt... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/pleated-skirts---do-you-find-them-unflattering/page/2#post-2050216 Sat, 03 Aug 2019 05:48:36 +0000 Bijou 2050216@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>Jane </b>and <b>Diana</b> - thanks for posting your beautiful skirts and WOW they really look wonderful on you.</p> <p>Maybe I should just give them a try and potentially I may find the right one for me - having less volume at the waist seems to be the right solution.</p> <p>However - I see that I am not alone with this! Obviously pleated skirts are not for everyone so it is a relief that they are likely to be a fringe trend. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/pleated-skirts---do-you-find-them-unflattering/page/2#post-2049930 Fri, 02 Aug 2019 16:10:03 +0000 Angie 2049930@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>Jane</b> and <b>Diana</b>&nbsp;- both gorgeous and very curvy ladies - look at them rock those pleated skirts. I love it!&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/pleated-skirts---do-you-find-them-unflattering/page/2#post-2049856 Fri, 02 Aug 2019 06:20:23 +0000 Jane 2049856@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have a lovely Club Monaco pleated skirt which is a kind of light fabric with stripes in the fabric. It has an underskirt. It is perfect for me, all of 5ft 1 inch and pear shaped. I have tried others (KM Angie pick one) and not had much luck. I have a green velvet pleated one which is midi length in a holding zone. More casual but difficult to wear because it is too dressy for my weekend wardrobe. </p> <p>I think it is a matter of finding the right one. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/pleated-skirts---do-you-find-them-unflattering/page/2#post-2049840 Fri, 02 Aug 2019 03:52:00 +0000 Gigi 2049840@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I feel the same way. I am hourglass shaped too, and I just feel dumpy in them. I think a lot of it is that I carry a lot of weight in my high hip (I'm an 8 shape rather than an X), and these kinds of skirts just emphasize that. &nbsp;I think that one like Diana's would be the best bet, because the volume starts further down. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/pleated-skirts---do-you-find-them-unflattering#post-2049820 Fri, 02 Aug 2019 01:44:36 +0000 Anonymous 2049820@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>In Manitoba , one might assume you belonged to the very religious Mennonite Hutterite sect if one wore one out in public . Just saying . </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/pleated-skirts---do-you-find-them-unflattering#post-2049783 Fri, 02 Aug 2019 00:04:35 +0000 Jaime 2049783@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Agree that they are very difficult. I am 5'3" and thick in the waist. I have tried a few pleated skirts but unless they happen to be just right for me, they are not even close to JFE. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/pleated-skirts---do-you-find-them-unflattering#post-2049775 Thu, 01 Aug 2019 23:17:43 +0000 Sal 2049775@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have tried as well,&nbsp; I think my short waistedness does not help.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <p>I really like them and would be open to one but doubt I will go there.</p> <p>I do wear the gathered skirt below and find it flattering..... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/pleated-skirts---do-you-find-them-unflattering#post-2049770 Thu, 01 Aug 2019 22:47:25 +0000 Brooklyn 2049770@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I’m with you. I avoid them because they emphasise my belly and hips, especially if the pleats start at the waist. Yoke styles can be problematic too. I can wear a more structured version like the striped pleated skirt that Suz shows - where the pleats are sewn down at the hips. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/pleated-skirts---do-you-find-them-unflattering#post-2049761 Thu, 01 Aug 2019 21:59:56 +0000 Cardiff girl 2049761@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Well l am 5,8 and a uk size 10 and feel really frumpy in this type of skirt,l agree with others who feel that it highlights their tummy in an unflattering manner.There may well be a skirt out there of this type that I could wear but honestly if it’s so difficult I m not sure that I want to spend the time or the money looking for one.,l have plenty of other more flattering skirt options to try. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/pleated-skirts---do-you-find-them-unflattering#post-2049749 Thu, 01 Aug 2019 21:15:08 +0000 K. Period. 2049749@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I struggle with them too, but I'm a completely different body type. I have slim hips and no pronounced waist. I find they make me look very boxy, especially if they don't have stitched down pleats on the hip bone-to-waist section. So, nope, not just curvy girls struggling with pleats.&nbsp;&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/pleated-skirts---do-you-find-them-unflattering#post-2049746 Thu, 01 Aug 2019 21:07:20 +0000 rachylou 2049746@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Length and fabric and waist make a big difference. That said, all in all, I wear them and don’t think they’re flattering. Sometimes they make my stomach look like a shelf, like I could rest a drink on it. I wear them really because I think they’re interesting. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/pleated-skirts---do-you-find-them-unflattering#post-2049744 Thu, 01 Aug 2019 21:00:38 +0000 Janet 2049744@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I could have written AndiB’s response. </p> <p>Not only are they unflattering on my significant hips/thighs and short torso, but they just don’t seem to suit my style. Too dressy or fussy for me. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/pleated-skirts---do-you-find-them-unflattering#post-2049736 Thu, 01 Aug 2019 20:38:56 +0000 Anonymous 2049736@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>A chunky knit can look kinda cool with pleated skirts and booties too. It’s a JFE thing, though. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/pleated-skirts---do-you-find-them-unflattering#post-2049733 Thu, 01 Aug 2019 20:33:48 +0000 Anonymous 2049733@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>That skirt is gorgeous! I am<br /> 5’4” and very curvy. Sometimes I feel<br /> El frumptastico in pleats and sometimes I feel great. For me it’s all about how confident I feel that day &amp; what type top I try. I definitely prefer welted tops on me with pleats, or occasionally a long straight pullover sweater. I don’t tuck! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/pleated-skirts---do-you-find-them-unflattering#post-2049727 Thu, 01 Aug 2019 20:24:18 +0000 Anonymous 2049727@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>My plus sized short curvy MIL looked wonderful in knife pleated skirts and they were her favorite skirt style. s I remember she wore banded bottom tops with them. The vertical lines and the fact that the fabric did not cling but falls back against the body adds to a taller, more slender look. The rainbow skirt is gorgeous and worth a try. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/pleated-skirts---do-you-find-them-unflattering#post-2049714 Thu, 01 Aug 2019 19:59:51 +0000 SarahD8 2049714@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Is it possible that there's a difference between skirts where the "peak" of the pleat is perpendicular to the tummy (Suz's failed red skirt looks like it is constructed this way), and skirts where the "peak" of the pleat is parallel to the tummy (Suz's plaid skirt from J Crew)? I can see how the former type would be inclined to pouf out and the latter more likely to lie flat over the body's curves at the top of the skirt.</p> <p>I have a knife-pleat skirt that I find really fun to wear although yes, it is voluminous. It has that yoke construction so the pleats don't start right at the waist, and I also tend to rein in the volume with a gently welted hem. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/pleated-skirts---do-you-find-them-unflattering#post-2049709 Thu, 01 Aug 2019 19:30:58 +0000 Marilyn 2049709@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><div>I think I've officially given up on trying them.&nbsp; I'm slim but petite.&nbsp; All the skirts I have tried were petite sizing.&nbsp; I look like one of those things people crochet to hide a toilet paper roll.&nbsp; A hard NO from me.</div><div><br /></div><div>I do think they can be lovely on those who can pull them off.<br /></div> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/pleated-skirts---do-you-find-them-unflattering#post-2049701 Thu, 01 Aug 2019 18:58:24 +0000 Astrid 2049701@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have a silver metallic pleated skirt which I’ve worn for Christmas last year, but it’s definitely not flattering on me. It’s fun, but it doesn’t do anything for my figure. It’s a bit big now and sits lower on my hips, which helps - at least I think so. I’m keeping it for now. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/pleated-skirts---do-you-find-them-unflattering#post-2049692 Thu, 01 Aug 2019 18:11:49 +0000 Angie 2049692@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>Bijou</b>, you are not alone. Pleated skirts are hard to feel fab in. They DO have to drape properly and<i> for me</i> - LENGTH is critical.&nbsp;</p> <p>(Thanks for the kind words. I'm average height at 5ft 6, and by no means athletic! Just slight in stature).&nbsp;</p> <p>FWIW, pleated skirt outfit contentment is not a body-type-prerequisite-thing, judging from my experience with clients, friends and street-style. I just came back from South Africa and many, MANY plus sized women wear them <i>flawlessly</i> in that neck of the woods. VERY curvy bottom halves, and busloads of panache. And with flats and sneakers! I LOVE IT. It's the skirt of choice because it glides over curves.&nbsp;</p> <p>I have apple shaped clients who love pleated skirts because of the comfy elastic waist. US Size 14/18 pear shaped clients who love them too. And a 4ft 9 client who rocks them a little shorter.&nbsp;They style them very differently on top. Tall lanky and hour glassy clients like them - and create avant-garde outfits. All great.&nbsp;</p> <p>But the pleated skirt is generally not a poplar style. But FLARED boxed pleated skirts with structured and stitched down pleats are.&nbsp;</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/pleated-skirts---do-you-find-them-unflattering#post-2049683 Thu, 01 Aug 2019 17:37:10 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 2049683@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I don’t have any pleated skirts right now, and think of them as a cool weather thing for the most part. (Although I did once have a cotton floral skirt with a yoke that dropped the pleats so they started around the widest part of my butt, which I consider a plus). But I have heard this complaint before and never understood it. As someone who’s glad for cheats that make it look like I’ve got a little more back there, I’ve never understood it. I really like the swinginess of a good pleated skirt. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/pleated-skirts---do-you-find-them-unflattering#post-2049676 Thu, 01 Aug 2019 17:19:48 +0000 Carla 2049676@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Well, Bijou, thank you for the compliment! However I am not slim, but rather average - 5ft 7in, 138 lbs (size 8-10) and do have a rounded belly. I think what works in MY case, is that there is not a big difference between my waist and hips (36-30-38) so if the skirt fits my waist comfortably, it will fall fairly straight. The skirt I have has a wide ELASTIC band and the knife pleats are 1 1/2 inches with a 1/2 inch overlap. I tried A LOT of skirts ( I wanted a patterned one like Anchie's or Angie's) and found that a RIGID band around the waist accented the tummy, but the STRETCHY ones - not so much. Accordion pleats didn't work for me either. </p> <p>I think there is a pleated skirt for every body, but it takes some searching and trying on, to find one that works for your body type. And, YES! As part of 'Team Wear' I'm wearing my red skirt today! </p>